Lorraine Bridge
An iconic 1920s concrete arch bridge offering stunning panoramic views of Bern and the Aare River, perfect for photos and leisurely strolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light & fewer crowds
Lorraine Bridge
Best Time
Magical light & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic 1920s concrete arch bridge offering stunning panoramic views of Bern and the Aare River, perfect for photos and leisurely strolls.
"It is a wonderful steel bridge of 1920s on the Aare river Bern Switzerland. It is an arch bridge, road bridge and concrete bridge which was completed in 1930."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Come for sunset! The views of Bern are amazing and make for a super nice pic.
🚶♀️ Scenic Riverside Walk
The bridge connects to the Lorraine district, offering lovely walks along the Aare river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Vistas
Center of the bridge
Capture postcard-perfect views of Bern's charming old town and the winding Aare River from this iconic vantage point.
Architectural Marvel
The bridge structure
Admire the impressive 1920s concrete arch design by Robert Maillart, a testament to innovative engineering.
Sunset Spectacle
Western side of the bridge
Witness a truly amazing sunset painting the sky with vibrant colors over the city and river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Embrace the River Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips for swimming in Aare
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Come for sunset! The views of Bern are amazing and make for a super nice pic.
🚶♀️ Scenic Riverside Walk
The bridge connects to the Lorraine district, offering lovely walks along the Aare river.
Newbie swimming in the Aare river
🚲 Cycleway Access
Enjoy a bike ride across the bridge, which features a dedicated cycleway for cyclists.
🚗 Speed Limit Awareness
Remember the speed limit is 50 KM per hour for vehicles on the bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Come for sunset! The views of Bern are amazing and make for a super nice pic.
🚶♀️ Scenic Riverside Walk
The bridge connects to the Lorraine district, offering lovely walks along the Aare river.
🚲 Cycleway Access
Enjoy a bike ride across the bridge, which features a dedicated cycleway for cyclists.
🚗 Speed Limit Awareness
Remember the speed limit is 50 KM per hour for vehicles on the bridge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Lorraine Bridge for its beautiful scenic views of Bern and the Aare River, highlighting it as a wonderful spot for photography, especially during sunset. The bridge's impressive 1920s concrete arch design by Robert Maillart is also a significant point of admiration. While generally well-regarded, some may find it primarily a functional crossing rather than a destination in itself.
"Beautiful views"
Maya
"Another scenic spot when you walk across the bridge, Bern is so beautiful"
Winson Lee
"It is a wonderful steel bridge of 1920s on the Aare river Bern Switzerland. It is an arch bridge, road bridge and concrete bridge which was completed in 1930. It is located in the East of Bern. It is about 396 meters long and it has a cycleway. The speed limit here is 50 KM per hour.
It connects downtown Bern via the Aare river valley with the Lorraine district to the north. It is actually a four lane road bridge to replace for the driveway of the red iron bridge, the bridge the road and footpaths of which were closed after the opening. The project and the management were at Robert Miallart's engineering firm.
The elliptical main arch with a clear width of 82 m and a stitch of 31 m was built from unreinforced conceret boxes according to a design by R Maillart. They were prefabricated next to the bridge and then lifted in Paris with a a cable crane to their place to the falsework. The outer walls were roughened using a process that would be called exposed aggregate concrete today. The roadway originally consisted of a weakly reinforced concrete that was placed with a small paver. Only the pavement slabs and the parapets were made of natural stone."
Imran Minhas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lorraine Bridge is easily accessible by public transport in Bern. You can take various bus and tram lines that stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center, offering scenic views as you approach. For those driving, there are parking options in the Lorraine district or near the city center, though walking or public transport is often recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Yes, the Lorraine Bridge is very pedestrian-friendly. It features wide sidewalks and offers excellent vantage points for walking and enjoying the scenery. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to take a stroll.
Absolutely! The Lorraine Bridge has a dedicated cycleway, making it a safe and enjoyable route for cyclists. It's a key connection for bike paths in Bern.
Many visitors enjoy floating down the Aare River, especially in warmer months. You can rent specialized bags for your belongings and simply let the current carry you. Always research safety guidelines and be aware of the river's conditions before entering.
While direct parking on the bridge is not available, there are parking garages and street parking options in the Lorraine district and the surrounding areas of Bern. It's often more convenient to use public transport or walk if you're already in the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket or admission fee required to walk or cycle across the Lorraine Bridge. It is a public infrastructure and freely accessible to everyone.
The Lorraine Bridge is a public road and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access is unrestricted.
There is no entrance fee for the Lorraine Bridge. It is a free public bridge.
Yes, the Lorraine Bridge is illuminated at night, offering a different but equally beautiful perspective. It remains open for pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the clock.
The primary restriction is the 50 KM per hour speed limit for vehicles. Otherwise, it's a public space with no specific visiting restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most spectacular light for photography, casting a warm glow on Bern and the Aare River. Weekday afternoons can also provide good lighting with fewer crowds than weekends.
The center of the bridge provides excellent panoramic shots of the city. Looking towards the Lorraine district offers a different urban perspective. The riverbanks below also provide unique angles of the bridge's impressive arch.
Drone usage in Bern is subject to local regulations and airspace restrictions. It's advisable to check with the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views and the bridge's architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the old town. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light photography during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, capturing the Aare River flowing beneath the bridge, especially with people swimming or floating during warmer months, makes for dynamic and iconic photos. The reflections of the bridge and city in the water can also be stunning.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Leisurely Strollers & Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Genius of the Lorraine Bridge
The most striking feature is its elliptical main arch, boasting a clear span of 82 meters and a rise of 31 meters. This impressive arch was constructed from unreinforced concrete boxes, a pioneering technique for its era. These segments were prefabricated off-site and then meticulously lifted into place using a cable crane. The exterior concrete surfaces were intentionally roughened, a process akin to today's exposed aggregate concrete, adding a unique textural quality to the structure. The roadway itself was initially laid with a small paver, and only the pavement slabs and parapets were made of natural stone, highlighting the blend of innovative concrete work and traditional materials.
Maillart's work on the Lorraine Bridge, particularly his use of concrete for large-span arches, was groundbreaking and influenced bridge construction for decades. The bridge stands not only as a vital transportation link but also as a significant monument to engineering innovation. Visitors can appreciate its robust form and the historical context of its construction, understanding its importance in Bern's urban development.
Experiencing the Aare River: Bern's Natural Playground
While the Lorraine Bridge provides excellent views of the river, it's important to note that direct access for swimming might be limited from the bridge itself. However, numerous entry points are available along the riverbanks in Bern, allowing for a refreshing dip. Redditors often share tips on the best spots to enter and exit the river, as well as advice on safety, such as wearing appropriate footwear and being aware of the current's strength.
Beyond swimming, the Aare Riverbanks offer scenic walking and cycling paths, easily accessible from the Lorraine Bridge. These paths provide opportunities for leisurely strolls, picnics, and simply enjoying the natural surroundings. The river's presence adds a dynamic and refreshing dimension to Bern, complementing the historic architecture and making the city a truly unique destination.
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