Bridges are essential to civilisation, connecting cities and rural villages alike. They facilitate movement, trade and economic growth, while also inspiring art and romance. From continent-spanning suspension bridges and ancient wonders of engineering to symbolic monuments, we've compiled the most beautiful crossings within the 46 European member states of the Council of Europe.
Click through the gallery to discover the best bridge in every European country...
Stretching just over 350 feet (108m) across the Kir River, Mesi Bridge (Ura e Mesit) is one of the longest and finest Ottoman bridges in Albania, dating from around 1770. Made from stone with 13 arches, Ura e Mesit, which means 'The Bridge in the Middle' in Albanian, connects the city of Shkodra with the village of Drisht in a region rich in cultural history and natural attractions. Visitors can cycle from Shkodra to see the bridge, swim in the clear waters of the river, explore Lake Shkodra by kayak, or hike to the ruins of the 13th-century Drisht Castle, which looms above on a nearby hilltop.
Bringing some Himalayan-style adventure to Andorra, the Canillo Tibetan Bridge stretches 1,981 feet (603m) across the Vall del Riu and rises to a vertiginous 518 feet (158m) above the valley floor. To visit, book a ticket in advance and board the official free bus from Canillo. Get off at the Cami de l’Ariana crossing and hike the last half a mile (0.8km) through the mountains. The pedestrian bridge is just over three feet (1m) wide, offering a thrilling walk not for the faint-hearted – but those who make the hike are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and the rumbling river below.
The mesmerising Satani Kamurj or 'Devil’s Bridge' in Syunik, Armenia, is one of the country’s best-loved natural wonders, and a favourite swimming spot for locals and tourists alike. Situated below the Tatev Monastery, the natural bridge spans approximately 98 feet (30m) in length and was created over millennia by the erosive forces of wind and water on petrified lava. Visitors to the region can ride the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway through the mountains, then descend into 'Armenia's Grand Canyon', the Vorotan River Canyon, with its hot mineral springs, stalactites, stalagmites and cascades. Legend has that this bridge is the Devil’s work, but floating in the bath-warm water feels pretty heavenly.
The Highline 179 in Austria's Tirol region is an impressive engineering marvel, recognised as the longest 'Tibet-style' pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. Stretching 1,332 feet (406m) in length and soaring 374 feet (114m) above the valley, it connects the dramatic ruins of Ehrenberg Castle with the 17th-century Roman Fort Claudia. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Reutte Nature Park, which offers year-round activities such as skiing, tobogganing, hiking, cycling and climbing. After a day of exploration, the Ehrenberg Alpine Spa provides a perfect recovery spot with its thermal pools, sauna garden and treatments.
Dating from the medieval period, the two brick and stone Khudafarin Bridges on the border of Azerbaijan and Iran are located on an important historic route linking the East and West, used by traders travelling the legendary Great Silk Road. Best visited on a group tour or with a guide, the 11-arch bridge dates from the 13th century and the 15-arch bridge from the 11-12th centuries. Spanning the Araz River in the Khudafarin gorge, both were likely built on the site of older constructions, and their historic and cultural importance has led to them being considered for UNESCO World Heritage designation.
It’s hard to choose just one from the 80-plus gorgeous bridges in Belgium’s historic gem, Bruges, but with its classic shape and romantically aged brick, the Bonifaciusbrug might just clinch it. Constructed in the early 20th century, Boniface may not be the oldest bridge on the block, but its tranquil location crossing a canal near the magnificent Church of Our Lady and the fascinating Gruuthuse Museum makes it a must-see on any visit to this UNESCO World Heritage City. With much of its medieval heritage intact, explore by bicycle, on foot, or join a boat tour for a closer view of the bridges from below.
Love this? Follow us on Facebook for more travel inspiration
Once an Ottoman frontier town, the Old City of Mostar was known for its historic Turkish houses and Stari Most, or 'Old Bridge', which was commissioned by Ottoman Emperor, Suleiman the Magnificent, in the 16th century. Many of these treasures, including the stone arch bridge, were destroyed in the 1990s during the Bosnian War, but they have now been faithfully reconstructed, thanks to a restoration project overseen by UNESCO. Spanning the Neretva River once more, Stari Most is now one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most visited attractions and has become a symbol of reconciliation, cultural diversity and peace.
