- Tourist Information
- Map
- Rakotzbrücke – Devil’s Bridge
- What are devil’s bridges?
- Legends of Devil’s Bridge
- Devil’s Bridges Around the World
- Travel Tips to Visit Rakotzbrücke – Devil’s Bridge
Tourist Information
| Type | Devil’s Bridge |
| Year | 1860 |
| Location | Altes Schloß 11, 02953 Gablenz, Germany, Europe |
| Opening Hours | Important: The park is open for a visit but the bridge is UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The water had been drained from the lake. |
| Getting there | The best way is to get there by Car • 2-hour drive from the center of Berlin (172 km) or Dresden (190 km) • 6 hours from Munich (600 km) Plane • Closest airport: Schoenefeld Airport – Berlin Train • Train from Berlin to the town of Cottbus and after, train to the town of Weibwasser |
| Attractions Nearby | Muskau Park Halbendorfer See Waldeisenbahn Muskau – narrow-gauge railway |
Map
Rakotzbrücke – Devil’s Bridge
It is located in Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau, the largest park in Gablenz, Germany. Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau is a 19th-century park with arch bridges, ponds, a historical mansion, and many rhododendrons.
Today, the bridge can still be viewed in the park but crossing the Devil’s Bridge is not allowed in order to preserve it.
The Rakotzbrücke is designed in such a way that the arch represents half of a circle. When the water from the lake is still and calm a perfect circle can be seen.
What are devil’s bridges?
In medieval times, many Devil’s Bridges were erected.
These were magnificent masonry bridges that were considered too daunting or complex to be built by human hands alone, leading to the belief that the devil himself aided in their construction.
According to legend, the devil’s assistance came at the cost of the soul of the first person to cross the bridge.
Each of these bridges has its own fascinating folk tale, adding to their mysterious allure.
Legends of Devil’s Bridge
The architect made a pact with the Devil himself to be able to build this unique bridge. The devil demanded to take the soul of the first person who would cross the bridge.
Another legend says that the Rakotzbrucke claims that one will uncover his mystic abilities within if you sail in a boat under the Devil’s bridge at a full moon.
Another legend says that you will see the face of the Devil if you look sideways.
Other legends say that the bridge is a portal to another world.
Devil’s Bridges Around the World
Most Devil’s Bridges are located in Europe.
In France, there are around 49 bridges.
Most of the bridges are made of stone with distinct masonic arches.
Travel Tips to Visit Rakotzbrücke – Devil’s Bridge
- Do not forget your camera. It is worth spending some time to grab the beauty of this Bridge in photos and videos.
- The best time to visit is during Autumn when the scene surrounding the bridge is beautiful.
- During the summertime, the lake can be dried.
- During the winter, the lake can be frozen and the reflection can’t be seen.
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