Red Bridge (Knysna River) - Image 1
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Red Bridge Knysna River

4.5
·109 reviews·Knysna, South Africa

A historic 1923 red steel bridge over the Knysna River, offering scenic views, a popular cycling route, and a thrilling spot for river jumps.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for river jumps!

CrowdMedium
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Red Bridge (Knysna River) - Image 1

Red Bridge Knysna River

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for river jumps!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 1923 red steel bridge over the Knysna River, offering scenic views, a popular cycling route, and a thrilling spot for river jumps. Reddit

4.5
(109 reviews)

"It's a beautiful bridge in beautiful surroundings, perfect for a peaceful stop and a refreshing dip. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Dirt Road Access

The road to the bridge is unpaved; drive carefully. Parking is available nearby.

🚻 No Restrooms Available

Plan ahead as there are no public toilets at the Red Bridge site.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Red Bridge

The Iconic Red Bridge

Knysna River

A historic 1923 steel bridge, refurbished and painted red, offering scenic river views and a popular cycling route.

Reddit
Refreshing River Jumps

Refreshing River Jumps

Knysna River

Brave visitors and locals leap from the bridge into the deep river for a thrilling summer swim.

Reddit
Scenic Cycling Route

Scenic Cycling Route

Connecting to Phantom Pass Road

The bridge is a picturesque part of a cycling trail, offering beautiful scenery along the Knysna River.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Red Bridge

The Red Bridge is accessible via a short dirt road, with parking available nearby. While entry is free, there are no restrooms on-site, so plan accordingly before your visit. Reddit

Best Time for a Visit

Visit during warmer months for a refreshing dip in the river, as locals and visitors often jump from the bridge. Consider weekdays to avoid larger crowds. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for river jumps!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and scenic views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Garden Route.The most beautiful place in SA 🇿🇦 #traveltiktoks #travelsouthafrica #knysna #gardenroute #knysnaheads #oceanviews #fyp
@tsireletso_t
25.1K likes • 307.3K views

🚗 Dirt Road Access

The road to the bridge is unpaved; drive carefully. Parking is available nearby. Reddit

🚻 No Restrooms Available

Plan ahead as there are no public toilets at the Red Bridge site. Reddit

#fyp #traveltiktok #knysna #travel
@barbs_n
24.2K likes • 436K views
Knysna River White bridge Red Bridge walk flat easy 6.2 km #friends #visitknysna #lovelivinginknysna #walking #trailwalking #thursdaywalking #westfordbridge #redbridgephotography
yvonnevur
15 likes • 285 views

🏊‍♀️ Jump at Your Own Risk

Many enjoy jumping into the river, but be cautious and aware of surroundings. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Great for Cyclists

A scenic stop on cycling routes, especially towards Phantom Pass. Reddit

🚨 NEW Beer Alert 🚨 Introducing… 🦀 Our Giant Pale Ale 🦀 Have you ever wondered what lurks in the shadowy depths beneath The Red Bridge? The giant Knysna mud crabs are our inspiration for this badass beer. Have you ever spotted one in the Knysna River? 🦀 This is a BIG hop pale ale. Expect a biscuity malt body with bold bitterness from three South African hop varieties. Lip-smacking fruit flavou...
redbridgebrewing
28 likes • 498 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Dirt Road Access

The road to the bridge is unpaved; drive carefully. Parking is available nearby. Reddit

🚻 No Restrooms Available

Plan ahead as there are no public toilets at the Red Bridge site. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Jump at Your Own Risk

Many enjoy jumping into the river, but be cautious and aware of surroundings. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Great for Cyclists

A scenic stop on cycling routes, especially towards Phantom Pass. Reddit

🎣 Good Fishing Spot

The river is also known to be a decent spot for fishing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(109 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Red Bridge for its historical charm, scenic beauty, and the fun of jumping into the river. It's a free, accessible landmark that offers a unique local experience, though the lack of facilities like restrooms is a noted drawback. Reddit

"This historical landmark gem is part of a popular bicycle trail with a beautiful view from the bridge over the Knysna River. The Red Bridge was built in 1923 and refurbished in 2014. To get there, you drive on a small stretch of dirt road, park near the bridge and view. No entry fee and no bathrooms nearby. It's also frequented by youngsters who like to jump off the bride and into the river to take a refreshing dip."

Chantál Fourie

"Beautiful bridge in beautiful surroundings.

We come here often especially since they reworked on the bridge and made it safer and better as it was old and worn plus a bit of a safety hazard.

It's surrounded by beautiful scenery and the river is deep enough to jump off which we be doing in the summer and have seen people do! Also it's a good fishing 🎣 spot too.

The walk across is short to when u get to the phantom pass road but very scenic and beautiful.

It's very peaceful here so definitely take that short drive to come have a look at some history and beautiful scenery!"

