Middle Bridge
Basel-Stadt
The Middle Bridge, known locally as Mittlere Brücke, is a historic bridge spanning the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. It occupies the site of the oldest existing bridge across the Rhine between Lake Constance and the North Sea, marking the boundary between the High Rhine and Upper Rhine sections. The original bridge was constructed in the early 13th century, with documented references from 1223 and 1225 linking its building to financing efforts by Bishop Heinrich of Basel and local monasteries. This medieval wooden bridge was crucial in shaping Basel's economic growth and urban development, uniting the villages of Niederbasel and Oberbasel into the fortified town of Kleinbasel. In the early 20th century, between 1903 and 1905, the bridge was entirely rebuilt in granite and stone, featuring seven arches and a modern iron truss skeleton designed to harmonize with the old town's aesthetics. The bridge spans 192 meters in length and 18.8 meters in width, constructed from granite sourced from the Saint-Gotthard Massif. It was inaugurated in 1905 and underwent refurbishment in 2002 without altering its appearance. Since 2015, the bridge has been closed to private motor vehicles to support Basel's car-free city center initiatives, with widened pavements added in 2017. Artistic elements near the bridge include the bronze sculpture "Amazon" by Carl Burckhardt, a notable public art installation. The Middle Bridge remains a significant architectural and cultural landmark, symbolizing Basel's medieval origins and its evolution into a modern city.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the Middle Bridge on foot or by bicycle, especially since private motor vehicles have been prohibited since 2015, enhancing the pedestrian experience. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the river views and surrounding old town are most pleasant. Tickets are not required as the bridge is a public thoroughfare. Nearby attractions and cafes make it ideal to combine the visit with a stroll through Basel's historic district. For photography enthusiasts, early morning or late afternoon light offers the best conditions. No specific discounts or reservations are necessary.
Interesting facts
- •The Middle Bridge is located on the oldest existing Rhine crossing site between Lake Constance and the North Sea.
- •Its original construction was financed in part by a loan secured by the bishop from a Jewish moneylender in 1223.
- •The bridge marked the boundary between the High Rhine and Upper Rhine sections of the river.
- •The 1905 reconstruction used granite from the Saint-Gotthard Massif and featured a modern iron truss skeleton designed to blend with Basel's old town.
- •The bronze sculpture "Amazon" by Carl Burckhardt near the bridge was his last work and remains uncompleted due to his death before casting.
- •Since 2015, the bridge has been closed to private motor vehicles, enhancing pedestrian and cyclist access.
History
The Middle Bridge's earliest documented references date back to 1223 and 1225, linked to Bishop Heinrich of Basel's financing efforts, marking it as Basel's first permanent Rhine crossing.
The medieval wooden bridge played a pivotal role in uniting the settlements of Niederbasel and Oberbasel, fostering the development of Kleinbasel.
It remained the sole Rhine bridge in Basel until the late 19th century.
Between 1903 and 1905, the bridge was reconstructed entirely from granite and stone, incorporating modern engineering with seven arches and an iron truss skeleton to preserve the old town's character.
The bridge was refurbished in 2002, maintaining its historic appearance.
Since 2015, it has been closed to private vehicles to support Basel's car-free city center policy.
Place Guide
The Bridge Arches1903-1905
The Middle Bridge features seven granite arches, six spanning the Rhine and one over the riverside footpath, showcasing early 20th-century stone bridge engineering.
Brückenkapelle (Käppelijoch)1905
A reproduction of the historic bridge chapel built over the central support of the bridge, reflecting medieval religious heritage associated with the bridge site.
Amazon Sculpture by Carl Burckhardt1923
Bronze statue depicting a striding Amazon leading a horse, located near the Old Town Bridgehead. It was Burckhardt's last work, left uncompleted due to his death before casting.
Contact
Phone: 061 268 68 68
