While travelers often choose their dream location based on cityscapes, cultural background, or popular sites, bridges are rarely the thing that drives them to deciding. However, there are plenty of famous, historical, and unique ones here in Europe, so if you are planning a groundbreaking trip, take a look at our suggestions – maybe one of them will change your mind or warrant a destination!
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Charles Bridge, Prague
This medieval architectural piece crossing the famous River Vltava is Prague’s signature mark and probably the most significant monument. Constructed in the early 15th century, Charles Bridge takes you on a journey from the Old Town to Prague Castle, allowing you to enjoy more than thirty statues and statuaries in Baroque style. Millions have deemed the bridge a lucky place and put on love locks to ensure their everlasting dedication, so you might want to bring your significant other with you!
Charles Bridge: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/09/13/13/00/charles-bridge-5568178_1280.jpg
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Tower Bridge, London
Now, do not mistake it for London Bridge, a completely different structure than this one! Tower Bridge is an impressive and very well-recognizable 19th-century suspension bridge spreading across River Thames.
The 20th century was a dramatic period resulting in the bridge being quite damaged, yet now it stands as one of the greatest landmarks in England. There are two towers looming over the passageway, which you can even explore themselves! Find out about the construction, development, and rebuilding, all while looking over the Tower of London and the River Thames.
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Pont Alexandre III, Paris
Carry on with your discoveries by boarding the train from London to Paris, and get ready to enjoy a bridge so distinctly Parisian that it will make you fall in love with the city itself.
Pont Alexandre III is a deck arch bridge that adds charm to an already lovely Seine. From a tourist perspective, it has the perfect location, connecting the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides to the Champs-Elysees. Since these three are the must-see objects in Paris, Pont Alexandre III really comes in handy, not to mention its general beauty and historical background, commemorating a turning point in French politics.
Pont Alexandre III: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2021/09/26/11/52/paris-6657445_1280.jpg
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Bridge of Sighs, Venice
In the land of everything colorful, beautiful, and sacred, the Bridge of Sighs really blends in with the whole cityscape, yet it is not your average crossing!
Constructed of white limestone and windows, the bridge is quite easily missed if you are not paying attention, but the crowds around it will give you a hint. Seemingly not that impressive on the exterior, the Bridge of Sighs has plenty of stories hidden behind the enclosed walls and is highly significant to Italians. It connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace and, several centuries back, was the last view that the convicts saw before imprisonment.
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Hackerbrucke, Munich
Quite a mouthful if you do not speak German, Hackerbrucke is actually one of the most famous bridges in the country, known for its architecture and cultural surroundings.
The impressive road bridge crosses Munich’s main railway line, so it is, quite naturally, always surrounded by people and heavy traffic. However, if you skip the rush hours and take a walk in the evening, you will be greeted by groups of friendly Germans, all inviting you for a beer and a snack! Due to its great location and lovely surroundings, Hackerbrucke has become a meeting place where one could have an after-work beer and set up a picnic in the bridge area! Go meet your new friends!
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Reichsbrucke, Vienna
Time to board the train from Munich to Vienna. Similar in names, Hackerbrucke and Reichsbrucke are entirely different in styles and backgrounds.
Reichsbrucke, German for Imperial Bridge, is the most important bridge in Austria, both in terms of history and traffic. Nowadays, more than 50 thousand vehicles per day cross Reichsbrucke, and six lanes of constant traffic, including passageways and cycle paths.
However, the Imperial Bridge gained popularity as being the only bridge over the Danube not suffering any severe damage. While it seemed invincible at the time, the bridge sadly collapsed in 1976, resulting in a complete renewal and rebuilding in the 1980s.
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Glenfinnan Viaduct, Inverness-Shire
Giving you the absolute best views of the Scottish Highlands, the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct is essential while on your Scotland trip!
Allowing you close-up views of the Scottish wildlife and expansive greenery, the viaduct is probably the best-known landmark in the country. That also might be due to its famous shots in the Harry Potter franchise. Glenfinnan is utterly fitting for the role as well, as the grounds are so magical and curious it makes you feel that you really are riding the Hogwarts Express on your way to the school of witchcraft and wizardry!
Glenfinnan Viaduct: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/08/13/20/24/scotland-4404180_1280.jpg
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Stari Most, Mostar
Arguably one of the better-known bridges in Europe and certainly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stari Most is not only a jewel to add to the cityscape, but it is a high-shouting symbol of everything that is important to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a nation.
Now representing the country’s rebirth from ashes after the Bosnian War, Stari Most was initially built by the Ottomans approximately 500 years ago. However, the legendary construction was destroyed after an artillery attack, which broke lots of hearts, as Stari Most was such a symbol to the country.
No broken hearts anymore, though! Nowadays, you can visit a relatively young and completely solid Stari Most and even catch a show of the famous Bridge Divers.
Prepare a pair of comfy shoes – you will be crossing bridges left and right! In reality, though, most of these are of enormous significance both historically and culturally, so make sure you spend some time listening to your guide or simply learning more about it. Also, just enjoy them!