James Ross

"Beautiful sight! Love the colour's of different plants growing in the water.
No restrooms though.
Free entry."

Elrinda Kluyts

What People Like

Beautiful river views
Free entry and access
Exciting river jumps

What People Dislike

No restrooms nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Red Bridge is reached via a short stretch of dirt road off the main route. Parking is available close to the bridge. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near the bridge, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

The road leading to the bridge is a dirt road, so it's advisable to drive cautiously. Reddit

Absolutely! The Red Bridge is a popular and scenic part of cycling routes in the area, especially for those heading towards Phantom Pass. InstagramReddit

While near beautiful natural surroundings, the Red Bridge itself is a landmark and not typically described as being within a formal nature reserve. Featherbed Nature Reserve is a nearby attraction. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Red Bridge and the surrounding area is completely free. Reddit

The Red Bridge is an outdoor landmark and is accessible at any time. Reddit

No booking is required as there is no entry fee or specific visiting hours. Reddit

Unfortunately, there are no restrooms available at the Red Bridge site. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly. Reddit

The historic Red Bridge was originally built in 1923 and was refurbished in 2014. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can walk or cycle across the bridge, enjoy the scenic views of the Knysna River, and for the adventurous, jump into the river for a swim. It's also a good spot for fishing. Reddit

While many people do jump, it's important to be cautious and aware of the river's depth and any potential hazards. It's a popular activity, especially in summer. Reddit

The view from the bridge offers beautiful scenery of the Knysna River and the surrounding lush vegetation. TikTokReddit

Yes, the vibrant red color of the bridge against the natural landscape makes it a picturesque spot for photos. Instagram

The Knysna River near the Red Bridge is considered a good fishing spot by locals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful contrasts with the red bridge and the river. Instagram

Capture the bridge's structure, the river below, and the surrounding greenery. Action shots of people jumping or cycling can also be dynamic. TikTokInstagram

Experiment with shots from the riverbanks looking up at the bridge, or from the bridge looking down the river. TikTok

Drone regulations can vary; it's best to check local aviation rules before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

Its striking red color, historical architecture, and the beautiful natural setting of the Knysna River make it a visually appealing subject. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Red Bridge offers a unique experience for families, with the main draw being the opportunity for older children and adults to jump into the river. Reddit While this can be a lot of fun, supervision is crucial, and parents should assess their children's swimming abilities and comfort levels before allowing them to jump. The scenic walk across the bridge also provides a pleasant, short activity. Reddit

It's important to note that there are no restroom facilities at the bridge, so families should plan their visits accordingly. The drive to the bridge involves a short dirt road, so ensure your vehicle is suitable. Despite these considerations, the free entry and the memorable experience of the river jump make it a worthwhile stop for families looking for a bit of adventure. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists and Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Red Bridge is a highlight for cyclists exploring the Knysna area. It's a picturesque stop on routes leading to Phantom Pass Road, offering stunning views of the Knysna River. The bridge itself is easily navigable by bike, and the surrounding dirt road access is manageable for most cyclists. InstagramReddit

Beyond cycling, the area is great for trail walking and enjoying the natural beauty. The short walk across the bridge provides a good vantage point. For those interested in fishing, the riverbanks near the bridge are known to be productive. It’s an ideal spot for a scenic break during an outdoor adventure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History and Refurbishment of the Red Bridge

The Red Bridge, a prominent landmark in Knysna, was originally constructed in 1923. It served as a vital crossing point over the Knysna River, supporting not only road traffic but also a crucial water pipeline. Its historical significance is tied to the development of the region. Reddit

Over the decades, the bridge showed signs of wear and tear, posing potential safety concerns. Recognizing its importance, a significant refurbishment project was undertaken, culminating in its upgrade in 2014. This renovation ensured its structural integrity and safety for continued use, preserving its heritage while modernizing its infrastructure. Reddit

Today, the Red Bridge stands as a testament to Knysna's past, a functional piece of history that continues to be a point of interest for locals and visitors alike. Its vibrant red hue, a result of its refurbishment, makes it a visually striking feature against the natural beauty of the Knysna River. Instagram

Activities and Experiences at the Red Bridge

The Red Bridge offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors. For the adventurous, jumping from the bridge into the deep waters of the Knysna River is a popular thrill, especially during the warmer summer months. This exhilarating experience is a common sight and a memorable part of visiting the bridge. Reddit

Beyond the adrenaline rush, the bridge is a fantastic spot for leisurely pursuits. Cyclists often incorporate the Red Bridge into their routes, enjoying the scenic beauty as they pedal towards Phantom Pass. The walk across the bridge itself is short but offers lovely views, making it a pleasant stop for a stroll. InstagramReddit

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the area around the Red Bridge is also known to be a good fishing spot. The combination of its historical charm, natural beauty, and diverse activities makes the Red Bridge a well-rounded destination for different types of visitors. Reddit

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