A metal arch curves gracefully. This is the Siemenssteg. It is a footbridge with a story etched in iron and stone.
Let’s step back in time to the turn of the 20th century. The Charlottenburg Electricity Works needed a way to channel power. This is when the Siemenssteg was born. It was constructed between 1899 and 1900. The Siemenssteg served a dual purpose. It was a pedestrian bridge. Also, it carried electrical lines to Charlottenburg.
The bridge officially opened on August 1, 1900. Two years later, it received its name. It was named after the industrialist Werner von Siemens. His residence wasn’t far from here.
Notice the bridge’s dimensions. The Siemenssteg stretches 77 meters long. It measures 3.5 meters wide. The design incorporates two sandstone pylons. Each pylon reaches a height of 10 meters. The pylons stand at each end of the bridge.
The Siemenssteg’s builder was Elektrizitäts-AG. They were formerly W. Lahmeyer & Co. from Frankfurt am Main. This company also built the Charlottenburg power plant.
Interestingly, the Siemenssteg survived World War II unscathed. It lacked strategic importance during street fights. Today, it is one of the best-preserved historical footbridges over the Spree. However, it underwent extensive renovation in 1960.
The Siemenssteg spans the Spree River. It connects Alt-Lietzow to the Charlottenburg power plant. You’ll find it between Iburger Ufer and Am Spreebord street. It sits just past the junction of Landwehr Canal and Charlottenburg Link Canal. The Röntgen Bridge runs parallel about 180 meters upstream.
Take a closer look at the details. The bridge’s foundations feature natural stone bases. They are framed with wrought iron. Fourteen stone steps lead up to the Siemenssteg from each bank. The staircases are adorned with wrought-iron details. A cast-iron arch of lattice girders spans the wooden walkway.
Massive natural stone pillars support the Siemenssteg on either side. These pillars feature square bases. They are made of individual stone blocks. Delicate Baroque canopies top the pillars. These are connected by intricate wrought-iron cornices. Wrought-iron decorations and ornaments embellish the pillars and railings. Above the staircases, the iron cornice serves as a bracket. It holds a bridge lamp.
Behind the Siemenssteg stands the historic power plant. It includes the administration building and machine hall. Also, there is the adjacent residence of the operations manager and master mechanic. These buildings represent the industrial architecture of Berlin. The style is Märkische Backsteingotik.
So, the Siemenssteg is more than just a bridge. It is a testament to Berlin’s industrial past. It is a survivor of war. It is a beautiful example of engineering and design. As you cross it, remember the workers. Remember the electricity that once flowed through it. The Siemenssteg connects not just two points on the river, but also the past and present.