Why is this bridge so beautiful? The Kuhmühlenbrücke is no ordinary crossing. It is an iconic landmark. It gracefully connects Uhlenhorst and Hohenfelde over the Kuhmühlenteich.
The Kuhmühlenbrücke is more than just a way to get from one side to the other. It is a designated cultural monument. The Kuhmühlenbrücke is part of a larger ensemble of U-Bahn bridges stretching from Mundsburg to Uhlandstraße. Many consider it the most beautiful bridge along the Hochbahn. Its elegant design blends seamlessly with the park-like setting of the Kuhmühlenteich.
Let’s step back in time. The Kuhmühlenbrücke was built in 1911 and 1912. The architects Ludwig Raabe and Otto Wöhlecke designed it. They were the house architects of the Hamburger Hochbahn before World War I. The location was carefully chosen. The St. Gertrud church sits to the east. Views extend west over the Mundsburger Kanal to the Außenalster. Instead of a bridge with many supports, a delicate iron arch bridge was built. It spans 55 meters. It enhances the landscape.
Imagine the U-Bahn’s inaugural ride. It went between Rathaus and Barmbek on February 15, 1912. The Kuhmühlenbrücke was ready a month prior.
Now observe the abutments. These granite-clad supports are intricately decorated. Each of the four pillars features a symbolic representation of the four elements. Look closely. The upper part of each pillar has a relief depicting the mastery of the element. Below that, a band displays animal figures associated with each element.
Consider the southwestern pillar. It represents water. A male figure catches rain with his arm. A female figure pours water into a jug. The animal figures are fish. Now gaze at the southeastern pillar. It symbolizes air. The animal symbol is a bird. One figure seems to be bending the wind. Another watches. On the northeastern pillar, we see earth represented. The animal symbol is the snake. A man and a woman look at each other. They hold a plant. Finally, look at the northwestern pillar. It represents fire. A fire salamander is the animal symbol. A man points upwards amidst smoke. A woman kneels and observes.
The Kuhmühlenbrücke is not only for U-Bahn passengers. Cars and cyclists also use it. The speed limit is 50 km/h. The Kuhmühlenbrücke is a testament to Hamburg’s architectural heritage. As you travel, remember the Kuhmühlenbrücke.