Completed in 1876, the covered wooden bridge in the Bulgarian town of Lovech was commissioned by the Ottomans and cleverly combined shops for craftsmen to showcase their wares with a passage for pedestrians and transport to cross the Osam River. The only bridge of its kind on the Balkan Peninsula, the bridge was sadly destroyed by a fire in 1925, but a reconstruction now stands in its place, designed to replicate the original design of master builder, Kolyu Ficheto. With cafes, galleries and souvenir shops, the bridge connects modern Lovech to its historic old town, Varosha, and offers stunning views of the river and countryside beyond.
With its grand opening in summer 2022, complete with a concert and dazzling fireworks display, this sleek new bridge has unified Croatia, connecting the country’s Peljesac Peninsula with the mainland and bypassing the section belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina known as the Neum Corridor. The 1.5-mile (2.4km) bridge was funded by the European Union and built by China. It is 180 feet (55m) high and has improved access to Croatia’s Adriatic Coast and Southern Europe, removing the need for two border checkpoints and reducing drive time. The views of the ocean as you drive across the bridge are pretty spectacular too.
With dreamy views and the promise of new adventures waiting on the other side, many of the world’s bridges are inherently romantic, but this natural beauty, near Ayia Napa in the Famagusta region of Cyprus, has the name to prove it. Love Bridge, or Lovers Bridge, is a rock arch extending over the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Part of the Sea Caves Trail on Cape Greco, this striking spot is the perfect place for a picture, picnic, or perhaps even a proposal. Look out for monk seals swimming around the coast here during the summer months too.
One of the most photographed landmarks in the Czech Republic’s capital city, Prague, the medieval stone arch Charles Bridge dates from 1357, and is named after Charles IV, who commissioned it to be built after the previous bridge was destroyed by floods. An easy stroll from Prague Castle, the cobblestoned bridge spans the city’s Vltava River, linking the Old Town to the Mala Strana neighbourhood, and is decorated with 30 impressive statues of revered saints. The monumental Lesser Town Bridge Tower and Old Town Bridge Tower guard the bridge entrances at either end, and offer stunning views for those who make it to the top.
Comprising a bridge, tunnel and island, the Oresundsbron or Oresund Bridge runs for nearly 10 miles (16km), connecting Copenhagen in Denmark to Malmo in Sweden across Oresund or 'The Sound'. Opened in 2000, the bridge is used by road and railway traffic and is crossed by paying a toll (rather than the traditional Scandinavian troll). Peberholm or Pepper Islet is an artificial island built from the rock and soil removed during the bridge construction, and is now a designated nature reserve visited by rare breeding birds and home to more than 500 species of insects and a large population of protected green toads, while the tunnel and underwater structures have created a large artificial reef.
The 2024 European Capital of Culture, Tartu is at the heart of Estonia’s exciting arts scene, with hundreds of events and celebrations taking place this year throughout the city and the south. The city’s Inglisild, or Angel’s Bridge, is an elegant addition to Toome Hill, with classical yellow pillars and a pedestal inscribed with the wise words 'Otium Reficit Vires' or 'Rest Restores Strength'. Legend has it that if you hold your breath and make a wish while crossing the bridge, it will definitely come true.
OK, it’s not strictly a bridge, but Punkaharju Ridge near Savonlinna in Finland does provide a passage across the vast Finnish Lakeland area, and a pretty stunning one at that. Created during the Ice Age by retreating glaciers, Punkaharju is a centuries-old travel route and is now a designated Natural Landscape of Finland, protected as a reserve for its cultural, historical and natural importance. Hire a bike and cycle the scenic route, or get out on Lake Saimaa to explore by kayak or paddle board. Wildlife abounds, so look out for seals fishing in the pristine waterways, elk wandering the pine forests and migratory birds passing through in summer months.
