15 Most Beautiful Bridges In Europe You Shouldn't Miss
Bridges connect two different land masses together. They connect different cultures, different regions, and diverse societies. Bridges reduce the physical and mental distance, bringing people closer to each other. But more than everything, Bridges are beautiful and appealing. Throughout the continent of Europe, you can find stunning bridges that stand as a testimony to the architectural excellence.
These modern wonders have stood the test of time and stand tall, gleaming with pride. We at TripHobo have compiled a list of 15 most beautiful bridges in Europe. Take a look at some of the longest, oldest, and magnificent bridges in Europe.
1. Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon - The Longest Bridge in Europe
Image Courtesy: Paulo Valdivieso/flickr.com
With a total length of 11.5 Kilometres, Vasco da Gama is the longest bridge in Europe. This cable-stayed bridge of Lisbon that spans the Tagus River offers an unparalleled view of the river and the whole of Lisbon. The construction of the bridge began in 1995 and was opened to traffic in the March of 1998. 509 feet above the surface of the ground, the iconic Vasco da Gama bridge is the best place to enjoy a good sunrise and a crimson filled sunset.
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2. Rialto Bridge, Italy - Oldest bridge in Europe
Rialto bridge is a single stone-arch bridge supported by rectangular decks that bustles with a wide array of shops. Built in the 16th century, Rialto bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Europe and carries so much historical significance. According to the legend, the bridge once was a famous stop for big cargo ships which used to unload their wholesale merchandise and spices at this venue. Now the Rialto bridge is one of the popular tourist destinations in Venice.
3. Tower Bridge, London - Most Popular bridge in Europe
Image Courtesy: Pixabay.com
Tower bridge of London is one of the most popular bridges in the world. Crossing over the River Thames, the bridge is an iconic structure in London. Tower bridge, a combination of bascule and suspension bridge consists of two tower bridges connected horizontally at the elevated level. The lower deck of the bridge is open to both pedestrians and vehicles while the upper deck of the bridge between the two tower bridges can be accessed only by people for a nominal fee. When you're here, witness the amazing spectacle when the lower deck opens up to let ships pass through.
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4. Ada Bridge, Serbia - The Longest Single Pylon Bridge
Ada bridge alternatively called the Sava bridge stands tall over the River Sava in Serbia. Connecting New Belgrade with the old historical city center, Ada bridge has helped ease out the traffic congestion and is now a historical landmark in Serbia. Construction of the bridge was started in 2008 and was open to traffic in 2012, Newyear. The concept design of the bridge was initially submitted for a design competition that was held in 2004 and the present design was unanimously selected as the best design & is now the largest single pylon suspension bridge in the world.
5. The Millau Viaduct, France - The Tallest Bridge in the World
Image Courtesy: OliBac/flickr.com
Designed by French Engineers, one mast in the cable-stayed vehicular bridge of Millau Viaduct reaches a height of 1,125 feet making it the tallest bridge in the world. Millau Viaduct crosses the River Tarn and is also a part of the A75-A71 route from Paris to Beziers and Montpellier making it the cheaper and the less congested route between Paris and Mediterranean. Built at the cost of approximately 400 Million Euros, the bridge seems like floating in the cloud and sure is a gateway to heaven.
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6. Ponte Vecchio, Italy - Symbol of Florence
Built across the River Arno, Ponte Vecchio is a closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge. Known as the only bridge built across the River Arno during the 13th century, Ponte Vecchio has now become an everlasting symbol of Florence, Italy. Once designed as a defensive structure, Ponte Vecchio is home to diverse quaint shops where you could get anything from glittering expensive jewels to rare antiques. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the bridge in the dusk from Ponte Santa Trinita.
7. Kapellbrucke Bridge, Switzerland - Colorful bridge in Europe
Image Courtesy: Dennis Jarvis/flickr.com
Popularly known as 'The Chapel Bridge', Kapellbrucke bridge in Switzerland spans diagonally across the Reuss River. Covered by wood throughout, this footbridge is one of the oldest, wooden covered bridges of the world having survived a fire accident on April 1993. Adorned with colorful flowers on the sides and paintings on the top, Kapellbrucke bridge looks beautiful and wonderfully charming.
