The Glienicke Bridge spans the Havel River between Jungfernsee and Glienicker Lake and is considered one of the most historically significant road connections between Potsdam and Berlin. The current steel truss construction dates back to 1907, although three other bridges had already existed at the same location before.
After 1949, it served as a border crossing from Potsdam to West Berlin. It was closed to private traffic in 1952; after the construction of the Berlin Wall, the border crossing became completely impassable. During the Cold War, the Glienicke Bridge was used multiple times for the exchange of spies and prisoners between East and West, as it was considered particularly easy to monitor.
Immediately after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Glienicke Bridge was reopened for traffic. Today, it is part of the Federal Highway 1 and once again serves its old function as a transport link between Potsdam and Berlin. Due to its unique construction, turbulent history, and picturesque location, it is also a popular destination for tourists.
The view from the Glienicke Bridge is unparalleled. From here, one can see Potsdam’s Babelsberg Palace and Park, the Heilandskirche in Sacrow, Schloss Glienicke, and the garden landscapes designed by Lenné.
Address
Glienicker Brücke
14467 Potsdam
Germany
