Whether you’re an architecture aficionado or simply someone who appreciates the graceful interplay of steel and stone, Luxembourg city’s bridges are a must-see. Luxembourg boasts a collection of stunning structures that span the city’s picturesque valleys and rivers. Join us as we explore some of the most enchanting bridges that make Luxembourg city a truly captivating destination.
1. The Four Viaducts in Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City is home to four remarkable railway bridges that gracefully traverse the Alzette Valley. These engineering marvels stand as testaments to the city’s rich railway heritage and architectural prowess. They serve not only as vital transportation links but also as enduring symbols of the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.
- Drei Eechelen Viaduct: The Drei Eechelen Viaduct, with its modest length of 72 metres, is the smallest of the four. Despite its unassuming stature, it plays a crucial role in connecting the central railway station to the northern districts of the city.
- Pfaffenthal Viaduct: Spanning an impressive 260 metres, the Pfaffenthal Viaduct is the longest of the four. It arches over the Alzette Valley, offering panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and the verdant landscape beyond.
- Clausen Viaduct: The Clausen Viaduct boasts an elegant design with its many arches stretching over a distance of 208 metres. Situated near the Clausen district, it adds a touch of grandeur to the city’s picturesque surroundings.
- Pulvermuhl Viaduct (Biisser Bréck): The Pulvermuhl Viaduct, also known as the Biisser Bréck, is 242 metres long and gets its name from crossing over the Biisserwee.The four viaducts have been built with stone, according to the plans of the British Waring Brothers.
Construction: Waring Brothers
Construction years: 1859 to 1862
2. Passerelle (Old Bridge)
The Passerelle bridge, also called the Luxembourg Viaduct, is a historic landmark in Luxembourg City. Built between 1859 and 1861, it carries road traffic across the Pétrusse Valley, connecting the southern part of the city to the city centre (Ville Haute). This impressive structure stretches 290 metres long and reaches a height of 45 metres, offering stunning views of the valley below. With 24 arches, it is an architectural beauty, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Luxembourg.
Engineers / Constructor: Edouard Grenier and Auguste Letellier / Waring Brothers
Construction years: 1859 to 1861
3. Adolphe Bridge (New Bridge)
The Adolphe Bridge is a beautiful arched bridge in Luxembourg City. Built between 1900 and 1903, it was a marvel of engineering at the time, boasting the world’s largest stone arch at 84,65 metres. It spans the Pétrusse Valley at a height of 42 metres, offering stunning views of the city.
Originally, the Adolphe Bridge also served as a railway bridge for the famous Charly train, a narrow-gauge railway line that connected Luxembourg to Echternach. The train line was named Charly in honour of Charles Rischard, the then Minister of Public Works. However, due to the expanding road network and the development of bus services, the route was discontinued in 1954.
After renovation works between 2014 and 2017, the upper deck now accommodates the new tramlines, car traffic, and pedestrians. A lower deck has been added, providing a dedicated path for cyclists.
The bridge is a national symbol and a popular tourist destination, admired for its beauty and historical significance. On the eve of the National Day, part of the popular firework show is launched from the bridge.
Engineers: Albert Rodange (LU) and Paul Séjourné (FR)
Construction years: 1900 to 1903
4. Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge (Red Bridge)
In Luxembourg City, a vibrant red bridge stands out against the landscape – the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge. More than just a bridge, it’s a local landmark nicknamed the ‘Red Bridge’ for its striking paintwork. Inaugurated in 1966, it stretches 355 metres across the Pfaffenthal Valley, connecting the city centre to the modern Kirchberg district, a hub for European institutions.
Standing 74 metres tall, the bridge offers panoramic views of the Alzette River, the charming Pfaffenthal neighbourhood, and the contrast between Luxembourg’s historic and modern quarters. Whether you cross it by car, tram, bike, or on foot, the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge is a must-do experience, providing a unique perspective of the city.
Architect: Egon Jux
Construction years: 1962 to 1966
5. Castle Bridge
Luxembourg City’s Castle Bridge (Pont du Château) boasts a rich history and unique design. Built in 1735 from red sandstone, it replaced an older wooden drawbridge and provided a vital passage between the Upper Town and the Bock Promontory. Unlike most bridges, the Castle Bridge offers multiple ways to cross. Vehicles use the topmost roadway, but pedestrians have other options. One path traverses the four upper arches, another winds down a spiral staircase within a lower arch, and a third passage leads under the bridge through the casemates, a network of underground tunnels carved into the cliffs. This multi-level design reflects the bridge’s role as part of the city’s historic fortifications. Restored entirely in the early 1990s, the Castle Bridge remains a popular landmark and a testament to Luxembourg’s enduring defensive architecture.
