River above the river: the amazing Magdeburg water bridge

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

There are many sights in the world that deserve special attention. One of these amazing wonders of the world is the Magdeburg water bridge. It is literally a river above a river, as it is a water channel rising above the Elbe.

This amazing building of modern bridge construction is located in the German city of Magdeburg. The water bridge connects the Middle German Canal with the famous Elbe-Havel Canal. This miracle of engineering art has no analogues in the whole world. "A river over a river" is the best description of Europe's most famous canal bridge.

The Magdeburg Bridge is a water channel that literally hangs in the air above the river, barges and ships move along it. This unique aqueduct bridge is used only for crossing ships and pedestrians, land transport does not go over it. To see this, just look at the Magdeburg water bridge. Photos of this building are striking in their beauty and majesty.

History of the bridge

The idea of building a bridge began to materializearound 1930. The first stage of work was completed and commissioned in 1938. But the outbreak of World War II, and then the division of Germany, did not allow further construction to continue.

After the war, Magdeburg ended up on the territory of the Republic of the GDR, but its government did not want to complete the construction of this expensive and complex structure. The continuation of construction became possible only after the unification of Germany. This grandiose bridge was built for six whole years, from June 1997 to October 2003.

Practical purpose of the bridge

This huge bridge over the legendary Elbe River has a length of 918 meters, of which 690 meters are on land and 228 meters are suspended above the water. The depth of the structure is 4.25 m, the width is 34 m, and the maximum span is 106 m. 24,000 tons of steel and 68,000 cubic meters of concrete were spent on its construction.

A colossal amount of money was spent on the implementation of an amazing engineering idea - over 500 million euros. But, as time has shown, the bridge is worth it!

Expenses for the construction of the crossing are justified by reducing the path of ships from Berlin to Hannover and other densely loaded ports of the Rhine by 12 km. Before the construction of the bridge, ships made a long detour across the Elbe, and in the summer, when the water level in the river dropped significantly, all water movement practically stopped. Now these problems are solved. More than 1,300 tons of various cargoes are transported over the bridge every year.

What makes Magdeburg Bridge so attractive?

The river above the river - the famous Magdeburg bridge - is considered one of the main attractions of Germany. It is simply impossible to describe in words its grandeur and greatness. It is especially amazing to watch how ships and barges float over another river along a bridge-canal hanging in the air. Indeed, in nature you will not find such a phenomenon that one river flows directly over another. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists come to Magdeburg to admire this wonderful waterway.

Everyone can take a close look at this beauty. Especially for tourists, pedestrian and bicycle sidewalks are equipped on the bridge. Here you can also visit a small museum, which highlights all the details of the rather long construction of this unique water crossing. Vehicle parking is provided. The bridge is open around the clock. During the day it is interesting to watch the huge cargo barges and colorful passenger ships. And at night - behind the water surface charmingly shimmering from the moonlight.

Water lovers can take a river cruise aboard the world's only boat lift for small pleasure craft. Water excursions are held daily, so it will be possible to appreciate the beauty of such a structure as a river over a river both from land and from water.

How to get to the bridge?

You can walk from the central part of Magdeburg to the water bridge in about an hour and a half. But in the city center you can rent a bike, this will make the road much easier, and the tour will be more convenient.and interesting. For tourists who prefer boat trips, special routes are organized through the ferry and ship lifts, they depart from the center of Magdeburg and then return back.

Magdeburg attractions

Not only the famous water bridge attracts tourists to this German city. It also has other sights of Magdeburg. Germany is famous for its rich history and unique architecture. During your stay in this ancient city, you can visit the amazingly beautiful Cathedrals of St. Catherine and St. Mauritius, which in ancient times were considered the center of the "Third Rome".

On the Alter Markt, right in front of the town hall, there is a copy of the legendary German architectural monument Magdeburg Horseman.

The most popular tourist route is called the "Road of Romance". Its pearl is the monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary. Here you will also be shown other charming monasteries, cathedrals and parks.

How to get to Magdeburg?

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Magdeburg is to book round trip plane tickets. It is better to stay in the city center, in one of its many hotels.

One has only to consider that you will need a Schengen visa, so plan your trip in advance. But what you have to see, of course, justifies any trouble. The beauty of the unique architecture of Magdeburg delights and is remembered for a long time.