Hubbrücke Lubeck, Germany

Hubbrücke

An der Untertrave

Lubeck, Germany

phone: +49 18 0588 2233 (Tourismus)

This bridge was built in 1900 and stretches over the Elbe-Lübeck-canal, which flows into the Trave river at this spot beneath the Burgtor. At first sight, there seems to be nothing special about this edifice, but it is definitely worth a closer look. The bridge´s street and railway elements can be elevated hydraulically to allow canal vessels through. The neo-Gothic towers at both bridge heads are not just there for decoration - inside, there is the hydraulic elevation device, which was the most up-to-date technological development of its time. And it is still in use. Every day, the bridge is lifted and lowered ten times, and 20,000 cars and several freight trains go across it. The bridge with its original machinery is an important monument to technology, but unfortunately there is no access to its interior for the general public. For those really interested, however, an inquiry at the municipal office for waterways and navigation might offer a possibility.