Alte Brücke

The Alte Brücke is a stone footbridge spanning the Saar River in Saarbrücken, with eight arches arranged in sequence across the water. The structure links the two districts and offers views of the river and surrounding banks when crossing.

Construction was ordered in the mid-16th century after floods prevented crossing and the ferry service proved insufficient for the growing need. In the 1960s, several arches were removed to make way for a road built alongside the structure.

The bridge carries the name of a medieval crossing and residents view it as a link between two distinct districts with their own character. Visitors notice today how locals use this structure as a daily passage between the neighborhoods, passing under its weathered arches regularly.

The crossing is accessible from the State Theater bus stop and sees regular foot traffic throughout the day. River tour boats dock nearby during summer months, allowing visitors to view the bridge from the water as well.

The bridge lost nearly half of its original arches during a major reconstruction in the 1960s, fundamentally altering its original form. This reduction remains visible today and shows how modernization can reshape historical structures.

Location: Saarbrücken

Inception: 1770s

Architects: Friedrich Joachim Stengel

Width: 7 m

GPS coordinates: 49.23150,6.99342

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09