Nibelungentower

Between 1897 and 1900, a fixed bridge was built over the Rhine near Worms for the first time. It was inaugurated on 26 March 1900 in the presence of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse and near Rhine and has since borne the name Ernst Ludwig Bridge.

As a special ornament, it was given a tower-shaped roadway superstructure on both sides. The plans for this came from Karl Hoffmann. During the Second World War, FLAKs were installed on the two stairway towers. In March 1945, the bridge was blown up. The damaged bridge tower on the Hessian side of the Rhine was demolished and the steel construction of the arches spanning the Rhine was replaced by Germany's first prestressed concrete bridge built in a free cantilever.

When it was inaugurated in 1953, it was given the new name 'Nibelungen Bridge'. The Nibelungen Tower has a total height of 53m. A few years ago, the Rheingütestation was set up in the three basement levels and on the viewing platform of the staircase arcade. The old ticket offices at roadway level gave way after the war to breakthroughs for footpaths and cycle paths. Directly above the passage were two floors of service flats for the bridge attendants, and later the two upper solid floors were also converted. Above this there are three attic storeys under the imposing slate helmet. Above the roadway, there are eight floors, five of which are in use.

References:

• nibelungenturm.de

Address

Am Rhein 1, Worms, Germany

Details

Founded: 1897-1900
Category: Statues in Germany
Historical period: German Empire (Germany)