One of Berlin’s oldest structures is the Jungfernbrücke. This wooden bridge from the late 1600s has seen the empire, two world wars, and Berlin’s division

Jungfernbrücke was originally built around 1688 as a wooden bridge called Spreegassenbrücke over the Spree Canal. It has survived several emperors, wars, and East Berlin during the Cold War.

Berlin generally has many bridges over its numerous canals and rivers. Some, like the Brommybrücke, didn’t survice World War II and remain in ruins. However, the Jungfernbrücke has survived most of it.

However, the original bridge did not survive a major reconstruction in 1798. The bridge was reinforced with iron, and chains and wheels were used to raise the middle section to allow ships to pass.

At the end of the 1930s, the bridge underwent another renovation. The canal was dug deeper, and the bridge was supported by a new foundation and piers that go three meters deeper.

In addition, the hoist was taken out of service so that the bridge could no longer be raised. The surface itself was replaced with steel beams and a new wooden plank deck.

Since then, the bridge has undergone several minor renovations to preserve the historic structure and keep it as authentic as possible.

A memorial plaque has also been mounted on the bridge, describing the current bridge’s year of origin as 1798 and telling us that it is the city’s oldest surviving bridge.

Where:
At Friedrichsgracht along Oberwasserstraße and Unterwasserstraße
10117 Berlin

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Family friendly: Yes
Price: Free