The most famous bridge in Innsbruck
The Inn Bridge (Innbrücke) is the most important bridge in Innsbruck. It connects the historic Old Town with the district of St. Nicholas on the other side. This bridge was first mentioned in the 12th century and is even shown in the city’s coat of arms.
In the past, this bridge was the reason for Innsbruck’s wealth. For a long time, it was the only way to cross the river. Every trader traveling from North to South had to cross here. The city charged a fee for the crossing, which filled the city’s treasury.
Today, the bridge is a modern structure made of concrete, built in the 1980s. It is 81 meters long. While it is not a romantic stone bridge like those in Prague or Regensburg, it is a vital part of the city for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. When you stand on the bridge and look North, you see the famous colorful houses of St. Nicholas with the massive Nordkette mountains in the background.
A curious story tells us that Emperor Maximilian I built a small cottage, a “Sommerhäusl,” in the middle of the bridge. From this small house, he gave money to the poor. Today, nothing remains of this building.
In the middle of the bridge stands a large bronze cross. It has an interesting history. Originally, a wooden cross stood here in 1515, but it was destroyed by a flood in 1789.
In the 1980s, the artist Rudi Wach designed a new, 4.5-meter-high cross. The statue caused a lot of protest because it shows Christ without clothes. Because people were upset, the cross was first kept in a museum. It wasn’t until 2007 that it was finally placed on the bridge to thank God for protecting the city during the floods of 2005.
The cross on the bridge over the Inn
In the middle of the Inn bridge, a cross with an interesting history: it was Originally 1515 of the cross brotherhood of St. Jacob, a large wooden cross was erected, which, unfortunately, the flood of 1789 was destroyed. After that, it was not allowed to build a new cross. It was only in the 1980s, when the bridge was re-built, asked the brotherhood back to the cross to set up. It has been approved. The costs were divided by the Tyrolean sculptor Rudi Wach designed the new cross.
The sculpture is 4.5 meters high and depicts Christ in a special way: He stands on a globe, has no loincloth is naked and without the stigmata. , Therefore, made this presentation for a lot of excitement and protests in of the population. Originally, the cross of 1986 should be placed on the bridge over the Inn. However, due to the protests, it has not been placed on the well-frequented bridge, but in the courtyard of the folk art Museum. In 1991 it was given to the city. In September 2007, the mayor decided Hilde Zach, the cross but on the Innbrücke to thank for the protection during the floods of 2005, when the city of Innsbruck, escaped unscathed. So it was that the cross was still his place on the bridge over the Inn without being spoken.
Things to See at the Inn Bridge
THE COLORFUL HOUSES
The bright houses in St. Nicholas are one of the oldest parts of the city. The buildings are narrow and painted in beautiful colors like yellow, red, and blue. This is a favorite spot for photographers. The best view is in the late afternoon when the sun makes the colors shine in the green water of the river.
–> Colorful houses of Innsbruck
The Ottoburg
Right at the entrance to the bridge is the Ottoburg. This old tower was built in 1476 and was once owned by Emperor Maximilian I. It is a great example of late-Gothic architecture and is a must-see.. –> Otto castle
Access to the Old Town
The bridge leads directly into the Herzog-Friedrich-Straße. This pedestrian street takes you straight to the famous Golden Roof, the landmark of the city. The street is full of historic buildings and cozy cafés. –> Pedestrian Zone Of Innsbruck
Recommendation for your visit to the Inn bridge
My personal tip for a memorable visit to the Inn river in Innsbruck: Begin your walk at the valley station of the Northern railway, the valley station of the Hungerburgbahn is a great photo subject. It’s a detour in the beautiful courtyard. At the end of the garden, on the Rennweg, you reach the Emile-Béthouart-the pier, the charming pedestrian bridge. Cross this romantic bridge and enjoy the views of the Inn. On the other hand, will take you to St. Nicholas, a quaint neighborhood. A result of the Innallee up the river, and you’ll love the views and the buildings to be enchanted.
Your next destination is the Walther Park, a popular place where you, the dürer views can discover. This view point is a secret tip and offers a unique view of Innsbruck, quite so, as the famous Nuremberg engraver Albrecht Dürer once held. Here you can take a break, enjoy the view and the tranquility of the Park, you can act.
From there, you can walk further up the river to the great bridge over the Inn. Cross this bridge and enjoy the view of the Inn and the surrounding mountains. After Crossing you will reach the other shore, and standing directly in the case of the Otto castle. This old castle takes you back into the old town of Innsbruck, where the narrow streets and sights to explore can. In front of it is worth a short detour on the market square – From here you have the famous view on the colorful houses of Innsbruck. This walk connects the two Innbrücken and leads you to some of the most beautiful and less known places to visit in Innsbruck.
More ideas for your trip to Innsbruck:
- this is the dürer views
- Walk to Innsbruck – discovered you the Highlights of the city for a little walk
- these Innsbruck attractions are worth to visit
