In the world there are many attractions that deserve special attention. One of such amazing wonders of the world is the Magdeburg Water Bridge. It is literally a river above a river, since it is a water channel rising above the Elbe.
This amazing building of modern bridge building is located in the German city of Magdeburg. A water bridge connects the Central German Canal with the famous Elba-Havel Canal. This engineering marvel is unparalleled worldwide. "River over the 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 along it. To verify this, just look at the Magdeburg Water Bridge. Photos of this building are striking in their beauty and grandeur.
The history of the bridge
The idea of building a bridge began to be realized around 1930. The first phase of the work was completed and commissioned in 1938. But the beginning 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 German Democratic Republic, but its government did not want to complete this expensive and complex structure. Continued construction became possible only after the reunification of Germany. This grandiose bridge was built for six years, from June 1997 to October 2003.
The practical purpose of the bridge
This huge bridge over the legendary Elbe River has a length of 918 meters, of which 690 m pass by land and 228 m hang above the water. The depth of the structure is 4.25 m, the width is 34 m, and the maximum span is 106 meters. 24,000 tons of steel and 68,000 cubic meters of concrete were spent on its construction.
A tremendous amount of money was spent on implementing an amazing engineering idea - over 500 million euros. But, as time has shown, the bridge is worth it!
The cost of the construction of the crossing is justified by reducing the ship's route from Berlin to Hanover and the remaining densely loaded ports of the Rhine by 12 km. Before the construction of the bridge, the ships made a big detour across the Elbe, and in the summer, when the water level in the river dropped significantly, all water traffic practically stopped. Now these problems are resolved. Each year, over 1300 tons of various cargoes are transported over the bridge.
What is attractive about the Magdeburg bridge?
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 his grandeur and grandeur. It is especially surprising to watch ships and barges sail over another river over a canal bridge hanging in the air. Indeed, in nature you will not encounter such a phenomenon that one river flows directly above another. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists come to Magdeburg to enjoy this wonderful waterway.
Everyone can look at this beauty close. Especially for tourists on the bridge, pedestrian and bicycle sidewalks are equipped. Here you can visit a small museum, which highlights all the details of the long enough construction of this unique water crossing. Parking for vehicles is provided. The bridge is open around the clock. In the afternoon, 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 trip aboard the world's only ship-lift for small pleasure boats. Water excursions are held daily, so you can appreciate the beauty of such a structure as a river above 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 bicycle, it will greatly simplify the road, and the tour will be more convenient and interesting. For tourists who prefer boat trips, special routes are organized through the crossing 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. Has other attractions 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 square, right in front of the town hall, stands a copy of the legendary German architectural monument “The Magdeburg Horseman”.
The most popular is the tourist route, 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 that are charming in their beauty.
How to get to Magdeburg?
The easiest and most economical way to get to Magdeburg is to book your return flight tickets. It is better to stay in the city center, in one of its many hotels.
One has only to consider that a Schengen visa is required, so plan your trip in advance. But what you have to see, undoubtedly, justifies any chores. The beauty of the unique architecture of Magdeburg delights and is remembered for a long time.