Construction years: 1735
6. Grund Bridge (Rue Münster)
The Pont du Grund, or Rue Münster bridge, is a stone bridge carrying Rue Münster across the Alzette River in Luxembourg City. A vital link between the two sides of the charming Grund district, it offers picturesque views of the historic neighbourhood.
Crossing the Pont du Grund takes you into the heart of the Grund, where you can explore its narrow streets, quaint cafes, and rich history. This oldest part of the city, dating back to the 14th century, was once protected by ancient fortifications. Rue St Ulric, next to the bridge, was once a bustling commercial street but lost its prominence with the construction of a bridge over the valley and the arrival of the railway.
Today, the Pont du Grund continues to be a lively spot. From May to October, on the first Sunday of each month, it hosts the ‘Konscht am Gronn’ art show, featuring over 30 local and international artists showcasing various art forms, from paintings and sculptures to photography and glasswork.
Construction years: centenary bridge
7. Stierchen Bridge
Nestled in the heart of Luxembourg City, next to the Abbey of Neumunster, the Pont du Stierchen is a charming piece of history. Built around the mid-15th century, it graces the Alzette River and used to be flanked by two towers (one of the towers was dismantled in the 17th century). The bridge is part of the Wenceslas Wall, built to include the Grund and Rumm into the defence ranks of the city of Luxembourg.
Its design is both beautiful and sturdy, constructed from a combination of coloured limestone and granite blocks. The upper part of the two-arched bridge, rebuilt in 1983, served as a Chemin de Ronde, a walkway that allowed guards to patrol the tops of the ramparts.
According to legend the bridge is home to a ghost that has haunted the Grund at night for centuries. A notorious drinker in life, this restless spirit now seems particularly fond of spooking drunkards.
Construction years: 15th century
8. Béinchen Bridge
The Béinchen Bridge was part of the former fortress of Luxembourg in the Pfaffenthal district, connecting the valley between the two Vauban Towers (Eich and Bons-MaladesTowers). The bridge, adorned with three graceful arches, was constructed between 1684 and 1685 based on a design by the renowned military engineer Vauban, who identified this area of the Pfaffenthal as the weakest point of the fortress and designed the construction of these towers to be incorporated in the fortress. His expertise was crucial in transforming Luxembourg into a formidable European fortress.
Military Engineer: Marquis of Vauban
Construction years: 1684 to 1685
9. Passerelle des Arts
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge has been inaugurated this year, connecting the Red Bridge and the Pfaffenthal Funiculaire to the Mudam Museum. The bridge is made of stainless steel with a mirror polish on its exterior, creating an illusion of invisibility, as if the bridge disappeared into its surroundings, reflecting the natural environment.
A crucial aspect of this project is its commitment to preserve the natural environment. The location of the bridge was carefully chosen in order to minimise the destruction of the forest’s natural elements and to preserve as many existing trees as possible. Additionally, the bridge’s limited number of supports (three) minimises the impact of the structure on the forest and clearing.
The design and layout were meticulously planned to accommodate the growth and movement of existing trees. The lighting system is designed to avoid disrupting the nocturnal life of local fauna.
Architects: Marc Mimram Architecture Ingénierie, Fabeck architectes
Construction years: 2022 to 2024
10. Jean-Pierre Buchler Bridge
This bridge has been renewed and enlarged so that, besides normal traffic, it now accommodates the tram route and a new bicycle and pedestrian ramp since 2023. This pedestrian and cycling ramp connects to the Mühlenweg, an essential link to the important PC103 express cycle route, which forms the backbone of the A3/CFL90 corridor cycle network linking Luxembourg City to Dudelange.
The 100 metres-long bridge spans thirteen railway tracks, and its width has been doubled from 20 to 42 metres.
Engineer of the redevelopment: Félix Giorgetti
Year of redevelopment: 2023
11. Footbridge over Station
Linking the Bonnevoie district to Luxembourg City train station while providing access to the platforms, the new footbridge over the Luxembourg City train station opened to pedestrians in 2021. The footbridge consists of five elements, some of which exceed 80 tonnes. In addition to six staircases, there are six lifts, allowing barrier-free access to the railway platforms from the footbridge.
Year of renovation: 2021
