Traveling to Europe anytime soon? See natural wonders, try superb restaurants, and eat scrumptious local food – these are just some of the most typical tourist activities.
If you want to dive into a city’s culture and deep history, why not visit its wondrous bridges?
From the oldest to the most iconic bridges in Europe, we have listed the most famous must-visit bridges that’ll surely make your trip worth telling about.
Discover the stories of the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Bosnia or be mesmerized by the beauty of Old Stone Bridge in Germany.
Here are the 30 most famous bridges in Europe, in no particular order.
Table of Contents
1. Dachstein Suspension Bridge (Ramsau am Dachstein, Austria)
Walking across the Dachstein Suspension Bridge guarantees the ultimate thrilling experience and spectacular views.
Located in the Austrian Alps, it is Austria’s highest bridge, spanning 400 meters downwards from the Dachstein Massif.
The bridge is not for the faint-hearted and pets are not allowed. Aside from the bridge, the Stairway to Nothingness, Skywalk, Panorama Gondola, and Ice Palace are other great options in this area for other unique experiences.
2. Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge (Višegrad, Bosnia)
Built in the late 16th century, Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 179.5 meters in length.
It is situated in Višegrad, Bosnia, overlooking the Drina River.
Mimar Sinan, one of the most renowned Ottoman architects, built and completed the bridge in 1577.
The famous novel, The Bridge on the Drina, was based on this historical bridge.
3. Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic)
One of the top places to see in Prague is the astonishing Charles Bridge. The bridge is 516 meters in length, 13 meters in height, and 9.5 meters in width.
Constructed in 1357, it is one of the oldest bridges in the country situated across the Vltava River.
It took almost 50 years to complete the bridge by Peter Parler, a renowned Czech architect.
4. Pont Saint-Bénezet (Avignon, France)
Built in the 1100s, Pont Saint-Benezet is a bridge that was destroyed and rebuilt over time.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site connecting two banks in the Rhône and ends in the middle of the Rhône River.
It became more known because of the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.” Today, the bridge is not used for traveling anymore but is still an iconic place to visit and take pictures of history.
5. Pont-Neuf (Paris, France)
Pont-Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris that was built in 1578. It has 12 grand arches and 381 stone macarons.
It is the first bridge made of stone, rather than the traditional wood. Through the bridge, it connects to various famous places in Paris, including the Musée du Louver, Rue Dauphine, and Notre Dame Cathedral, among others.
6. Pont Alexandre III (Paris, France)
Pont Alexandre III is one of the most elegant bridges in Europe, featuring four gold-finished bronze decorative sculptures.
The bridge was used in various films such as Anastasia 1956, James Bond: A View to a Kill, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
The bridge also features Nymphs, including the Nymphs of the Seine and the Nymphs of the Neva. In fact, the Nymphs represent the Franco-Russian Alliance.
7. Old Stone Bridge (Regensburg, Germany)
Not only is Germany noted for century-old castles, but also for some of the well-known bridges in Europe, and one of them is the Old Stone Bridge.
It was built in the 12th century in Regensburg and was the only bridge available for crossing the Danube River until the 1930s.
Interestingly, legend says that the bridge was built over a deal with the devil. Today, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the city center of Regensburg.
8. Old Bridge (Heidelberg, Germany)
Built in the 18th century, the Old Bridge is one of Germany’s sandstone medieval bridges located in Heidelberg.
Two sculptures can be found here: Prince Elector Carl Theodor’s monument and the Roman goddess Minerva.
An iconic part of the bridge is a monkey statue with a mirror. Interestingly, the original statue vanished in the Nine Years War but was replaced in 1979 by Gernot Rumpf.
9. Bastei Bridge (Lohmen, Germany)
Located in Saxon Switzerland National Park in Lohman, Bastei Bridge is a beautiful stone bridge built above the Bastei rock formation.
Enjoy a panoramic view of the Elbe River and mountains for free!
It can be visited anytime since there are no opening and closing times. It is among Germany’s most breathtaking landscapes and is perfect for a day trip.
10. Szechenyi Chain Bridge (Budapest, Hungary)
One of the best things to do in Budapest is strolling along the Szechenyi Chain Bridge. It is one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe and is best known for its lion sculptures.
The bridge is 375 meters long and 14.8 meters wide. Taking a cruise along the Danube River is one excellent way to admire the bridge and its surroundings.
11. Wishing Bridge (Ring of Kerry, Ireland)
Take a day trip to Kerry County and visit the Wishing Bridge, known to make wishes come true.
The Wishing Bridge may not be as large and famous as other European bridges, but it certainly holds a unique story to tell while surrounded by fascinating foliage.
As you pass along the bridge, you’ll definitely enjoy the golden sunsets, peaceful goats, and horse carriage rides.
12. Ha’penny Bridge (Dublin, Ireland)
Unlike stone bridges, Ha’penny Bridge is made of cast iron. The bridge has had many names – from being called the Wellington Bridge to now as Liffey Bridge.
It is a pedestrian bridge adorned with lamp posts and white paint.
13. Fiordo di Furore Bridge (Amalfi, Italy)
Located on one of Italy’s picturesque coasts, the Amalfi coast, Fiordo di Furore Bridge is a favorite for picture-perfect memories.
The beautiful small bridge is the only bridge connecting the Amalfi Highway. This hidden gem is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets with pristine beaches and stunning views.
14. Bridge of Sighs (Venice, Italy)
Across the Rio di Palazzo, the Bridge of Sighs is a confined pedestrian bridge with small stone windows constructed in the 1600s.
