Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge)
Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge)
4.5
About
This beautiful 18th-century bridge connects the two sides of the Neckar River.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge)
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
528 within 3 miles
Attractions
129 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Steve_of_N21London, United Kingdom3,273 contributionsHeidelberg’s famous pedestrian bridgeThe Karl Theodor bridge, commonly known as the Old Bridge is an Arch bridge made of sandstone that crosses the Neckar river and connects the Old City with the eastern part of the Neuenheim district of the city on the opposite bank. The current bridge is the ninth built on the site and was constructed in 1788 and is one of the best-known landmarks and tourist destinations in Heidelberg. The Karl Theodor bridge, commonly known as the Old Bridge is an Arch bridge made of sandstone that crosses the Neckar river and connects the Old City with the eastern part of the Neuenheim district of the city on the opposite bank. The current bridge is the ninth built on the site and was constructed in 1788 and is one of the best-known landmarks and tourist destinations in Heidelberg.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 18, 2023
- VadimMurmansk, Russia34,571 contributionsThe landmark of the city.The old bridge of Heidelberg is the same landmark of the city as the Castle and the University. However, the bridge is not too old, it has not turned 250 years old yet. This particular stone bridge was built by order of Karl Theodor in 1788. Therefore, the second name of the bridge is given by the name of the founder. There is also a statue in his honor on the bridge. As is usually the case, this bridge had many predecessors that were destroyed during wars, demolished by floods and ice. This last bridge at this place did not escape the same fate. On March 29, 1945, the retreating Wehrmacht blew up this bridge, remembering the consequences of one not blown up bridge in Remagen. The bridge was quickly restored in a year. In addition to the mentioned statue of Karl Theodor on the bridge, you can see the Neckartor (Neckar Gate) with two twin towers, a statue of a monkey and small mice. I didn't have time and I limited myself to the classic view from the castle.Visited October 2022Traveled soloWritten October 30, 2023
- Codiak!Abbotsford, Canada12,032 contributionsAn iconic Heidelberg landmark.We were so fortunate that our hotel (Hollander Hof, separate review) over looked the Neckar River and the Karl Theodor Bridge , also know as the Old Bridge. From our window we could watch as groups of tourists and locals alike strolled across it. Similarly we could see the river cruises going underneath it. It is amazing to see all lit up at night.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,097 reviews
Excellent
1,072
Very good
845
Average
176
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Vadim
Murmansk, Russia34,571 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
The old bridge of Heidelberg is the same landmark of the city as the Castle and the University. However, the bridge is not too old, it has not turned 250 years old yet. This particular stone bridge was built by order of Karl Theodor in 1788. Therefore, the second name of the bridge is given by the name of the founder. There is also a statue in his honor on the bridge. As is usually the case, this bridge had many predecessors that were destroyed during wars, demolished by floods and ice. This last bridge at this place did not escape the same fate. On March 29, 1945, the retreating Wehrmacht blew up this bridge, remembering the consequences of one not blown up bridge in Remagen. The bridge was quickly restored in a year. In addition to the mentioned statue of Karl Theodor on the bridge, you can see the Neckartor (Neckar Gate) with two twin towers, a statue of a monkey and small mice. I didn't have time and I limited myself to the classic view from the castle.
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve_of_N21
London, UK3,273 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
The Karl Theodor bridge, commonly known as the Old Bridge is an Arch bridge made of sandstone that crosses the Neckar river and connects the Old City with the eastern part of the Neuenheim district of the city on the opposite bank. The current bridge is the ninth built on the site and was constructed in 1788 and is one of the best-known landmarks and tourist destinations in Heidelberg. The Karl Theodor bridge, commonly known as the Old Bridge is an Arch bridge made of sandstone that crosses the Neckar river and connects the Old City with the eastern part of the Neuenheim district of the city on the opposite bank. The current bridge is the ninth built on the site and was constructed in 1788 and is one of the best-known landmarks and tourist destinations in Heidelberg.
Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clevlander
Springfield, IL5,649 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The old Bridge is an amazing structure that has been destroyed and rebuilt eight times to reach its current appearance. It’s the old bridge, because this is the first one that was built and was the entry point to the city were fees were collected to enter the city. Incredible views of the castle can be seen from here and it’s an excellent spot for pictures
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS4,091 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The Karl Theodor Bridge, commonly known as the Old Bridge, is an 28th century arched walking-bridge in Heidelberg that crosses the beautiful Neckar river. The Bridge allows lovely photo opportunities of the Schloss Heidelberg, the Neckar River, the Path to Philosopher's Way, and the Historic Old Town. The Bridge is guarded by an impressive Gateway, and an interesting Monkey Statue with a promise of money, luck, and a return visit to Heidelberg! The Gateway (Southern entrance or Bridge Gate) was once part of the Old Town’s medieval fortification wall. What an absolutely beautiful area of Heidelberg!
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Codiak!
Abbotsford, Canada12,032 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We were so fortunate that our hotel (Hollander Hof, separate review) over looked the Neckar River and the Karl Theodor Bridge , also know as the Old Bridge. From our window we could watch as groups of tourists and locals alike strolled across it. Similarly we could see the river cruises going underneath it. It is amazing to see all lit up at night.
Written May 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NikaNumber1
Royal Oak, MI8,960 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
It’s definitely an old bridge, but it still holds a warm place in modern day Germany and to Heidelberg. Enter the bridge and be sure end.
The entrance isn’t much to look at, but it’s a doorways to a special and beautiful town beyond it.
There are many great views from the bridge of the town and houses, hills and river.
Cute narrow streets in town, bicycles everywhere instead of cars since cars wouldn’t fit down some of the narrow pathways.
It’s very charming and I can see the draw to this town.
The entrance isn’t much to look at, but it’s a doorways to a special and beautiful town beyond it.
There are many great views from the bridge of the town and houses, hills and river.
Cute narrow streets in town, bicycles everywhere instead of cars since cars wouldn’t fit down some of the narrow pathways.
It’s very charming and I can see the draw to this town.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoonaMuslim
739 contributions
May 2020
The Karl Theodor Bridge, better known as the "Old Bridge", is a sandstone bridge over the Neckar in Heidelberg. It connects the old town with the opposite bank of the Neckar.
In the center of the old town, with the bridge gate and the monkey bridge, the romantic, baroque bridge is part of a visit to Heidelberg and can be easily combined with a walk to the Philosophenweg and the Thingstätte.
Lots of tourists, of course. But also a beautiful sight and a beautiful view of the castle and the old town
In the center of the old town, with the bridge gate and the monkey bridge, the romantic, baroque bridge is part of a visit to Heidelberg and can be easily combined with a walk to the Philosophenweg and the Thingstätte.
Lots of tourists, of course. But also a beautiful sight and a beautiful view of the castle and the old town
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JaniO
US447 contributions
Feb 2023
Visited this pedestrian bridge during a short visit to Heidelberg in February 2023. Alte Brücke Heidelberg is a fantastic place to enjoy amazing views of Heidelberg and the Neckar River. Heidelberg is definitely worth visiting.
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim W
Sindelfingen, Germany8,350 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
I spent the Columbus Day weekend visiting Heidelberg with my good friend. One of the great things to see and do is the historic bridge. You must walk across the bridge to see it from both sides. You also have to take a photo with the monkey next to the bridge.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dragan Petrović
Munich, Germany1,252 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Alte Brücke in German or in English Old Bridge is one of the top city landmarks, hand in hand with Heidelberg Castle.
Its official name is Karl Theodor Bridge after the Elector Charles Theodore, who was constructed the site in 1788.
It is an arch bridge across the River Neckar and connects Altstadt Heidelberg (Old Town) and the eastern side of the city district of Neuenheim.
It is made of Neckar sandstone.
Although, the bridge itself is relatively young, compared to the city, there were eight different bridges at the site.
At the south end of the bridge, there are Brückentor, which dates back to XV century, and the statue of a monkey, Bridge Monkey. It dates back also to XV century, but it was disappeared during the Nine Year's War in XVII century. Today's statue was erected in 1979.
Absolutely recommended.
Its official name is Karl Theodor Bridge after the Elector Charles Theodore, who was constructed the site in 1788.
It is an arch bridge across the River Neckar and connects Altstadt Heidelberg (Old Town) and the eastern side of the city district of Neuenheim.
It is made of Neckar sandstone.
Although, the bridge itself is relatively young, compared to the city, there were eight different bridges at the site.
At the south end of the bridge, there are Brückentor, which dates back to XV century, and the statue of a monkey, Bridge Monkey. It dates back also to XV century, but it was disappeared during the Nine Year's War in XVII century. Today's statue was erected in 1979.
Absolutely recommended.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing