Henkersteg, Medieval footbridge in Nuremberg, Germany
Henkersteg is a covered wooden footbridge in the old town of Nuremberg, crossing the Pegnitz River between the Henker tower and the Weinstadl building. The bridge consists of a timber-framed corridor resting on stone piers above the water.
The bridge dates to medieval times and takes its name from the executioner who lived in the adjacent tower and was given a separate crossing. It formed part of the city's fortifications, linking the Henker tower to the rest of the urban fabric.
The name of the bridge comes from the executioner who lived in the adjacent tower and used this crossing to move through the city without mixing with other residents. Walking across today means following the same path once taken by one of the most avoided figures in medieval urban life.
The bridge sits in the heart of Nuremberg's old town, a short walk from most central sights, and can be reached without following any complicated route. The crossing itself is short and flat, making it easy to manage for most visitors.
The bridge is one of the few remaining covered wooden bridges in Germany and was rebuilt after a fire in the 17th century. The current structure is therefore not the original, even though it follows the same medieval design.
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