Picture this a sturdy stone arch gracefully spanning a waterway. This is the Wipperbrücke in Lübeck a bridge steeped in history. It wasn’t always this way.
Long ago a simple wooden drawbridge stood here. This was the ancestor of our Wipperbrücke. It connected the city walls built in the 17th century. The bridge facilitated movement between sections of the Lübeck fortifications. It helped to defend the city.
Later the area behind the walls became a public road. The Wipperbrücke then became vital for everyday traffic. Until 1938 it divided Wallstraße into two sections. The French occupation forces inflicted significant damage to it. They did this in 1813 to slow down pursuing enemy troops. A wooden jointed bridge replaced it in 1818.
This bridge too was replaced in 1880. The new one was shorter and narrower. Its load bearing capacity began to suffer. A modern bridge was necessary. Traffic demands especially fast traffic increased.
The new Wipperbrücke built in 1931 stands a bit north of its predecessors. This allowed the old bridge to remain in use. The new bridge’s arch is much wider. Two boats could now pass under it. It was also taller. Its load capacity significantly improved reaching 23 tons for single loads.
This modern bridge is a concrete beam bridge with overhanging ends. Its foundations are reinforced concrete piles. The visible part is clad in brick. This choice minimized maintenance.
The architect’s design is simple. A clean arch spans between wing walls. The wing walls curve slightly outward. Ornate lighting columns once adorned the bridge. The ceramic parts came from the Dänischburg Ceramic Manufactory. The sculptor Alwin Blaue made them.
World War II caused heavy damage. During the reconstruction the brickwork and pillars were not rebuilt. The Wipperbrücke stands as a testament to Lübeck’s past. It connects the city’s history to its present. Its evolution reflects Lübeck’s growth. The Wipperbrücke has served the city through centuries.