Bruckentor (Bridge Gate), Heidelberg
Framing the entrance to the Old Bridge or serving as a picturesque backdrop with the Old Town in the distance, this imposing structure is a true Heidelberg landmark. Originally part of the city's defensive walls, it has stood guard at the northern entrance for centuries, weathering ice floes and fires that ravaged earlier bridges. Close inspection reveals flood marks left by various deluges over the years.
Functioning as both a defensive bastion and a toll collection point, the gate could be securely shut during times of attack, while foreigners seeking passage across the Old Bridge were required to pay a toll. Additionally, it housed guards and even served as a jail, with the eastern tower featuring a spiral staircase leading to the bridge keeper's living quarters, and the western tower containing three detention rooms. Standing at 28 meters (92 feet) tall, these towers miraculously survived the destruction wrought by the French conquest in 1689. In 1788, their original tops replaced with elegant Baroque-style spires.
Today, the gate exudes an unmistakable medieval charm, inviting visitors to step back in time as they meander through Heidelberg's Old Town. For a truly enchanting experience, take a romantic stroll around dusk, and don't forget your camera to capture the views of the Neckar River, the mountains, Heidelberg Castle, and the Old Bridge.
Functioning as both a defensive bastion and a toll collection point, the gate could be securely shut during times of attack, while foreigners seeking passage across the Old Bridge were required to pay a toll. Additionally, it housed guards and even served as a jail, with the eastern tower featuring a spiral staircase leading to the bridge keeper's living quarters, and the western tower containing three detention rooms. Standing at 28 meters (92 feet) tall, these towers miraculously survived the destruction wrought by the French conquest in 1689. In 1788, their original tops replaced with elegant Baroque-style spires.
Today, the gate exudes an unmistakable medieval charm, inviting visitors to step back in time as they meander through Heidelberg's Old Town. For a truly enchanting experience, take a romantic stroll around dusk, and don't forget your camera to capture the views of the Neckar River, the mountains, Heidelberg Castle, and the Old Bridge.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Heidelberg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Bruckentor (Bridge Gate) on Map
Sight Name: Bruckentor (Bridge Gate)
Sight Location: Heidelberg, Germany (See walking tours in Heidelberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Heidelberg, Germany (See walking tours in Heidelberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Heidelberg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Heidelberg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Heidelberg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Heidelberg Introduction Walking Tour
Heidelberg is located on the Neckar River and is Baden-W眉rttemberg鈥檚 fifth-largest city. One-quarter of the approximately 160,000 residents are students. Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is Germany鈥檚 oldest and one of Europe鈥檚 most prestigious universities. In addition, Heidelberg is home to internationally acclaimed research facilities, including four Max Planck Institutes.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Philosophers鈥� Path
Heidelberg may be famous for its Castle, Old Town, and University, but its attractions don't stop there. A trip to Heidelberg isn't complete without visiting the Philosopher's Path.
Located on the northern side of the Neckar River, this popular path, about two kilometers long, meander along the sunny side of Holy Mountain. Over the centuries, it has inspired numerous scholars and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Located on the northern side of the Neckar River, this popular path, about two kilometers long, meander along the sunny side of Holy Mountain. Over the centuries, it has inspired numerous scholars and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles