Built in 1906 the Alsenbrücke stands proudly. This Art Nouveau masterpiece connects Wannsee to Kohlhasenbrück. It’s more than just a bridge. It’s a symbol of connection. A link between two communities. The Alsenbrücke wasn’t always so grand. The original single-lane bridge struggled to manage traffic. Imagine the bottleneck. Cars and carriages vying for space. The only route to Kohlhasenbrück Steinstücken and Potsdam. This limited access severely impacted these areas. A significant upgrade was desperately needed.
From 1995 to 1998 a major renovation took place. Schülerbau Berlin undertook this project costing around 6.1 million marks. The old Alsenbrücke was replaced with a modern structure. This new Alsenbrücke features two lanes for vehicles. It also includes a dedicated pedestrian and cycle path. The designers cleverly incorporated elements of the old bridge. The original wrought-iron railings and Schinkelleuchten street lamps were retained. They even reused as much as possible from the old bridge’s supporting pillars.
The Alsenbrücke’s construction is quite unique. It’s a beam bridge made of steel. Its six individual sections were manufactured in Frankfurt/Oder. They were then transported to Potsdam on heavy-duty vehicles. Each section weighed approximately 25 tons. The bridge pieces were assembled in early November 1996 using two cranes. Interestingly the east pedestrian walkway was added later. This was done without disrupting traffic flow.
The Alsenbrücke’s name has a fascinating story too. It’s named after the Alsen colony. This colony was once connected to Neubabelsberg by the bridge. The Alsenbrücke is more than just a way to cross the Prinz-Friedrich-Leopold-Kanal. It’s a testament to engineering. It’s a historical landmark. It’s a vital link between communities. It’s a symbol of Potsdam’s rich history and resilience.