The incredible but dangerous European bridge that people are banned from using | World | News
A “Devil’s Bridge” in Germany that dates back more than a century was designed to deceive the eyes of people who see it – and is off-limits to the public.
The structure, known locally as Rakotzbrücke, is tucked away in The Kromlau Azalea and Rhododendron Park in Saxony, a natural reserve spanning 80-hectares.
The bridge was thought to have been commissioned by a local knight and built between 1866 and 1875, crafted from different types of stone found nearby.
Visitors may also notice that it doesn’t exactly meet modern safety requirements: it’s steep, covered with jagged edges, and has no parapet to prevent people falling off.
But looking at the bridge side on, and from a distance, it becomes clear that its functionality may not have been the main consideration.
Looked at from a certain angle, the bridge’s bulbous curve forms a perfect circle in the reflection of the waters it stretches over, an effect that’s particularly pronounced when the waters are still and there is plenty of daylight.
It’s one of several so-called devil’s bridges in Europe, structures which were such astounding architectural achievements at the time that folklore abounded about sinister forces being behind them.
Rakotzbrücke remains particularly mysterious, as while “brücke” is understood in modern-day Germany as “bridge” the meaning of “Rakotz” remains unknown.
Thin rock spires are found at either end of the bridge, emulating natural basalt columns which occur naturally in the region.
One TripAdvisor reviewer who visited back in 2017 said: “We went out of our way to find this place while driving between Berlin and Goerlitz and it was so worth it.
“I’ve seen nothing quite like this in all my travels and it really did feel like a rare “find”, they added.
Another added: “One of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. Went there on a rainy day and it was not crowded at all. Really a must see!”
A third said the bridge was “absolutely breathtaking”, adding that “even the most amateur photographer can take an amazingly composed photo worthy of a professional”.
