Plizio Visual Lab
Glienicke Bridge
The Glienicke Bridge connects the cities of Berlin and Potsdam across the Havel river and achieved worldwide fame as a focal point of the Cold War. The current steel truss structure was completed in 1907, replacing several previous wooden and stone constructions. During the division of Germany, the bridge marked the border between West Berlin and East Germany (GDR) and was closed to the general public. It earned the nickname "Bridge of Spies" because it was used three times between 1962 and 1986 for the exchange of high-ranking secret agents and political prisoners. The most famous exchange occurred in February 1962, when American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was swapped for the Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. Today, the bridge is a protected historical monument and part of the UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape of Potsdam. Visitors can now freely walk across the span that was once one of the most heavily guarded symbols of the Iron Curtain. The bridge provides impressive views of Babelsberg Castle and the surrounding scenic river landscape.
- Location: Brandenburg, Germany
- Top sights: Glienicker Brücke · Villa Schoeningen · Villengarten Villa Schöningen
- Nearby: Werder (Havel) (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 38 | 40 | 29 | 53 | 57 | 81 | 58 | 49 | 49 | 49 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
ddr
1962
Geography
Facts
- Construction of the current steel structure was completed in 1907
- The total length of the bridge is approximately 128 meters over the Havel
- Exchange of pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel in February 1962
- Second exchange involving 25 Western prisoners in June 1985
- Final exchange in February 1986 (Natan Sharansky for Soviet spies)
- Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Palaces and Parks of Potsdam
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Glienicke Bridge (10)
Schloss Glienicke
Palace in Berlin, classicist castle by Karl Friedrich Schinkel.
Jagdschloss Glienicke🏰 castle
Hunting lodge in Berlin, built in 1682.
Schloss Babelsberg
Babelsberg Palace with surrounding terraces, in Babelsberg Park.
Klein-Glienicker Kapelle
Chapel Klein-Glienicke, donated by Emperor Wilhelm I and Prince Carl of Prussia.
Kleines Schloss / Damenhaus🏰 castle
Gardener's house from 1833/34, rebuilt 1841-1842 in Tudor Gothic style.
Fürstenhöhe
Viewpoint overlooking the Havel landscape.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Bridge of Spies?
Can you cross the bridge by car?
Where is the best place to park?
Is there a museum there?
How to get there from Berlin?
Glienicke Bridge: where is it located?
Glienicke Bridge: what is there to see?
Glienicke Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
Glienicke Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
