Interestingly, the Moltkebrücke in Lübeck stands as a testament to both history and progress. This bridge is more than just a way to cross the Wakenitz. It’s a landmark connected to significant moments in Lübeck’s past.
The Moltkebrücke gets its name from Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke. He was a celebrated Generalfeldmarschall. Moltke was also an honorary citizen of Lübeck. The Moltkestraße that leads to the bridge also shares his name.
But how did this all come about? Back in 1892, city planning official Ferdinand Wallbrecht took the initiative. He financed the construction of Moltkestraße and the first bridge across the Wakenitz. This was to develop the land of the former Marli estate.
Interestingly, this development was closely tied to a major event. In 1895, Lübeck hosted the German-Nordic Trade and Industry Exhibition. Locals even called it a world exhibition. The exhibition aimed to promote Lübeck as an industrial hub. A tram line was built from the train station to the exhibition grounds for the event. This shows how eager the city was to showcase its industrial capabilities.
The Moltkestraße soon became lined with multi-story residential buildings. These buildings were quite grand. Many apartments featured elaborate tiled stoves and stucco ceilings. Gardens adorned both the street side and the rear of the houses. These homes have been carefully renovated since the 1970s. They now serve primarily as residences. However, some also house doctors, medical professionals, construction companies and architectural firms.
Now, this isn’t the original Moltkebrücke you see before you. The current Moltkebrücke dates back to the latter half of the 20th century.
Here’s a little-known fact. In the mid-1980s, due to its strategic location, the bridge was equipped with tank barriers. These were removed after 1989, following significant political changes.
The Moltkestraße gained direct access to the inner city in 1936 with the construction of the Rehderbrücke. This was formerly known as the Horst-Wessel-Brücke. The Wahmstraße also directly connected to this bridge after the reconstruction following the air raid of March 29, 1942.
Until November 9, 1989, the Moltkestraße was a quiet residential street. It mainly served the areas of Brandenbaum and Eichholz. The opening of the border dramatically changed the situation. Traffic increased from the Schlutup crossing. The connection from Herrnburg was also re-established.
The traffic situation improved after the Wesloer Weg was developed. This rerouted car traffic via the B 104 and then via the B 75 and A 226 to the A 1 motorway. The completion of the final section of the A 20 motorway to the A 1 in December 2004 further eased traffic.
The Moltkebrücke stands as a reminder of Lübeck’s journey. From industrial aspirations to strategic considerations. The Moltkebrücke has played a role in the city’s narrative. Take a moment to appreciate how infrastructure intertwines with history. It shapes the very fabric of a city.