How about a bridge that whispers tales of war and rebirth? That’s the Baumschulenbrücke for you. This bridge carries Baumschulenstraße over the Britzer Verbindungskanal.
Let’s step back in time. The first Baumschulenbrücke was built in 1904. This was after the construction of the navigable canal. It was quite simple. It had an iron truss resting on supports. These supports were on land and in the middle of the canal.
Then came World War II. In 1945, German troops partly destroyed the Baumschulenbrücke during the Battle of Berlin. It was rendered unusable. After the war, the eastern part of Berlin needed to supply the cut-off areas. They provisionally repaired the Baumschulenbrücke. By 1950, the salvaged part was lifted. A new wooden pier was added. Later, in the 1950s, it became a partial beam bridge with wooden planks.
Here’s an interesting detail. Until 1992, the Ikarus bus line 47 used this bridge. This bus line is now the 245.
Now, imagine the Berlin Wall. From August 1961, the Wall ran west of the bridge. Passenger boat traffic was prohibited. Swimming and fishing were also banned. This ban extended from the Baumschulenbrücke to the border. The water police strictly controlled the area.
But there’s more. From the 1970s, freight traffic increased. Ships transported coal and gravel to West Berlin. Control measures started near the Baumschulenbrücke. A yellow plastic screen was installed on the bridge railings. This was to block views. It was removed after the Wall fell.
After 1991, the old bridge was reconnected to the street sections. It served traffic until 1994. Then, urgent repairs were needed. During renovations, one lane remained open. A steel temporary bridge was built for the other lane.
The Baumschulenbrücke you see now was rebuilt in 1995 and 1996. It largely follows the historical model. The engineering firm Gregull and Spang rebuilt it. The roadway is 9.2 meters wide. It is bordered by a beige iron framework. The two-meter-wide sidewalks have red gratings. These are decorated with forged chalice leaves and medallions.
The Baumschulenbrücke got its name from Baumschulenstraße. This street was named after large nurseries. These nurseries, like the Späth nursery, were here in the early 20th century.
Today, the Baumschulenbrücke carries buses 170 and 265. It also spans allotments on both sides of the canal. Near the bridge is the Späth-Arboretum. This belongs to Humboldt University. To the east lies the Königsheide landscape conservation area. Also, part of Baumschulenbrücke/Forsthausallee is a dog exercise area.
So, as you cross the Baumschulenbrücke, remember its story. It is a story of destruction, makeshift repairs, Cold War divisions, and careful restoration. It is a testament to Berlin’s resilience.