France has no shortage of spectacular bridges, with 37 crossing the River Seine in Paris alone. The Gallic Parisii people, who inhabited the French capital's Ile de la Cite during the Iron Age and Roman era, built the first bridges – the Petit Pont and the Grand Pont – in 52 BC. Today, the banks of the Seine in Paris are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among these bridges, Pont Alexandre III stands out with its elaborate yet elegant architectural style. Built to mark the Universal Exhibition of 1900, it connects the Hotel National des Invalides on the Left Bank to the historic Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the Right Bank.
This dazzling gem of a bridge is one of several thrilling attractions at the Kass Land Diamond Resort near Tsalka in Georgia, located two hours southwest of the capital city, Tbilisi. Suspended 919 feet (280m) above the Tsalka Canyon floor, the 787-foot (240m) long Diamond Bridge features a transparent glass walkway and a uniquely shaped cafe, Diamond 360, at its centre. Next to the bridge, the Bike Line offers the chance to cycle across the sky on a suspended zipline, and a giant three-seater swing propels riders over the canyon. The resort also offers luxurious cottages with incredible views of the surrounding forested plateau.
Towering 636 feet (194m) above the Elbe River in Germany, the Bastei rock formation is a notable feature of the Saxon Switzerland National Park near Dresden. The Bastei Bridge, a 250-foot (76.5m) long stone arch marvel, connects several rugged sandstone rock formations. The original wooden bridge was built in 1824 but was replaced with the current sandstone structure in 1851. The bridge and nearby ruins of Neurathen Castle offer a stunning escape from the city, which lies 25 miles (40km) to the northwest. Several hiking trails link the bridge, offering awesome views of the river, national park, and pinnacles. Arrive in style by taking the train from Dresden or Prague to Rathen before jumping on a ferry across the Elbe.
Like a Grecian Elton John, the Konitsa Bridge which crosses the Aoos River near the Albanian border is still standing, despite numerous attempts to destroy it with fire and bombs during various historical conflicts. Completed in 1870, this narrow stone arch bridge is one of several which connect the local towns and villages in the ruggedly beautiful Epirus region of northwestern Greece. At 65 feet (20m) high, it takes some courage to cross, with low walls and a warning bell which sounds when winds make it too perilous to traverse. Lying on the boundary of Vikos–Aoos National Park, Konitsa is a great spot for hiking and rafting adventures too.
This iconic bridge of iron and stone arches across the River Danube, providing a crucial link between Buda and Pest in Hungary's capital city. Named after Count Istvan Szechenyi who proposed its construction, Szechenyi Lanchid was inaugurated in 1849 and rebuilt 100 years later, after being blown up by retreating German troops in the Second World War, who left only the towers standing. Recently restored, the bridge offers fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banks of the Danube, Hungarian Parliament Building and Gothic Buda Castle. Join a tour to learn more about the bridge’s history, its legendary lion statues, and starring role in films including Munich and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
The oldest pedestrian crossing over the River Liffey is a much-loved and visited attraction in Dublin, the lively capital of the Republic of Ireland. Officially named the Wellington Bridge when it opened in 1816, after the Dublin-born Duke of Wellington, it acquired its popular nickname from the halfpenny toll which people were charged for using the bridge until 1919. One of the world’s oldest cast-iron bridges, the Ha’penny was skilfully restored in 2001 and provides a shortcut from Temple Bar to the North Quays, along with a pretty illuminated backdrop for visitors’ photos of the city captured after dark.
One of the most recognisable bridges in the world, the exquisite Ponte di Rialto is the oldest of the four bridges which span the Grand Canal in Venice and is a true icon of the Italian Renaissance. It was built between 1588 and 1591 by the architect Antonio da Ponte, replacing an earlier wooden bridge that had collapsed multiple times. The current stone bridge, a single arch made of Istrian stone, includes space for two colonnades of shops and pedestrian walkways. Today, more than 20 vendors sell souvenirs, jewellery, Venetian masks and Murano glassware from stores on the bridge, while gondoliers offer boat rides along Italy’s most magnificent canal.
One of the longest brick vault bridges in Europe, the red Old Brick Bridge dates from 1874 and stretches 538 feet (164m) across the Venta River near the historic town of Kuldiga in western Latvia. Dating from the 13th century, Kuldiga's sleepy cobblestone streets and timber-framed buildings are perfect for an afternoon ramble. Nearby, the Venta Rapid – the continent’s widest waterfall at 816 feet (249m) wide – is the site of a famous annual salmon run, while an easy trail offers hikes along the river and the chance to photograph a memory of Latvia’s loveliest bridge.
Of all the covered wooden bridges which were built in the Rhine Valley to replace the ferries, only Liechtenstein’s Alte Rheinbrucke remains, spanning the Rhine River and linking the municipality of Sevelen in Switzerland and Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. Constructed in 1901 and renovated between 2008 and 2010, this wonderfully romantic covered bridge is the largest of its kind in Europe. Located in the heart of the Alps, this tiny but exciting destination is a hub for climbing, skiing and swimming, while the absence of motorised vehicles makes the bridge a favourite with hikers and bikers.
Home to one of Europe’s greenest capitals, Vilnius, it’s only fitting that Lithuania’s most notable bridge is green too. The Neris River runs through the city, offering urban aquatic adventures, from kayaking and canoeing to paddle boarding and zip lining over the river. Spanning the Neris is the steel Green Bridge, which connects the city centre with the district of Snipiskes. The first bridge at this location was built in the 1500s, with various iterations appearing over the centuries until the current bridge was completed in 1952. Once decorated with four pairs of Soviet-era statues, erected during the occupation, the bridge is now the site of various temporary art installations and offers beautiful views of the city.
Boasting the world’s largest stone arch at the time of its construction, the Adolphe Bridge or New Bridge in Luxembourg City was built during the reign of Grand Duke Adolphe in the early 1900s and still packs a striking punch in its lofty location, 138 feet (42m) above Luxembourg’s Petrusse Valley. A new bicycle and pedestrian deck was inaugurated in 2017, suspended beneath the existing historic bridge, offering safe and uplifting views for commuters as motorised vehicles and trams travel on the two-lane carriageway overhead.
Used since prehistoric times, the Grand Harbour in Malta's capital Valletta has been one of the Mediterranean’s most strategically significant ports, with the Romans, the Knights of St. John and the British Navy all establishing bases here throughout history. Valletta is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, but for many years, an essential part of the harbour was missing. The steel St. Elmo footbridge, which connected the lighthouse and breakwater to the foreshore of Fort St. Elmo was destroyed in 1941 during the Second World War, leaving them only accessible by boat. In 2012, a new single-span steel construction finally bridged the gap and is now a must-see on any visit to this historic harbour.
Not just a dab-hand at constructing Parisian towers or monumental ladies of liberty, French civil engineer Gustave Eiffel was a brilliant bridge designer too – and the Eiffel Bridge linking Moldova and Romania is a classic example of his distinctive structural style. The Ungheni railway bridge, which crosses the Prut River, opened in 1877, replacing an earlier bridge that had sustained water damage. Located at the checkpoint of the Moldova-Romania border, Ungheni was the site of the historic Bridge of Flowers events in the 1990s, when people from both sides scattered flowers and crossed the river without passports and visas, protesting the strict border regulations enforced after the Second World War.
In a win for the environment – and design – the Wurtemberg Footbridge, which opened in July 2024, aims to improve pedestrian access within the Principality of Monaco and ease urban traffic congestion by getting people walking. The impressive 213-foot (65m) long white metal bridge on Avenue Pasteur offers easy access to the Fontvieille district with its marina, UNESCO Garden, Princess Grace Rose Garden and Louis II Stadium, along with Ilot Pasteur, a new urban development housing a school, car parks and library. It also encourages visitors to explore the western reaches of Monaco on foot, and will be accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, thanks to a continuous gentle slope.
