Fußgängerplattform am Selterstor, Pedestrian bridge in Giessen, Germany
The Fußgängerplattform am Selterstor is an elevated concrete walkway that carries pedestrians and cyclists safely over the busy intersection where Anlagenring, Frankfurter Street, and Seltersweg meet. It features multiple access points with stairs and escalators, plus an elevator for easier movement, and is defined by three distinctive large openings cut through its expanse.
The platform opened in 1968 when city planners prioritized keeping cars and pedestrians separate in busy urban centers. It replaced an earlier intersection arrangement and became a symbol of how cities were reshaping themselves around vehicular traffic during that period.
Locals affectionately call the platform the 'Elephant Toilet' because of its three large concrete openings, a nickname that reflects how residents have humorously made sense of its unusual design. The term shows how people sometimes create informal names for structures that stand out in their daily lives.
You can access the walkway through stairs, escalators, or an elevator depending on your preference and mobility needs. Plan your visit during dry weather to walk safely across the open platform surface.
A water curtain installation has operated since 2014 at the Selterstor area, adding a dynamic visual element to the concrete structure. This feature brings an unexpected touch of movement and spray to what might otherwise be a purely functional crossing.
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