Holzbrücke Bad Säckingen

Holzbrücke Bad Säckingen is a covered wooden footbridge across the Rhine in Bad Säckingen, in Germany's Baden-Württemberg. It links the town with Stein in the Swiss canton of Aargau and is regarded as the longest roofed wooden bridge in Europe. Crossing it takes only a few minutes, yet you leave one country and enter another.

How long is the bridge?

The span measures 203.7 metres, or about 206.5 metres including the porch roofs at both ends. The Aargau heritage inventory gives roughly 205 metres and seven bays. A timber body with a pitched roof carries a narrow lane for walkers and cyclists above the river. On the Swiss side the structure is listed as a monument of national significance.

What is its history?

A crossing here is mentioned as far back as the 13th century. War and flooding destroyed it several times, and each time it was rebuilt. Most of the present timber framework dates from roughly 1700 to 1830. During the regulation of the Rhine the old masonry piers were swapped for concrete ones clad in natural stone, which kept the historic look. From 1975 the Swiss army stored explosives in the piers as a wartime precaution, and at the end of 2014 Switzerland confirmed that all charges had been removed. When the new road bridge, the Fridolinsbrücke, opened downstream in 1979, cars moved away. Since then the old bridge has belonged to pedestrians and cyclists, and it underwent a full renovation in 1990-91.

Where does the border run?

The whole bridge lies within the municipality of Bad Säckingen, but the national border follows the middle of the river, so it crosses the bridge at its halfway point. A white line on the deck marks the spot, and many visitors pose for a photo with one foot in each country.

How do you get there and what is nearby?

The bridge sits beside the old town of Bad Säckingen, right on the Rhine, a few minutes' walk from the centre. Entry is free. You cannot drive over it, but parking is available in town, and vehicles use the Fridolinsbrücke instead. On the Swiss bank you reach the village of Stein, and the cycle route along the Rhine makes it easy to loop between both shores. Practical details are available from Tourismus GmbH Bad Säckingen.

When should you visit?

The bridge is open all year. Daytime from late spring to autumn is the most pleasant time, when the riverside path is dry and good for strolling. In the evening, view the bridge from the bank to see its wooden frame mirrored in the water. In winter the planks can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a passport to cross into Switzerland? The bridge is a border crossing between Germany and Switzerland, so carry an ID card or passport in case of checks.

Can I drive across? No. Since 1979 the bridge has been reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, and cars use the Fridolinsbrücke downstream.

How long does the walk take? About three minutes one way at an easy pace, though photo stops add to that.

Is there an entrance fee? No, crossing the bridge is free.