Nydegg Bridge - Paris on 35mm Film!
 Nikon FE
 Ilford HP5 400
 All photos were taken by me.
1 / 10

Nydegg Bridge

4.8
·603 reviews·Bern, Switzerland

Historic freestone bridge in Bern offering stunning city and Aare River vistas, a Swiss heritage site.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise/Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdLow
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Nydegg Bridge - Paris on 35mm Film!
 Nikon FE
 Ilford HP5 400
 All photos were taken by me.

Nydegg Bridge

Best Time

Sunrise/Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic freestone bridge in Bern offering stunning city and Aare River vistas, a Swiss heritage site.

4.8
(603 reviews)

"Offers a stunning view of the Aare River and the picturesque old town."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Camera Ready!

The views are incredible! Don't forget your camera for stunning Instagram material of the river and Old Town.

🐻 Visit the Bear Park

If you're coming from the train station, this bridge leads you to Bern's iconic bears!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Old Town Views

Panoramic Old Town Views

Mid-bridge

Capture the iconic skyline of Bern's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town from this vantage point.

Aare River Vistas

Aare River Vistas

Along the bridge's pedestrian path

Marvel at the vibrant turquoise waters of the Aare River flowing beneath the bridge.

Architectural Elegance

Architectural Elegance

The bridge itself

Admire the classic freestone arches and the historical significance of this 19th-century structure.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

The Nydegg Bridge offers stunning city and river vistas. For the most picturesque light and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Early mornings are also great for a peaceful stroll before the city fully awakens.

Connecting with Bern's Charm

This historic bridge is a key link in Bern's Old Town. Plan to explore the nearby Bear Park and the Rose Garden for a complete experience. The Aare River's unique summer swimming culture is also a sight to behold.

Best Times

When
Sunrise/Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Beautiful light & activity
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Stairs for running in Bern

📸 Camera Ready!

The views are incredible! Don't forget your camera for stunning Instagram material of the river and Old Town. Reddit

🐻 Visit the Bear Park

If you're coming from the train station, this bridge leads you to Bern's iconic bears! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond

After the bridge, check out the Bear Park, Rose Garden, and trails beneath the bridge. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Great for Exercise

A beautiful spot for an evening walk or run, with scenic surroundings. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Camera Ready!

The views are incredible! Don't forget your camera for stunning Instagram material of the river and Old Town. Reddit

🐻 Visit the Bear Park

If you're coming from the train station, this bridge leads you to Bern's iconic bears! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond

After the bridge, check out the Bear Park, Rose Garden, and trails beneath the bridge. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Great for Exercise

A beautiful spot for an evening walk or run, with scenic surroundings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(603 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Nydegg Bridge for its breathtaking views of Bern's Old Town and the vibrant Aare River. It's highlighted as a historic and architecturally pleasing landmark, perfect for leisurely walks and photography. Some note that while the bridge itself is a thoroughfare, its proximity to attractions like the Bear Park and Rose Garden enhances the overall experience.

"Nydeggbrücke, a beautiful and historically rich bridge in Bern, Switzerland, offers a stunning view of the Aare River and the picturesque old town.

Walking across Nydeggbrücke, one can admire the architectural elegance of its arches and the panoramic vistas it provides. The flowing Aare is truly breathtaking."

Yadun MR

"The Nydeggbrücke is a historic freestone bridge in Bern, Switzerland, was built between 1840 and 1844 to connect the Old City with newer districts across the Aare River. The structure is about 190meter long. During the summer, locals joyfully swim along the Aare River, gliding through its refreshing waters as a unique and scenic way to commute to work."

Winson Lee

"Beautiful scenery and the colour of the water is just so special. Good to walk and exercise in the evening"

JY T

What People Like

Stunning Old Town views
Beautiful Aare River color
Historic architecture

What People Dislike

Can be busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Nydegg Bridge is a straightforward walk from Bern's train station, taking about 15-20 minutes. It's a key landmark on the way to the Bear Park, making it easy to navigate. Reddit

Yes, several bus and tram lines stop near the Nydegg Bridge, making it easily accessible via Bern's public transportation network. Check local schedules for the most convenient routes.

While the bridge itself is a vehicle and pedestrian bridge, parking in the immediate vicinity of Bern's Old Town can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to walk or use public transport.

No, Nydegg Bridge is a public thoroughfare connecting two parts of the city. You can access it from either end as you explore Bern.

Combine a walk across the bridge with visits to the nearby Bear Park, the Rose Garden for elevated views, and exploring the charming streets of the Old Town. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, walking across Nydegg Bridge is completely free and open to the public at all times. It's a public road and pedestrian walkway.

As a public bridge, Nydegg Bridge is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding attractions like the Bear Park have specific operating hours.

There are no fees to access or walk across Nydegg Bridge itself. Any costs would be related to parking or visiting adjacent attractions.

Yes, Nydegg Bridge is accessible at night and offers a different, often beautifully lit, perspective of the city and river.

