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Passerelle (Old Bridge)

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Passerelle (Old Bridge) (Luxembourg)

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The Passerelle Viaduct, affectionately known by locals as 'Al Bréck' (Old Bridge), is a defining feature of the Luxembourg city skyline. Built between 1859 and 1861, it was a key project in opening up the railway station district on the Bourbon Plateau. The impressive structure, comprising 24 arches, stretches for 290 meters and reaches a height of 45 meters above the Pétrusse valley. The need for a new bridge arose from the 1856 Treaty of Paris, which connected Luxembourg to the railway networks of its neighbours. Under the direction of engineer Edouard Grenier, the bridge was erected in a remarkably short time. Although it is now somewhat overshadowed by the more modern Adolphe Bridge, the Passerelle remains an important historical testament to the city's second major expansion and a popular route for enjoying wide-open views of the fortifications and the valley.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C115913171919151052
Rain mm675757467068657256656879

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Passerelle is a public road bridge that can be crossed on foot or by vehicle at any time. It is considered a pedestrian zone and gives walkways along its entire length.
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Typical hours
The bridge is open 24/7 and illuminated. A walk at sunset or at night is especially atmospheric, when the arches are lit up.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the entire bridge, and the view over the Pétrusse valley is a popular subject. For shots of the 24 arches, a position at the bottom in the valley is recommended.
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Time needed
A leisurely stroll across the 290-meter-long bridge takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you pause briefly at both ends to enjoy the view, allow 20 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a descent into the Pétrusse valley, where the eponymous casemates can be visited. The old town of Luxembourg with its cathedral is also just a few minutes' walk away.
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Getting there
The Passerelle is in central Luxembourg City, easily reachable on foot from the train station or the old town. Buses stop at the 'Passerelle' stop right at the bridgehead.
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Insider tip
Walk the bridge early in the morning when fewer people are around and the light is soft. From the middle of the bridge you have the best view of the casemates and the old town.

Geography

Coordinates
49.60610, 6.13310

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pétrusse ValleyPétrusse Valley<1 km · WExplore →
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Luxembourg American CemeteryLuxembourg American Cemetery4 km · EExplore →
Arboretum KirchbergArboretum Kirchberg4 km · NEExplore →
HesperangeHesperange4 km · SEExplore →
StrassenStrassen5 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Passerelle (Old Bridge) (10)

Pont Viaduc

Pont Viaduc is a viaduct in Luxembourg City, connecting the city center with the railway station district.

Chapelle Saint-Quirin

Chapelle Saint-Quirin is a chapel in Luxembourg City, located on the banks of the Alzette river.

Fort Élisabeth

Fort Élisabeth is a former fortification in Luxembourg City, part of the historic fortress.

Sacred-Heart Church

Sacred-Heart Church is a church building in Luxembourg City, built in neo-Gothic style.

Citadelle du Saint-Esprit

Citadelle du Saint-Esprit is a former fortress in Luxembourg City, now a park area.

Fort Wallis

Fort Wallis is part of the Luxembourg Fortress, a historic fortification.

Écluse du Grund

Écluse du Grund is a lock ruin in the Grund quarter of Luxembourg City.

Trinité

Trinité is a church in Luxembourg City, a place of worship.

Musee de la Banque🏛 museum

Musee de la Banque shows the history of Luxembourg's financial center and the Spuerkeess.

BCEE Clock Tower

BCEE Clock Tower is a clock tower in Luxembourg City, a landmark building.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Passerelle also known as the 'Old Bridge'?
Yes, it is often colloquially called 'Al Bréck' (Old Bridge), in contrast to the Adolphe Bridge.
When was the Passerelle viaduct completed?
It was built between 1859 and 1861, long before the construction of the Adolphe Bridge.
How many arches does the Passerelle viaduct have?
The impressive viaduct consists of a total of 24 stone arches.
Can you walk across the Passerelle?
Yes, there are wide sidewalks that offer a fantastic view of the Pétrusse Valley.
Which districts does the viaduct connect?
It connects Boulevard Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Upper City with the Plateau Bourbon.
Passerelle (Old Bridge): where is it located?
Passerelle (Old Bridge) is located in Luxembourg.
Passerelle (Old Bridge): what is there to see?
Highlights include Pont Viaduc, Chapelle Saint-Quirin, Fort Élisabeth.
Passerelle (Old Bridge): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Passerelle (Old Bridge): why is it worth visiting?
The Passerelle Viaduct, affectionately known by locals as 'Al Bréck' (Old Bridge), is a defining feature of the Luxembourg city skyline.
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