Strasbourg's Covered Bridges: everything you need to know before your visit

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The Covered Bridges are a series of three bridges in a row located in the extension of the picturesque district of Petite France, in Strasbourg. Impossible to miss this place during your visit to Strasbourg! This is an essential district that you will find on many postcards. And for good reason! It is the ideal place to admire beautiful half-timbered houses, typical of the region. Discover without further delay some highlights in the history of the Covered Bridges.

The history of this tourist attraction

Despite their name, the bridges that span the canals of the Ill have had no roof since the 18th century! But that has not prevented them from keeping their name. Originally, they were indeed bridges in the form of galleries surmounted by tiled roofs. Today, they are more like footbridges between different districts.

On either side also stand three massive stone towers. The remarkable ensemble forms a highly touristic place, only accessible on foot.

Historians who have studied the history of this emblematic place date its construction between 1230 and 1250. At the time, Strasbourg was a strategic city in terms of river traffic. The exchange of goods, on horseback or by boat, was numerous.

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These bridges therefore served on the one hand to connect the banks, so that men and goods could circulate easily, and on the other hand to defend the city… hence the presence of towers to watch over the bridges.

Moreover, there were four of them originally. Today, there are only three left, perfectly preserved:

• The Heinrichsturm later used as a civil prison.
• The Hans von Altheimturm used as a military prison in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• The Tour des Français which also served as a military prison during the same period.

You may then wonder what happened to the fourth tower? The Maltzenturm was unfortunately ravaged by a fire before being razed during the 19th century. The remaining three are, for their part, classified as historical monuments.

In addition to their practical role in facilitating travel while protecting the city, these bridges served as a "filter". Indeed, they were not only equipped with a roof. They were also closed by wooden sections at the ends. The interest? To protect the city from potential assailants of course, but not only! The guards made sure to stop "undesirable" individuals, such as the sick for example. Thus, they prevented contagious diseases from spreading to other districts of the city.

The construction of the Vauban dam

Over time, the strategic and defensive role of the bridges was lost and the towers were transformed into prisons and places of torture. Around 1690, the Covered Bridges were no longer sufficient to defend this part of the city, as they had become vulnerable to the evolution of artillery. The fortified Vauban dam, also called "Grande Écluse", was therefore built a few meters away. This installation made it possible to flood the entire southern front of the city in the event of a siege. The enemy troops then found themselves bogged down in the upstream area, which had become marshy. Impossible to attack the city under these conditions!

Nowadays, these places have of course lost all military functionality. They now constitute an essential passage for the people of Strasbourg and tourists, who stroll through the different districts of the city. 

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Note also that at the level of the dam, a staircase with about sixty steps leads to a large terrace offering a panoramic view of the city, the district of Petite France, and the Covered Bridges. Enough to make beautiful souvenir photos! A good tip? Come back in the evening to enjoy the illuminations.

Stay in Strasbourg with B&B HOTELS

Embark on board a tour boat and let yourself be transported along the water or stroll on foot to discover the rich heritage of the Alsatian capital. And of course, if you are planning your Strasbourg getaway during the holiday season, do not miss the famous Christmas markets of Alsace. The opportunity to discover the region in a warm and festive atmosphere, while tasting delicious Alsatian specialties!

For accommodation, B&B HOTELS offers you several hotels in Strasbourg, such as our hotel located near Strasbourg airport or our B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Industrie, B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Sud Geispolsheim, B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Mundolsheim.

Enjoy quality bedding to rest during this busy program! Our comfortable accommodations are located in the four corners of Strasbourg, close to the must-see places to visit! Whether you are staying alone, as a couple, with your family or as part of a business trip, you will have all the necessary equipment to enjoy your stay: private bathroom, unlimited free wifi or flat screen TV.