To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons. Sunrise and sunset also offer fewer people and stunning light. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo spots are from the middle of the bridge looking towards the Old Town, and from the riverbanks below for a wider perspective of the bridge and its arches. Reddit

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the city and river. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near historical sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in Bern.

Any camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture great shots. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full panorama of the Old Town and river.

Experiment with different angles, including shots from below the bridge looking up, and try to incorporate the vibrant color of the Aare River into your compositions. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Near Nydegg Bridge, you can visit the Bear Park, ascend to the Rose Garden for panoramic views, and explore the charming streets of Bern's Old Town. Reddit

Yes, it's a popular spot for leisurely walks and evening runs, offering scenic views along the Aare River. Reddit

While you can see the general area of the Bear Park from the bridge, for a closer look at the bears, you'll need to visit the park itself. Reddit

Nydegg Bridge is a historic freestone bridge built between 1840-1844, connecting the Old City with newer districts and serving as a vital link in Bern's infrastructure. It's a Swiss heritage site.

Yes, there are charming trails and pathways beneath the bridge that offer unique perspectives and a pleasant place for a stroll. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Nydegg Bridge area is fantastic for families. A must-visit is the nearby Bear Park, where children can see Bern's famous bears up close. Reddit After crossing the bridge, a short walk uphill leads to the Rose Garden, offering not only beautiful blooms but also a fantastic playground and stunning panoramic views of the Old Town – perfect for little ones to run around and for parents to relax. The trails beneath the bridge also provide a safe and interesting space for kids to explore. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in one of the scenic spots.

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers

For those who love to stay active, the Nydegg Bridge is a great starting point. The bridge itself is ideal for a brisk walk or a jog, offering continuous scenic views. Reddit You can extend your activity by exploring the trails along the Aare River that run beneath the bridge, or by tackling the climb up to the Rose Garden for a rewarding workout with an incredible payoff. In the summer, witnessing or even participating in the local tradition of Aare swimming adds a unique adventurous element to your visit.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find the Nydegg Bridge and its surroundings incredibly rewarding. The iconic views of Bern's Old Town are best captured from the bridge, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting. Reddit The vibrant turquoise of the Aare River provides a stunning foreground element. Don't miss the opportunity to shoot from the trails below the bridge for a different perspective, or from the Rose Garden for sweeping panoramic shots. The bridge's architecture itself is also a beautiful subject.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Bern's History

The Nydegg Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a testament to Bern's architectural and urban development. Constructed between 1840 and 1844, this impressive freestone structure was designed to connect the historic Old City with the rapidly expanding newer districts across the Aare River. Its elegant arches are a hallmark of 19th-century engineering and have stood as a vital artery for the city for generations. As a Swiss heritage site, the bridge embodies the blend of historical preservation and modern functionality that Bern is known for.

Walking across the Nydegg Bridge offers a tangible connection to the past. You can imagine the horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles that once traversed its path. The bridge's construction was a significant undertaking, reflecting Bern's growth and ambition. Today, it serves as a picturesque route for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, seamlessly integrating the old and new parts of the city while providing breathtaking views that have remained largely unchanged for over a century. It's a key point of reference for understanding Bern's urban layout and historical progression. Reddit

Experiencing the Aare River

The Aare River flowing beneath the Nydegg Bridge is a defining feature of Bern, renowned for its stunning turquoise color and its unique role in local life. During the summer months, the river transforms into a vibrant natural highway, with locals engaging in the popular activity of Aare swimming. This isn't just recreational; many Bernese use the river as a scenic and refreshing way to commute to work or simply cool off on warm days. The sight of people gracefully floating downstream is a quintessential Bern experience.

From the Nydegg Bridge, you get a fantastic vantage point to observe this lively river culture. You can watch swimmers navigate the currents, admire the clarity of the water, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds the city. The trails beneath the bridge also offer a closer perspective, allowing you to feel the energy of the river. Whether you're swimming in it or simply admiring it from above, the Aare River is an integral part of the Nydegg Bridge experience and Bern's identity. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

The Nydegg Bridge is a photographer's delight, offering a wealth of picturesque scenes. The most iconic shots capture the panoramic views of Bern's Old Town, with its medieval architecture and spire-topped churches, framed by the bridge's arches. The vibrant, almost unreal, turquoise hue of the Aare River flowing below provides a striking contrast and a unique element to any photograph. Early mornings and late afternoons, during the 'golden hours,' are particularly magical, bathing the city in warm, soft light and creating dramatic shadows.

Beyond the classic vistas, consider exploring the trails beneath the bridge for a different perspective. Looking up at the imposing stone arches from below can create a sense of grandeur. Don't forget to capture the lively atmosphere during summer, with people enjoying the Aare River. The bridge itself, with its historical architecture, is also a subject worth photographing. Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, the Nydegg Bridge and its surroundings provide endless opportunities for stunning visual storytelling. Reddit

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