Karl Theodor Bridge (Alte Brücke)

The Karl Theodor Bridge, universally known as the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge), spans the Neckar River in Heidelberg's Altstadt and dates to 1788, the ninth bridge built on the site after earlier wooden and stone versions were destroyed by floods and war. Its sandstone arches and the twin-towered Brückentor gate on the Altstadt side are the main features, along with a bronze statue of Elector Karl Theodor, who commissioned the bridge, and a smaller monkey statue (Brückenaffe) whose mirror is a popular photo prop for luck. Crossing on foot from the market square side to the Neuenheim bank takes only a few minutes, but most visitors linger to take in the view back toward the castle rising above the rooftops, one of the most photographed vistas in the city. The far bank also gives access to the base of the Philosophers' Walk. The bridge is busiest around midday when tour groups cross between the Altstadt and the Neckar's north bank, so early morning or evening light produces both calmer crossings and better photographs of the castle silhouette.