Middle Bridge, Basel

The Middle Bridge was originally built sometime in the 13th century. This bridge played an essential part in Basel's success as it allowed easy access for merchants and locals. Originally, money lenders charged those crossing with mules, horses, and goods a toll of 30 silver marks until the construction was paid off.

Spanning the Rhine between Basel’s historic centre and the Little Basel neighbourhood, Middle Bridge is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and stands on the site of one of the oldest bridge crossings on the upper Rhine.

The first bridge here was constructed around 1225–1226, connecting the two banks of the growing medieval city. It played an important role in Basel’s prosperity by making it easier for merchants, residents and goods to cross the Rhine. Travellers with horses, mules and merchandise were once charged tolls that helped finance its construction.

By the late 19th century, the medieval bridge could no longer accommodate Basel’s increasing traffic and electric trams. It was replaced between 1903 and 1905 by the present stone bridge, measuring approximately 192 metres in length and comprising seven arches.

While crossing, look for the small bridge chapel, a reconstruction of a chapel that formed part of the medieval bridge. Several works of art can also be found around the bridgeheads. Carl Burckhardt’s bronze The Amazon depicts an Amazon leading a horse and was completed after the sculptor’s death. Nearby, Bettina Eichin’s Helvetia on Her Travels portrays the personification of Switzerland sitting beside her suitcase and gazing across the Rhine.

Another unusual artwork is Ludwig Stocker’s sculpture depicting the three traditional honorary societies of Little Basel: the griffin, the wild man and the lion. The monument is installed partly beneath the Rhine and is sometimes completely hidden by the water.