Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Bridge · Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Alte Brücke
Stone bridge over the Neckar, from 1788, with a medieval two-towered gate at the Altstadt end and the bronze statue of the monkey (Brückenaffe). From the middle of the bridge you can see the castle above the town's roofs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Alte Brücke
The Alte Brücke, officially Karl-Theodor-Brücke, is the ninth bridge at the same spot on the Neckar. Earlier wooden bridges were taken by floods and ice. Prince-elector Karl Theodor ordered the current red sandstone bridge to be built, and the work was completed in 1788.
At the Altstadt end stands the Brückentor, a two-towered gate about 28 meters high that was part of the medieval wall and acquired its current appearance at the time the bridge was built. Next to it is the Brückenaffe, a bronze monkey from 1979 that recalls a 17th-century relief lost in the wars: holding a mirror, it teases passersby.
On 29 March 1945, retreating German troops blew up two piers and three arches fell into the river. Residents raised donations, reconstruction began in 1946 and the bridge reopened in July 1947. Today it is pedestrian-only and is the natural route from the Altstadt to the Philosophenweg on the north bank.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes to cross, stop for photos and see the gate and the Brückenaffe.
Best time
Early in the morning the bridge is empty. Late in the afternoon the light hits the castle and the Altstadt; at night the illuminated castle looks great from the middle of the bridge. In summer the bridge is busy all day.
How to get there
On foot from the Marktplatz via Steingasse in about 3 minutes. From the main station, take a tram or bus to Bismarckplatz and then walk along the Hauptstraße, or take a bus to the Altstadt stops.
Tip
Cross the bridge and walk a few meters along the north bank, to the right: from there you can see the whole bridge, the gate and the castle in the same shot. The Schlangenweg, the ascent to the Philosophenweg, also starts there.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Alte Brücke
Is the bridge the original?
The structure dates from 1788, but two piers and three arches were blown up by the retreating German army in March 1945 and rebuilt between 1946 and 1947 with money donated by the residents.
What is the monkey next to the gate?
It is the Brückenaffe, a 1979 bronze sculpture inspired by a 17th-century relief that stood on the old bridge tower. He holds a mirror, and touching him is part of the local tradition.
Do cars travel across the bridge?
No. The Alte Brücke is pedestrian-only and links the Altstadt to the north bank of the Neckar, where the climb to the Philosophenweg begins.