Remember when this bridge was almost called something else? That’s right. I’m talking about the Friedensbrücke. This bridge connects the Alsergrund and Brigittenau districts. It spans the Donaukanal in Vienna.
The Friedensbrücke stands near the Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof. It’s also close to the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein. You can also reach Augarten from here.
Originally, a wooden footbridge stood here. It was known as the Stroheckbrücke. The bridge was named after a small straw market. The market was called “Stroheck”.
In 1871, a new bridge was constructed. It was named Brigittabrücke. The city decided to build a new bridge due to increased traffic. But funds were short. Instead, traffic restrictions were increased. In 1919, trucks were banned. Limits were set for horse-drawn carts. Tram line 5 could only use two cars instead of three.
The city announced a competition to build the Friedensbrücke in 1924. Waagner-Biro’s design was chosen. The Brigittabrücke was moved during construction. It served as a temporary bridge. The old Brigittabrücke was moved to the Freudenauer Hafen after the new bridge was completed.
Construction on the new bridge began in 1924. Otto Schönhal and Emil Hoppe designed it. Waagner Biro finished the Friedensbrücke in 1926. It was named to commemorate the Peace Treaty of St. Germain. The bridge officially opened on October 3, 1926.
In 1941, the Nazi regime renamed it Brigittenauer Brücke. “Friedensbrücke” did not fit with their war effort. After the war, the name Friedensbrücke was restored.
In April 1945, the German army destroyed the bridge. They hoped to slow the Red Army. Only the middle section was damaged. Soviet pioneers made it usable for pedestrians.
The Soviets rebuilt the missing section. Waagner Biro workers assisted. The official reopening took place on February 12, 1946. The bridge was once again named Friedensbrücke.
In 1969, the roadway was widened. Tram tracks were relocated. New railings were installed. A tram stop island was added.
Today, the Friedensbrücke stands as a symbol of peace. It connects two districts. It offers stunning views of the Donaukanal. Take a stroll across this historic bridge. Think about its past and its message of peace.