Schwimmbrücke Holtey, Pontoon footbridge in Horst district, Essen, Germany
Schwimmbrücke Holtey is a pontoon-supported footbridge that crosses the Ruhr River connecting Horst and Burgaltendorf districts. It stretches approximately 84 meters and provides a passage about 3 meters wide for pedestrians and cyclists.
A footbridge first crossed the river at this location in 1901, serving the local communities on both sides. The present structure dates to the 1982 and replaced the original bridge that once charged pedestrians a small toll.
The bridge serves as a link in the network of paths along the Ruhr that connect different neighborhoods. For residents on both banks, it represents a daily route that simplifies travel and access to recreational opportunities.
The bridge is accessible year-round for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a direct crossing between the two riverbanks. It is located near residential areas and easy to reach, though the surface can become slippery when wet.
The bridge employs a hybrid design with fixed supports anchored on the Horst side and floating pontoons extending toward Burgaltendorf. This mixed approach allows it to respond to water level changes while remaining stable for daily traffic.
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