Those with a head for heights will love the sky-high crossing of the Durdevica Tara Bridge in northern Montenegro. Completed in 1940, the bridge spans 1,198 feet (365m) with five arches, making it a marvel of engineering from its time, and stands 564 feet (172m) above the Tara Canyon and the vibrant blue Tara River, known as the 'Tear of Europe' for its clarity and beauty. Plunging to depths of 4,265 feet (1,300m), Europe’s deepest and longest canyon stretches for 50 miles (80km) and this area is a playground for thrill-seekers, offering activities such as ziplining, white-water rafting, rock climbing, hiking, canyoning, horse riding and bungee jumping.
Rotterdam’s iconic white cable-stayed Erasmusbrug, with its 456-foot (139m) high buckled asymmetrical pylon, is nicknamed 'The Swan', as it elegantly glides across the Nieuwe Maas River. Named after the Dutch theologian and philosopher, Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, Erasmus Bridge was opened by former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 1996, and can be crossed on foot or by bike, car or tram. A harbour cruise is an exciting way to see the bridge and take in the amazing views of the city skyline.
A stunning symbol of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, the Stone Bridge spans the River Varder and connects the new and old parts of the city, from Macedonia Square on the right bank to the Old Skopje Bazaar on the left. Constructed during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, the 700-foot (214m) long arched bridge is built from stone blocks and dates from the 15th century. Sadly, an earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1963, but now rebuilt, Skopje offers a fascinating mix of ancient and modern attractions, including the Skopje Kale fortress and a memorial to Mother Teresa, who was born in the Macedonian capital.
Linking Moskenesoya and Flakstadoya in Norway's spectacular Lofoten Islands, the two cantilever Fredvang Bridges opened in 1988 and yield fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and Norwegian Sea, just above the Arctic Circle. This wonderfully wild region offers endless exciting opportunities to explore, including scuba diving or snorkelling on Rost Reef, the world’s largest deep-water coral reef. Lofoten is also one of the world’s most northerly sites for surfing, and with 24 hours of daylight in the summer months you’ll have plenty of time to catch a wave.
Are you feeling romantic? Then the Tumski or 'Cathedral' Bridge which crosses the River Oder in Wroclaw, Poland, is for you. Built in 1889, the green steel bridge connects the oldest part of the city, Cathedral Island, with Sand Island, home to three beautiful churches. A popular 'Padlock Bridge', the Tumski saw thousands of couples secure inscribed padlocks to the bridge, before throwing the keys into the river to guarantee lasting togetherness. So popular was the practice that the city council had to remove several tonnes of locks before the bridge was renovated in 2019, and the heavyweight display of affection is now banned, leaving lovers to swoon over the dreamy views instead.
Stretching across the vast Tagus River estuary and connecting Portugal’s capital Lisbon with the east and south of the country, Vasco da Gama Bridge was the longest bridge in Europe at the time of its inauguration in 1998, measuring 10.7 miles (17.2km). Named after the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama Bridge was finished just in time for Expo ’98, which drew more than 10 million visitors to Lisbon, and accommodates six lanes of vehicle traffic, easing congestion in the busy city centre.
One of the world’s oldest republics and Europe’s smallest independent state after the Vatican City, San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, with fortifications dating back to the 13th century and fairytale towers rising elegantly from each of Titano’s three peaks. Linking the Guaita and Cesta towers, Passo delle Streghe, or 'The Pass of the Witches', is an ancient mountain route where, according to legend, girls would gather by moonlight in medieval times to perform mysterious rituals. The witches may be no more, but the captivating views of the Adriatic Coast from the path’s stunning stone bridge still leave visitors spellbound.
If any bridge demonstrates the strong impact they can have on communities, it’s the Old Sava Bridge in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. Stretching 1,410 feet (430m) across the Sava River, the bridge was built by the German army during the Second World War and is one of very few significant European crossings to escape destruction during the German withdrawal. The Sava was saved by the heroism of teacher Miladin Zaric, who risked his life to defuse the explosives laid by enemy troops. Strong local feeling for the Sava has saved the bridge many times since, thanks to civil protests against various councils calling for its removal or demolition due to its age.
