Gebrannte Brücke, Border crossing point between Bavaria and Thuringia, Germany.
The Gebrannte Brücke links the Sonneberg district of Hönbach with the Neustadt district of Ebersdorf at the state border between Bavaria and Thuringia. The structure crosses marshland and marks the boundary between the two states.
A wooden causeway appeared at this location in the 12th century, with timbers deliberately charred for protection. During the Middle Ages, the crossing became an important passage with legal authority between regions.
The name comes from how the bridge was built: wooden beams were intentionally charred to make them stronger and last longer. This practical method gave the place its distinctive identity across many centuries.
The bridge is walkable and offers direct passage between Bavaria and Thuringia in the border region. The location is rural and best visited in dry weather, as the marshland can be difficult when wet.
Two prominent politicians signed a treaty here on July 1, 1990, to abolish internal German border controls. This moment marked a turning point in reunification history at this historic crossing.
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