Wattenheim Bridge, Stone arch bridge in Lorsch, Germany

Wattenheim Bridge is a stone structure that crosses the Weschnitz River, linking Lorsch with Bensheim and Bensheim-Schwanheim. The structure sits in a flat, sandy landscape typical of southern Hessisches Ried.

The bridge was built in 1774, as recorded on a stone inscription set into the masonry, and replaced earlier wooden structures. It carried an old road from Worms to the Bergstrasse near Bensheim, the best east-west link in the southern Hessisches Ried because no major watercourses or swamps had to be crossed. By 1839 a more direct chaussee had replaced this route.

The name first referred to the deserted settlement of Wattenrod and was later reinterpreted as referring to Wattenheim, a village almost 12 km to the west. The bridge carried an old road from Worms to the Bergstraße near Bensheim, the best east-west link in the southern Hessisches Ried because no large watercourses or swamps had to be crossed. For Lorsch's residents it gave access to the northern part of the parish, the Großer Acker.

The bridge is easily accessible on foot or by vehicle. The area has little signage, so it can help to look up directions beforehand.

Surrounding the area are sand dunes named Kannengießer and Feuerstein Berg, traces of a very ancient landscape history. They are remnants of the ancient Neckar River, which flowed through this region about 10,000 years ago before waterways shifted elsewhere.