Griethausener Eisenbahnbrücke, Steel railway bridge in Kleve, Germany
The Griethausener Railway Bridge is a steel structure with a truss design that spans an arm of the Old Rhine, featuring a main opening of about 100 meters (328 feet). The bridge is supported by massive pylons constructed from clinker bricks that stand on both sides of the river.
The bridge opened in 1865 as part of the Lower Left Rhine Railway route, connecting the region to the developing rail network. It served as a vital link for passenger and industrial transport throughout the following century.
The bridge demonstrates collaboration between German and Dutch building traditions, as its pillars were constructed with Dutch clinker bricks. This blend reflects the region's close ties to its neighbors.
The bridge can be viewed from the towpaths running along both sides of the Rhine, which offer good views of the entire structure from different angles. The southern bank provides the most comprehensive perspective, allowing you to see the full length and steel details of the crossing.
The steel used in the bridge contains high levels of phosphorus, which allowed it to survive for over 160 years despite the last protective coating dating from the 1920s. This ancient paint system speaks to the quality of the original engineering and material that endures to this day.
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