Winter still has Munich in its clutches, but hope for the arrival of spring dies last. And to make the wait for warmer temperatures more bearable , we can at least dream of the best hikes around Munich. After all, what could be better than immersing yourself in nature when the first rays of sunshine appear? Impressive waterfalls such as the Tatzelwurmare among the top excursion tips. And if you like the legend surrounding this waterfall, you’ll also like the bridge that goes with it. At 189.91 meters, the Tatzelwurm Bridge is one of the longest wooden bridges in Europe.
On the trail of a mythical creature
Anyone who sees the Tatzelwurm Bridge will quickly understand where it gets its name. Due to its curved, almost snake-like shape , it is affectionately named after the mythical creature Tatzelwurm. This creature is usually described as a mixture of snake and big cat. It is said to live in the Alps and has also “created” the waterfall of the same name.
However, the special construction method also has an architectural technical term. It is a so-called tension band bridge. This means that the “bridge body” hangs elegantly and follows a natural curve. The wooden band rests on two pillars and is anchored at the ends in solid concrete blocks.
A bridge for (almost) all situations
The wooden bridge takes you over the Main-Danube Canal near Essing. After seven years of planning, it was finally built in 1986 and held the title of “longest wooden bridge in Europe” for twenty years. It was then replaced by the “Dragon’s Tail” in Ronneburg.
It is still worth seeing, if only because of its unusual shape. It is a popular photo motif and also a central point for hikes on the Altmühltal Panorama Trail. Thanks to its gentle slope , it is also easily accessible for cyclists and wheelchair users. So you don’t have to be a professional to see the Tatzelwurm Bridge. It is also protected from bad weather by a zinc sheet cover .