Teufelstalbrücke, Arch bridge in Hermsdorf, Germany

The Teufelstalbrücke is an arch bridge in Hermsdorf that crosses a deep valley and connects elevated terrain on both sides through its robust arch design. The structure spans approximately 270 meters and was built with solid engineering that continues to function as a key transportation link in the region.

The first Teufelstalbrücke was built from June 1936 to August 1938 by Grün & Bilfinger for about 2.1 million Reichsmarks, with statics by Emil Mörsch and stability checks by Franz Dischinger. Its 138-metre reinforced-concrete arch made it the world's seventh-largest of its kind. After the A4 was widened, a parallel bridge followed in 1998; the original was demolished in 1999 and replaced by 2002.

The name Teufelstalbrücke refers to the valley below, and bridge names with supernatural connections were common in Europe, especially for construction projects considered technically difficult. Visitors can grasp the significance of the name by observing the dramatic landscape that the structure crosses.

Access to the bridge is via local roads through Hermsdorf, and visitors can either drive across the structure or view it from nearby vantage points. The best time to visit is during clear conditions when the valley and bridge architecture are clearly visible.

The original 1938 bridge was demolished in 1999 despite being a listed monument, and replaced by 2002; the parallel southern span dates from 1998. Near the bridge stand the Notstandsstein and Emil-Reinhold-Stein monuments, and the Jahrhundertstein lies south in the upper Teufelstal.