The SNP Bridge or 'Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising' in the capital of Slovakia is definitely out of this world, with a flying saucer shaped observation deck that has earned it the appropriate nickname UFO Bridge. Opened in 1972, the cable-stayed steel construction spans 1,414 feet (431m) across the River Danube. The UFO observation deck and restaurant, located 312 feet (95m) above the river, offers panoramic views of Bratislava. Visitors can take a high-speed lift to the top for breathtaking views or opt for the thrilling Skywalk around the exterior of the platform.
The unique Triple Bridge which crosses the Ljubljana River in Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s must-visit gems designed by celebrated Slovenian architect, Joze Plecnik. Dating from 1842, the central bridge was joined by two additional side bridges in 1932 to alleviate congestion. All three are decorated with elegant stone balustrades and lamps, connecting the historic Old Town with Preseren Square, a popular site for festivals and events. Stairways lead down to the banks of the river for a stroll under the poplar trees, or glide beneath the bridges on a paddle boarding tour through the heart of the city.
One of the Roman aqueducts which supplied water to the ancient city of Tarraco (modern-day Tarragona) in Spain, Les Ferreres’ impressive stone arches make for a stunning sight, stretching across a forested ravine. The viaduct and other nearby Roman excavations and ruins, dating from the 3rd century BC, form the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offer a glimpse into the former grandeur of this important trade and administrative centre. Likely built during the reign of Augustus, Les Ferreres is also known as the 'Devil’s Bridge', with legend saying it was built by the devil after winning the soul of a maiden in a wager.
With a length of 5,905 feet (1,800m) the High Coast Bridge – also known as the Veda Bridge – is Sweden’s longest suspension bridge and also one of the country’s tallest structures, soaring 597 feet (182m) above the Angermanalven River between Harnosand and Kramfors. Opened in 1997, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the High Coast and its mountains, cliffs, islands and forests. With the highest coastline in the world, this year-round adventure wonderland is a hotspot for hiking, climbing and skiing, while ancient villages and Bronze Age carvings are a hit with history buffs too.
Lucerne’s prettiest bridge, the Kapellbrucke or Chapel Bridge, is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. This Swiss timbered treasure was built in 1365 and formed part of the city’s ancient fortifications. Extensively restored after a fire destroyed much of the original structure in 1993, the bridge is home to several 17th-century historical paintings, and an octagonal Water Tower, which has been used as a treasury, archive, torture chamber and prison over the years. Connecting the New Town on the south bank of the River Reuss and St. Peter’s Chapel on Rathausquai in the medieval Old Town to the north, the bridge is one of the best-loved landmarks in Switzerland.
The world’s longest suspension bridge doesn’t connect cities or even countries: with a mid-span almost 1.26 miles (2km) long, Turkey’s 1915 Canakkale Bridge connects continents. Opened in 2022, the bridge crosses the Dardanelles Strait, linking the towns of Lapseki in Asia and Gelibolu (Gallipoli) in Europe. This impressive structure has significantly reduced travel time across the strait from a 1.5-hour ferry ride to just a six-minute drive and was one of several major projects put in place by President Tayyip Erdogan, including a new airport, crossings over and under the Bosphorus Strait and a new canal.
Connecting the Obolonsky Embankment with Obolonsky Island, construction of this pedestrian steel bridge began in 2021 but was interrupted by the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. It eventually opened in May 2024, and the 577-foot (176m) long bridge exudes lightness, rippling across the Dnipro River and reflecting in the calm water. A popular area for recreation, the island has a beach, playground and tree-lined cycle paths just a short hop away from the city.
Among the many beautiful bridges spanning London’s River Thames, it is the iconic Neo-Gothic design of Tower Bridge that draws countless visitors to the United Kingdom’s capital city. Officially opened in 1894 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, this ornate bridge is a symbol of London’s rich history. The two towers are connected by high-level glass walkways, 138 feet (42m) above the river, offering breathtaking views of the city. Visitors can explore these walkways during their visit or on a family-friendly guided tour. A trip to the Victorian Engine Rooms reveals the fascinating machinery and dedicated people who have kept this historic bridge lifting for over 130 years.