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10 Best Bridges in Berlin: Iconic Landmarks and Views

Berlin is a city defined by water. With more bridges than Venice—over 900 by some counts—the German capital uses its river crossings not just as functional infrastructure, but as artistic statements and historical markers. From the red-brick Gothic towers that symbolize the city's reunification to the sleek modern steel structures of the government district, Berlin’s bridges offer some of the most spectacular vantage points in the city.

In this guide, we dive into the 10 best bridges in Berlin. These are the crossings that capture the architectural soul of the city, provide the best views for photographers, and tell the most compelling stories of Berlin's past and present. Whether you're an architecture lover or just looking for a scenic spot for a sunset stroll, these iconic landmarks should be on every Berlin itinerary.

Did You Know?

Berlin has significantly more bridges than Venice. While Venice has around 400, Berlin boasts nearly 1,000 bridges across its sprawling network of rivers, canals, and lakes. This abundance of crossings makes the city incredibly walkable and photogenic.

The 10 Best Bridges in Berlin

1. Oberbaumbrücke (The Icon)

Location: Friedrichshain / Kreuzberg

Style: Brick Gothic

The Oberbaumbrücke is arguably Berlin’s most famous bridge. With its distinctive red-brick towers and arched walkways, it connects the former East (Friedrichshain) and West (Kreuzberg). It was a border crossing during the Cold War and is now a symbol of the unified city.

Views: Incredible perspectives of the Spree, the Molecule Man sculpture, and the urban skyline of Mitte.
Best Time: Sunset or night, when the towers are beautifully illuminated.
Tip: Stand on the bridge as the yellow U1/U3 train rattles across the upper deck for the ultimate "Berlin" photo.

2. Glienicker Brücke (Bridge of Spies)

Location: Wannsee / Potsdam

Style: Steel Arch

Infamous as the location for prisoner exchanges between the East and West during the Cold War, the Glienicke Bridge is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It crosses the Havel river and offers a gateway into the palace gardens of Potsdam.

Views: Panoramic vistas of Babelsberg Palace and the pristine waters of the Havel.
Best Time: Early morning when the mist hangs over the river.
Tip: Look for the line on the pavement marking the former border between the GDR and West Berlin.

3. Schlossbrücke (Palace Bridge)

Location: Mitte (Unter den Linden)

Style: Classical (Karl Friedrich Schinkel)

Designed by the legendary architect Schinkel, this bridge is located at the heart of historic Berlin. It features eight white marble sculptures depicting ancient Greek mythology, leading toward the Museum Island.

Views: The best view of the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) and the Humboldt Forum.
Best Time: Golden hour, when the marble statues glow against the blue sky.
Tip: Walk across from the Lustgarten for the most grand approach.

4. Moltkebrücke

Location: Moabit / Mitte (Near Hauptbahnhof)

Style: Neobaroque / Red Sandstone

Named after the Prussian Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke, this bridge is a masterpiece of red sandstone. It survived heavy fighting during the Battle of Berlin in 1945 and serves as an ornate entrance to the government district.

Views: Spectacular views of the Federal Chancellery and the Spree river.
Best Time: Evening, when the red stone creates a warm, atmospheric vibe.

5. Kronprinzenbrücke

Location: Mitte (Government District)

Style: Modern Steel & Glass (Santiago Calatrava)

Designed by the world-renowned architect Calatrava, this bridge is a sharp contrast to Berlin’s older brick structures. Its sleek, white steel ribs make it a favorite for modern architecture photographers.

Views: The Reichstag building and the modern architecture of the "Band des Bundes."
Best Time: Night, when its lighting makes the bridge look like a glowing skeleton over the water.

6. Modersohnbrücke

Location: Friedrichshain

Style: Industrial / Infrastructure

While not architecturally "pretty" in a traditional sense, this bridge is a cult favorite. It crosses the sprawling rail tracks of East Berlin and is the premier spot for sunset viewing in the city.

Views: The most iconic sunset silhouette of the TV Tower and the Berlin skyline.
Best Time: Sunset. 100% sunset.
Tip: Bring a beer from a nearby Späti and join the locals sitting on the concrete ledge.

7. Admiralbrücke

Location: Kreuzberg (Landwehr Canal)

Style: Wrought Iron / Cobblestone

This is Berlin’s "social bridge." It’s a low-slung, atmospheric crossing in one of the city's coolest neighborhoods. In summer, it becomes an open-air living room for locals.

Views: Romantic, tree-lined vistas of the historic Landwehr Canal.
Best Time: Late afternoon and evening.
Tip: It's less about the "view" and more about the "vibe." Experience the buskers and the street life.

8. Jannowitzbrücke

Location: Mitte

Style: Functional Modern

A key landmark for anyone arriving in the city center by boat. It offers a wide, open perspective of the Spree as it enters the heart of historic Berlin.

Views: The TV Tower and the surrounding urban industrial beauty of Mitte.

9. Jungfernbrücke

Location: Mitte (Near Museum Island)

Style: Historic Bascule Bridge (The oldest in Berlin)

The Jungfernbrücke is the last remaining drawbridge of its kind in Berlin, dating back to 1798. It is a tiny, delicate piece of history tucked away from the main tourist crowds.

Views: Charming, quiet views of the Schlossplatz and the older parts of the Spree Canal.
Best Time: Quiet Sunday mornings.

10. Friedrichsbrücke

Location: Museum Island

Style: Historic Reconstruction

Connecting the Alte Nationalgalerie with the other side of the Spree, this bridge is perfectly placed for anyone doing a museum marathon. It was heavily renovated to match its historic architectural grandeur.

Views: Close-ups of the Alte Nationalgalerie and the boat traffic on the Spree.
Best Time: Afternoon, when the sun hits the museum facades.

            Best Bridges in Berlin by Interest
            For History Buffs: Glienicke Bridge and Oberbaumbrücke.
For Skyline Views: Modersohnbrücke and Moltkebrücke.
For Modern Architecture: Kronprinzenbrücke and Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Steg.
For Romantic Vibes: Admiralbrücke and Schlossbrücke.

        

A Short Walking Route: The Bridges of Mitte

If you have two hours, start at Hauptbahnhof and follow this route for a concentrated architecture hit:

Cross the Moltkebrücke (for history).
Walk through the government district to Kronprinzenbrücke (for modernism).
Follow the Spree toward Museum Island to cross the Schlossbrücke (for classicism).
End at Jungfernbrücke for a quiet finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Berlin really have more bridges than Venice?

Yes. While Venice is famous for its bridges, Berlin has roughly double the amount, thanks to its extensive network of water including the Spree, the Havel, and numerous canals.

Which bridge is best for sunset?

The absolute winner is the Modersohnbrücke in Friedrichshain. It offers a perfect, wide-angle view of the sun setting behind the TV Tower.

Are Berlin's bridges safe to walk at night?

Generally, yes. Berlin is a very safe city for walking. The major bridges mentioned in this guide are well-lit and usually have plenty of people around, especially on weekends.

Conclusion

Berlin’s bridges are the connective tissue of a city that has spent decades healing its divisions. To walk across them is to walk through history itself. Whether you're crossing the historic red-brick arches of the Oberbaumbrücke or feeling the pulse of the city on the Admiralbrücke, each bridge offers a unique window into the Berliner way of life.

Take the time to explore these landmarks on foot. Stop in the middle of a crossing, lean against the railing, and watch the Spree flow beneath you. You'll soon realize that in Berlin, the journey across the water is just as important as the destination on the other side.