Rheinkniebrücke

Have you ever stood under a bridge that connects two worlds? The Rheinkniebrücke, or Rhine Knee Bridge, in Dusseldorf literally spans the bend in the Rhine River. This bridge is a Dusseldorf icon and is more than just a useful crossing point over the river for the cities of Unterbilk and Oberkassel. It was officially opened on October 16, 1969, after plans for a bridge at this location had been discussed for a very long time. Back in 1912, architects Bruno Schmitz and engineer Otto Blum had included a bridge in their plans for the redesign of Dusseldorf. It wasn’t until 1962 that a decision was made to build the Rheinkniebrücke. The design work was entrusted to architect Friedrich Tamms. He chose Fritz Leonhardt, a well-respected bridge engineer, to be the lead engineer. The construction project was a collaborative effort undertaken by leading German companies, including Demag AG, Gutehoffnungshütte, and the mining and steel industry firm Hein, Lehmann & Co. In 1997, the Roncalli Apollo Variet, a cabaret, opened underneath the bridge. What may not be obvious to the casual observer is the fact that the Rheinkniebrücke was once considered the cable-stayed bridge with the longest span in the world. The Rheinkniebrücke with its single pylon on the left bank of the Rhine River, is a magnificent structure that adds a unique touch to the Dusseldorf cityscape.