8. Puente Nuevo, Spain - Newest Bridge of Europe
Puente Nuevo, known as New bridge in English is the newest and the largest of the three bridges that run over River Guadalevin dividing the city of Rhonda. Built in the 18th century over a twisting gorge, the bridge helped the locals in getting to the other end of the city safely. Hidden among the beige stone cliffs, the bridge of Puente Nuevo is smaller in length but towers nearly above 400 metres from the river below. Visit this bridge for its absolute grandeur and picturesque views.
9. Pont du Gard, France - A UNESCO World Heritage bridge
Image Courtesy: miquitos/flickr.com
Listed by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage sites for its historical significance, Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct that was used to carry water from a spring in Uzes to the Roman colony of Nemausus. The three-tiered arch bridge that crosses the Gardon River is built using yellow limestones and is considered one of the technical masterpieces of the ancient Roman architecture.
10. Chain Bridge, Hungary - The First Permanent Stone bridge
Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary is a suspension bridge across the River Danube. It was the first permanent stone bridge during the 19th century connecting Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest in Hungary. Glowing in all its beauty with the city's lights, the view of Chain bridge in the night will fascinate you and no wonder it is now one of the most famous landmarks in Hungary.
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11. Highline 179, Austria - A Thrilling long suspension bridge
Image Courtesy: Pixabay.com
Highline 179 bridge in the Austrian alps is a thrill-seekers paradise. Built in a Tibetan style this footbridge holds the Guinness record for being the longest suspended bridge in the world sprawling a whopping 402 metre. The bridge connects the 700-year-old Ehrenburg castle with the ruins of Fort Claudia and is one of the newest, fascinating bridges built in Europe. Supported by 4-supporting cables, the bridge can carry a total of 500 people at a time. If you want to have a panoramic 360 view of Reutte, Austria then this is the best place to be in. The bridge is open from 8am-10pm daily and it comes with adventure!
12. Europabrucke, Austria - A Bungee Jumping bridge
Europabrucke (Europe Bridge or The Bridge of Europe) is 2,549 feet long bridge in Innsbruck, Austria that crosses Sill River. Connecting A13 Brenner Autobahn and European route E45, Europabrucke remained as the tallest bridge for 10 years until getting replaced in 1974. Owing to its majestic tall appearance, Europabrucke is famous for Bungee jumping - an adrenaline sport that would offer you the best view from Europabrucke. Take the plunge and see the captivating views for yourself.
13. Old Bridge, Bosnia & Herzegovina - An Islamic architectural Beauty
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia.org
Stari Most, widely recognized as Old bridge is a reconstruction of the 16th century Ottoman bridge. Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed in a Croat-Bosniak war in November 1993 and was rebuilt again. Built over the River Neretva, Old bridge helps connect two parts of the city. During the mid-summers, a traditional festival called the Stari Most diving festival takes place where the young men of the town leap into Neretva from atop the bridge and prove their manliness. Recognized as one of the famous landmarks in the country, the bridge is an example of the remarkable Islamic architecture.
14. Sunniberg Bridge, Switzerland - Aesthetically extradosed bridge
Created by Christian Menn and Dimala Jakob Baenziger, bridge of Sunniberg in Klosters, Switzerland is known for its innovative design and appealing appearance. Completed in 1998, the 526-metre extradosed bridge is now a major landmark in the Landquart River valley.
15. Bastei Bridge, Germany - A Historical bridge in Europe
Image Courtesy: Commons.wikimedia
Towering over 194 metres from the River Elbe in the German state of Saxony, Bastei bridge is a part of rock formations that were a result of a million-year-old water erosion. Bastei bridge which once was a wooden bridge is now a bridge made out of sandstone. Located within the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Bastei bridge has been attracting tourists for more than 200 years now.
Which is your favorite bridge of the lot? Let us know in the comment section below. Happy Bridge traveling!
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