Hubbrücke, Steel footbridge in Lübeck, Germany
The Hubbrücke is a steel bridge in Lübeck with three separate traffic sections: one for rail traffic, one for road vehicles, and one for pedestrians crossing the Elbe-Lübeck Canal. The structure combines multiple transportation types in a single framework, with the pedestrian section remaining permanently elevated.
Construction took place between 1896 and 1900, with the official opening ceremony conducted by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1900. This bridge shaped Lübeck's infrastructure at the start of the 20th century and enabled new connections across the canal.
The name derives from Huben, an old harbor quarter nearby. The neo-Gothic brick tower on the southern side shapes how people perceive this place and reflects the architectural language of the Wilhelminian era.
The pedestrian section can be accessed at any time, while the rail and road sections can be raised for ship traffic. Visitors should know that these operations can briefly affect crossing conditions, but foot traffic always remains possible.
The lifting mechanism uses electric motors and a glycerin-water mixture to raise the traffic sections. The construction required about 50,000 rivets, which was notable for the engineering techniques of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
