Once a vital artery connecting Kreuzberg and Neukölln, the Thielenbrücke stands before you. This bridge whispers tales of trade, resilience, and artistic expression. It carries echoes from a bygone era.
Thielenbrücke owes its name to Karl von Thielen. He was a Prussian Minister of Public Works. This bridge is more than just a way to cross the Landwehrkanal. It represents a vital link between communities.
The first Thielenbrücke appeared in 1894. F. U. Neubauer, a trading company from Magdeburg, built it. This wooden bridge aimed to develop the company’s property in Neukölln. The city of Berlin took over the bridge after completion. They paid 9000 Mark for its maintenance.
Planners always envisioned the wooden bridge as temporary. It stood slightly east of the Pannierstraße-Glogauer Straße axis. This placement ensured it wouldn’t hinder the construction of a permanent bridge later.
By 1915, the wooden structure deteriorated so much that replacement became necessary. Construction began despite the ongoing First World War. Friedrich Krause oversaw the new Thielenbrücke’s construction. Otto Michaelsen handled the artistic design. The then independent city of Neukölln funded 50% of the construction costs.
The new bridge used reinforced concrete faced with shell limestone from Franconia. Its arch design allowed a 3.0-meter clearance for ships on the Landwehrkanal. This clearance spanned a width of 10.0 meters. Construction finished in 1917.
Until the 1920s, tram line 94 crossed the Thielenbrücke. Later, tram line 12 took its place until World War II.
Many bridges were destroyed near the end of World War II. This was an attempt to halt Soviet troops. Yet, the Thielenbrücke remained untouched. The neighboring Hobrechtbrücke was completely destroyed. This survival gave Thielenbrücke special importance in the early post-war era. Tram line 26 connected Neukölln to the Görlitzer Bahnhof. It ran via the Thielenbrücke. Later, tram line 27E served this route until 1963. In 1964, bus line 75 replaced the tram. Today, MetroBus line M29 still uses the Thielenbrücke.
In 2006, artist Susanne Kienbaum illuminated the bridge. It was part of the 48 Stunden Neukölln festival. The installation Pont Bleu / Pause Bleue featured 1600 blue water bottles.
Since 2010, a weight restriction of 18 tons has been in place on the Thielenbrücke. Currently, no structural measures are planned. The Berlin Senate intends to extend the tram line. It would run from Warschauer Straße station to Hermannplatz. The most favorable route crosses Görlitzer Park. Then, it would cross the Thielenbrücke. Initially, the bridge was expected to undergo renovation. This would accommodate the tram line’s additional weight. Now, demolition and reconstruction are anticipated.
As you stand here, consider the Thielenbrücke. It has witnessed over a century of Berlin’s history. The Thielenbrücke stands as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit. It connects not only streets but also the past and the future.