Oberbaum Bridge, Double-deck bridge in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Germany.
Oberbaum Bridge is a road and rail crossing over the Spree in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Germany, stretching 150 meters (492 feet) with a width of roughly 28 meters (92 feet) and a height of about 4.5 meters (15 feet). Two Gothic towers built from red brick stand at each end, framing the river while arches and crenellations lend a medieval appearance.
The crossing opened in 1896 to link eastern suburbs with central Berlin. During the Cold War it served as a checkpoint between East and West, then underwent repairs after reunification.
The name comes from a tree trunk that once blocked the river for customs collection. Locals from both districts gather here for walks or photos, treating the red towers as a shared landmark.
Pedestrians and cyclists use dedicated paths along the sides while cars run below and metro trains pass above. A visit at sunset offers good views of the illuminated towers.
A neon installation by artist Thorsten Goldberg called Stone-Paper-Scissors changes its pattern with wind direction. Each year a playful water fight between the two districts takes place on the crossing.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
