History
Two bridges, several centuries of city history: The Nydegg Bridge and the Untertor Bridge are among Bern’s most iconic structures. Step back in time and learn more about the city’s oldest bridges.
The Untertor Bridge throughout the centuries
Crossing the Aare
Bern was founded in 1191 under Duke Berchtold V of the Zähringer dynasty as a fortress on a hard-to-reach peninsula. At first, the Aare River was crossed by ferry from there. It was not until later that the Zähringer build a wooden bridge.
1256
Wooden Bridge
A wooden bridge spans the Aare River where the Untertor Bridge stands today.
Until 1460
Washed Away
A flood of the Aare River washes away the wooden bridge.
1460
The Untertor Bridge is built
The current stone bridge is built. For 380 years, the Untertor Bridge remains the only permanent crossing over the Aare. It is one of the oldest stone bridges in Switzerland. Originally, it was part of the city’s fortifications: a covered battlement and a gate protected the city.
1461–1490
New owner
Ownership of the bridge is transferred from the canton to the city of Bern.
1927
Last renovation
The bridge undergoes extensive renovation and is reinforced with a concrete slab.
1980–1982
Slacklining over the Aare River
Banned since 2018, an official anchor point is now being installed as part of the renovation. Slackliners and surfers have something to look forward to.
2009–2018
Looking into the future
The Untertor Bridge needs to be renovated: damage to the historic railing anchors, the undersides of the arches, and the waterproofing will be repaired. Voters approve the funding on May 18, 2025.
2025
Renovation work begins
Here we go! Work on the Untertor Bridge follows the first completed phase of construction on the Nydegg Bridge across the river.
2029–2031
Did you know?
- Well into the 20th century, the Untertor Bridge was commonly known as the “Old Nydegg Bridge” – a reference to the fact that the two bridges have always been closely linked.
- The bridge is built primarily of tuff and sandstone from the region
The Untertor Bridge is at river level. Pedestrians use it to cross, but must descend the steep “Stalden” on one side and climb back up on the other. Just how arduous the climb is can still be seen today in the annual “Grand Prix of Bern” fun run, whose route leads up the Stalden. The Nydegg Bridge, situated higher up, was built between 1840 and 1844.
The Construction of the Nydegg Bridge—A pioneering feat of civil engineering
The “Nydegg or Kornhaus Bridge” dispute
There is a heated dispute over the location of the new high bridge, which is ultimately won by the lower Old Town near Nydegg. At that time, the area had been the city center—until the later construction of the railroad.
1836
A masterpiece of engineering takes shape
Karl Emanuel Müller, an entrepreneur from Uri who also built the second Teufelsbrücke in the “Schöllenen Gorge”, begins work on the bridge.
1840–1844
Opening
At the time of its opening, the middle arche —with a span of approximately 45.9 meters—is one of the largest natural-stone arches in Europe.
1844
Pay up
The bridge construction is financed by a private construction company. To cover the costs, a toll—known as the “Brückengeld”—is collected from those crossing the bridge. Postal deliveries, medical transports, and children are exempt.
Bis 1853
Renovations
For nearly 140 years, no repairs were needed on the bridge’s supporting structure. In December 1980, a large sandstone slab falls onto the sidewalk on Mattenenge. The first renovation is needed.
1981–1983 and 1989–1991
Back to the City of Bern
On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, ownership of the Nydegg Bridge is transferred from the canton to the City of Bern.
1994
Renovation work approved
The Nydegg Bridge must be renovated again. Increased traffic volume, water, and weather conditions have caused extensive damage. Voters in the City of Bern approve the construction budget for the renovation on March 12, 2023.
2023
Renovation work begins
The first phase of construction begins in March. The waterproofing of the bridge superstructure is a particular focus.
2027–2028
Final push
After the curing period, the final work on the sandstone will be carried out.
2031–2033
Did you know?
Design Secret: The Nydegg Bridge is designed with strict point symmetry; even the four toll booths follow this logic. The current roundabout near the BearPark disrupts this order because it lies off the bridge’s axis. As part of the renovation, it will be shifted slightly to the north. This way, its center will lie exactly on the line of sight to the Sprüngli Fountain.
Protected historical landmarks
Both bridges are listed in the Federal Inventory of Historic Transportation Routes in Switzerland. The purpose of the inventory is to preserve and maintain important historical landmarks related to transportation, such as the Nydegg Bridge and the Untertor Bridge. For the renovation project, this means that the federal government provides financial support for planning that is particularly meticulous and in accordance with historic preservation standards.
