Built in the second half of the 13th century, the Old Lahn Bridge in Wetzlar was first mentioned in documents in 1288. It had an important function as part of the medieval trade route from Frankfurt to Cologne and is today considered one of the oldest bridges over the Lahn. Characteristic for the 104 meter long bridge are its seven arches. Early pictures show two gate towers on both sides, but they were demolished in the first half of the 19th century. Over the centuries, Wetzlar’s Old Lahn Bridge was frequently restored, including reinforcing the piers located in the riverbed with icebreakers to increase its stability.