In the past, the bridge was where prisoners would pass by before going to jail.
The small views from the tiny window holes were the last these prisoners would see. It’s no wonder it is called Bridge of Sighs, symbolizing one’s sorrow.
15. Rialto Bridge (Venice, Italy)
Originally made of wood, the Rialto Bridge in the Grand Canal is the oldest bridge in Venice, constructed in 1588 and completed in 1591.
The bridge was then rebuilt using stones and was finished in 1591. As one of the major bridges in the Grand Canal, it is a popular spot for getting water taxis and buses.
16. Ponte Sant’Angelo (Rome, Italy)
Ponte Sant’Angelo is one of the most majestic and oldest bridges in Europe and the world.
With its beautifully carved angel statues and detailed design, the bridge is also called the bridge of Angels.
The bridge was built in 134 AD with a total length of 135 meters and seven meters in height.
Today, you can find 10 angels designed and sculpted by various renowned artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Antonio Raggi, and Lazzaro Morelli.
17. Ponte Vecchio (Florence, Italy)
Located in Florence, Italy, Ponte Vecchio is a stone arch bridge filled with local shops selling various items including artworks, pieces of jewelry, food, and souvenirs.
It is 30 meters long and 32 meters wide that was rebuilt in 1345. To admire the exterior of the bridge, take a boat ride underneath it along the River Arno.
18. Đurđevića Tara Bridge (Žabljak, Montenegro)
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge was built in 1937 and was opened to the public in 1940. It was designed by Mijat Trojanović and spans 365 meters in length and 172 meters in height.
The bridge is located in the heart of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
19. Stari Most (Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Stari Most is a popular bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is loved for its rich history and thrilling activities like cliff diving.
It is a stone bridge built in 1557 during the Ottoman period. This bridge has stood the test of time and war for being able to last more than 400 years.
20. Bridge of 15 Bridges (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Bridge of 15 Bridges gets its name for being the only bridge to see all 15 bridges across Reguliersgracht and Herengracht.
You’ll find several attractions close to the rustic bridge such as the Museum of Bags and Purse, Rembrandt Square, and Pathé Tuschinski Theater.
The bridge is along Amsterdam’s central canal belt, promising spectacular scenery.
21. Erasmus Bridge (Rotterdam, the Netherlands)
The Erasmus Bridge is the second-largest bridge in the Netherlands and is located in Rotterdam.
It is one of Rotterdam’s four beautiful bridges, notable for its light-blue steel and 800-meter length.
It stands 139 meters in height and is called the Swan for its distinct shape.
22. Dom Luís I Bridge (Porto, Portugal)
Dom Luís I Bridge in Portugal is a double-decker bridge constructed in 1881 and designed by Théophile Seyrig.
It is an iron-made bridge with a 172-meter upper deck, a 395-meter lower deck, and a total width of eight meters.
The upper deck is used for light rails and pedestrians while the lower deck is for public transport.
23. Ponte 25 de Abril (Lisbon, Portugal)
If you’re looking for something similar to the Golden Gate Bridge, then come see the Ponte 25 de Abril.
One may wonder why both bridges have the same paint color and design, this is because they were constructed and designed by the same company.
The suspension bridge spans 2,277 kilometers, making it the longest one in Europe.
24. Forth Bridge (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1890. Its length spans 2,467 meters and is made of 53,000 tons of steel.
The bridge is an iconic landmark of Scotland and is notable for its Victorian engineering success.
25. UFO Bridge (Bratislava, Slovakia)
Officially called the Most SNP or Most Slovenského národného povstania, the UFO Bridge is the seventh-largest hanging bridge in the world.
It is popular for its UFO-shaped dome where tourists can have a panoramic view of the city.
From the bridge, you can visit the Old Town, Hviezdoslav’s Square, and St. Martin’s Cathedral.
26. Roman Bridge (Cordoba, Spain)
In the Spanish city of Cordoba lies the spectacular arched Roman Bridge, existing since the first century.
It was built by the Romans and was rebuilt several times in the 12th century, in the 17th century, and so on.
Today, it spans 331 meters long and nine meters wide with 16 arches.
27. Puente Nuevo Bridge (Ronda, Spain)
Puente Nuevo Bridge offers majestic natural scenery and is the largest bridge in Spain. It features a 120-meter gorge depth, rustic stone arches, and even a chamber used as a prison and torture chamber.
It was built in 1759 and was completed in 1793, as a bridge separating Ronda.
28. Chapel Bridge (Lucerne, Switzerland)
Also known as the Kapellbrücke, the Chapel Bridge is made of wood and named after St. Peter’s Chapel.
The bridge dates back to 1360 and was rebuilt in 1994.
What makes this bridge different and memorable from others is its painted triangular fixtures on the top of the bridge.
Out of 158 paintings, only 30 were saved and restored after the 1993 fire incident.
29. Tower Bridge (London, the United Kingdom)
Going to London without seeing Tower Bridge is like going to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower.
Ironically, Tower Bridge is not the famous London Bridge and is even more popular than the real London Bridge.
Tower Bridge is famous for its bascules, chambers, and intricate designs. In fact, before the present design, there were actually 50 designs proposed for the bridge that were not approved.
30. Clifton Suspension Bridge (Bristol, United Kingdom)
Ending the list of famous bridges is another bridge in the UK, the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The bridge opened to the public in 1864, spanning across Avon Gorge and River Avon.
It was originally designed for horse-drawn traffic but is now used for cars, cyclists, and other vehicles.
In the 2012 Olympics, the bridge was used for the torch relay.