Wettsteinbrücke, Wettstein bridge

In 1877–1879, construction began on the first Wettsteinbrücke (Wettstein bridge). The bridge was given the nickname “wry bridge of Basel” because of the 2.67 percent incline between the left and right sides.

It wasn’t until 1881, two years after it first opened, that the bridge received its current name, Wettsteinbrücke. The bridge’s original name was the Harzgrabenbrücke.

The need to widen the bridge became apparent after the year 1896. Between 1935 and 1939, it was lengthened from 12.60 m to 21.50 m.

Due to the bridge’s deteriorating condition, a replacement was constructed on the same piers in 1991.

The Middle Bridge (Mittlere Brucke) has been Grossbasel and Kleinbasel’s only connection for over 650 years. A second bridge across the Rhine was required due to traffic congestion and population growth in the 19th century.

Today, you can easily go from the SBB train station to the Badischer Bahnhof and vice versa via tram, car, or bike, or enjoy a leisurely stroll across the Wettsteinbrücke to the Museum Tinguely. Take your camera with you because the view of Basel Minster from the bridge is stunning.

The bridge used to be sarcastically called the “sloping bridge of Basel” because of the height difference between Gross- and Kleinbasel. The city’s mayor, Johann Rudolf Wettstein, is honored with the bridge’s original name (1594 – 1666).