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Karlssteg: Freiburg's Serene Footbridge

A unique pedestrian bridge connecting Freiburg's Karlsplatz and Stadtgarten, known for its innovative design and serene pathway.

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The Karlssteg is a 136.5-meter footbridge in Freiburg, Germany, known for its unique tension construction. Connecting Karlsplatz to the Stadtgarten, it offers pedestrians a direct route and scenic views. Despite occasional closures due to weather, it remains a beloved city landmark.

A brief summary to Karlssteg

Local tips

  • Check for closures during winter, as the bridge is often closed due to ice and snow.
  • Visit during warmer months to see the bridge at its full, slightly sagging, extension.
  • Take a photo from Karlsplatz with the Karlssteg in the foreground for a classic Freiburg view.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Freiburg's city center, head towards Karlsplatz. The Karlssteg is located at the edge of Karlsplatz, easily identifiable as the footbridge leading directly into the Stadtgarten. The bridge entrance is next to the motorbike parking area. There are no costs associated with walking across the Karlssteg.

  • Public Transport

    From Freiburg Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), take tram line 1 towards Littenweiler or tram line 3 towards Vauban. Get off at the 'Stadttheater' stop. From there, walk east towards Karlsplatz and the clearly visible Karlssteg. A single ticket within Zone A (Freiburg city area) costs approximately €2.50.

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Discover more about Karlssteg

The Karlssteg, a distinctive footbridge in Freiburg im Breisgau, stretches 136.5 meters, offering a direct pedestrian connection from Karlsplatz to the Stadtgarten. This bridge is notable for its tension construction; a thin concrete strip, only 25 cm thick, is held by 60 continuous tension elements. Opened in June 1970 to celebrate the city's 850th anniversary, the Karlssteg was Germany's first bridge of its kind. The bridge's unique design allows it to sag up to 40 cm in high temperatures, a visible characteristic of its tension band construction. During its opening, a four-tonne vehicle was placed on the bridge alongside Lord Mayor Eugen Keidel to demonstrate its load-bearing capacity. However, the Karlssteg has faced challenges. The artificial resin coating has repeatedly loosened from the concrete, requiring several renovations. The surface is also susceptible to damage from road salt, leading to closures with warning signs during icy conditions. While a heating system was considered, it was deemed too expensive. The Karlssteg was also the subject of a copyright dispute in 2006, involving a photographer whose image of the bridge and Freiburg Minster was imitated. Despite these issues, the Karlssteg remains a vital and aesthetically interesting part of Freiburg's urban landscape.

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