Alte Harburger Elbbrücke, Steel arch bridge in Wilhelmsburg, Germany.
The Alte Harburger Elbbrücke is a steel arch bridge stretching 474 meters across the Elbe River between Wilhelmsburg and Harburg. The structure features neogothic elements in its massive portals and was originally designed as a road bridge.
Construction took place between 1897 and 1899, making it the first road bridge to cross the southern Elbe in Hamburg. It marked a turning point in connecting these two districts by vehicle.
The portals display coats of arms representing Wilhelmsburg and Harburg, reflecting how this bridge served as an important connection between two districts. These emblems remain visible today as a reminder of the districts it links.
The bridge now serves only pedestrians and cyclists after major renovation from 1980 to 1995. Access is available at any time for direct passage between the two districts.
This is the last portal bridge of its type in the city, showing through its details how engineering techniques of the 19th century were applied. The craftsmanship and material choices reflect a construction method now rarely seen.
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