“Bauchschmerzenbrücke” they call it. A funny name for such an elegant structure. But look closer. See how its graceful curve almost seems to sigh? That’s the Gottfried-Krüger-Brücke. Standing here you’re on the Heinrich-Heine-Ufer. This pedestrian bridge arches gracefully over the Pumpergraben. It connects the promenade. This charming walk follows the Havel River.
The Gottfried-Krüger-Brücke isn’t just pretty. It’s a piece of Brandenburg an der Havel’s history. The city planned a riverside street in the early 1890s. A sturdy bridge over the Pumpergraben was part of the plan. But local objections stopped that project. After World War I things changed. The city bought land on the left Havel bank. A park with a promenade was built. Finally in 1921 the steel structure of our bridge began to take shape. On January 8 1922 the bridge opened.
Kommerzienrat Gottfried Krüger paid for its construction. Hence its name. Notice the distinctive arch. That wasn’t just for looks. It was crucial. At the end of the Pumpergraben was a mustard mill. Smaller businesses were there too. They needed boat access. The arch ensured sufficient clearance for the boats. The boats brought supplies to these businesses.
The bridge’s unusual hump also led to its nickname “Bauchschmerzenbrücke” or “Stomach Ache Bridge”. There’s a story. A miller. He was always thirsty. One day he came home drunk from the tavern. He argued with his wife. He slammed the door. He went to the mill to add spice. A vinegar barrel slipped. It fell into the canal. The water-vinegar mixture was so sour. The bridge supposedly curved in pain. It was a humorous exaggeration of course. It reflects the bridge’s unique shape.
For years the Gottfried-Krüger-Brücke served pedestrians. It was a picturesque spot. Then came 2015. The Federal Horticultural Show arrived. A second bridge was built. It runs parallel to the Gottfried-Krüger-Brücke. This new bridge is accessible to everyone. It allows people with disabilities to enjoy this beautiful Havel path. This path extends between the Jahrtausendbrücke and the Luckenberger Brücke. Today the original “Bauchschmerzenbrücke” and its accessible counterpart stand side by side. They silently witness the flow of life in Brandenburg an der Havel. They are a testament to the city’s past present and future. They are a reminder of the importance of accessibility. The Gottfried-Krüger-Brücke a bridge spanning much more than just a canal.