Hendrix Bridge, Railway bridge across Sava River in Zagreb, Croatia
Hendrix Bridge is a two-track railway bridge over the Sava in Zagreb, 306.04 m long between abutments. Its four spans measure 57.50 + 135.54 + 58.00 + 55.00 m, and the central opening carries a full-wall stiffened arch, the largest of its kind for a railway bridge when it opened. The main girders, 9.60 m apart, are riveted KID St 52 steel, while the wind bracing, hangers and deck are welded St 37.
Built in 1939 next to the older railway bridge, it replaced a single-track crossing on the Budapest–Rijeka line and carried a second track. An international competition was held around 1932–33; the winning design from Slavonski Brod was rejected, and Adolf Wantur of the Zagreb railway directorate drew up the built design. Its 135.54 m stiffened arch was then the longest of its type for a railway bridge.
A large HENDRIX graffito appeared on the bridge decades ago, commemorating guitarist Jimi Hendrix, who died in 1970. It was repeatedly removed and repainted, and the name was soon used even by people who had never heard of the musician. For the 50th anniversary of his first album the bridge was restored and lit with the name in large letters.
The bridge carries two railway tracks and is not a pedestrian crossing, so it is viewed from the banks of the Sava or from the neighbouring Savski and Jadranski bridges. The Hendrix inscription faces the riverbank and is easiest to see from the embankment. Trains run on the line between Zagreb and Karlovac, so keep off the ballast and tracks.
The bridge's nickname comes from a HENDRIX graffito painted in memory of Jimi Hendrix, who died in 1970. The large lettering was repeatedly removed but kept reappearing, and the name stuck even among people who had never heard of the musician. For the 50th anniversary of his first album, the bridge was restored and decorated with a light show spelling his name in large letters.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,787 contributors worldwide.