The Balduin Bridge (Balduinbrücke) in Koblenz is visible from afar. It spans the Moselle River and connects the Lützel district with Koblenz’s old town. The best place to see it is when walking along the Moselle. The striking stone arches are impressive when viewed from the side. On the Koblenz old town side, you can see seven historic stone arches. On the Lützel side, there are three arches. In between is a prestressed concrete bridge, which was installed in the 1960s to facilitate shipping. Unlike other medieval stone bridges, such as those in Heidelberg, Würzburg or Regensburg, the Balduin Bridge is not a pedestrian bridge. It is open to traffic. It carries a large part of the traffic from Lützel and other districts into Koblenz’s old town.
History: Construction of the Balduin Bridge began in 1342.
Construction of the Balduin Bridge in Koblenz began as early as 1342. Balduin of Luxembourg initiated the construction. The bridge is named after him. However, he did not live to see its completion. It took a remarkable 85 years for it to be finished. An imposing gate tower, which no longer exists today, protected Koblenz. Later, there were repeated additions and alterations. The Moselle develops enormous water power during floods. Therefore, changes had to be made. The gate tower was removed as early as 1775.
Goethe already noted the impressive appearance of the Balduin Bridge in Koblenz in his diaries:
“We floated calmly down to Koblenz, and I clearly remember seeing the most beautiful natural landscape I had ever laid eyes on at the end of the trip. As we approached the Moselle bridge, this black, mighty structure stood imposingly before us; but through the arches we could see the stately buildings of the valley, and above the bridge line, Ehrenbreitstein Castle stood out in the blue haze. To the right, the city, adjoining the bridge, formed a formidable foreground…”
The bridge was blown up at the end of World War II. It was rebuilt in 1949.
Special tips: Balduin Bridge – beautiful motif at sunset
The best view of the Balduin Bridge is from the side. If you visit the bridge at sunset, you can find particularly beautiful motifs. The stone arches of the bridge are then reflected in the water of the Moselle. The bridge is bathed in soft, warm light. You can also include the Old Castle of Koblenz in your picture for a particularly beautiful motif.
When you walk onto the bridge, you have a wonderful view of the Moselle. From there, you can also see the German Corner (Deutsches Eck) and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Every year, ‘Rhine in Flames’ takes place, an impressive fireworks display along the Rhine. From the Balduin Bridge, you have an excellent view of the fireworks at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Surroundings: Old town of Koblenz and German Corner within walking distance
Right next to the Balduin Bridge, you will find the Old Castle of Koblenz. The old town of Koblenz is just a few minutes’ walk away. Koblenz has numerous sights to discover – romantic alleys and historic squares invite you to experience the flair of bygone times. Numerous cafés and restaurants offer opportunities to linger and enjoy yourself.
A little further away is the German Corner in Koblenz with the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial. It takes about 20 minutes to walk the approximately 1.5 kilometres. The route follows the Moselle and is a beautiful walk. From the German Corner, you can take the Koblenz cable car (Seilbahn) up to Ehrebreitstein Fortress. From there, you have a fantastic view of Koblenz.
