The sun beats down relentlessly, pushing temperatures to a scorching 34 degrees Celsius on this August day. The city’s advice is clear: avoid strenuous activity. Yet, on Munich’s Reichenbach Bridge, such warnings seem to fall on deaf ears. A young man, unfazed by the heat, scoops up his small dog, tucks it into a bag, and carries the dachshund across the bridge towards the cooler banks of the Isar in Au. Another, having shed his T-shirt, proudly displays his toned physique as he jogs across, while two panting female runners overtake pedestrians, weaving their way towards the Isar on the bridge’s eastern side.
34 Degrees and Still in the Thick of It: A Day on Reichenbach Bridge
One person taking a more leisurely approach is 58-year-old Janine Peckham. The psychologist is out with her Golden Retriever, Annie, a routine she repeats at least three times a day. Living on the opposite bank, the Reichenbach Bridge is crucial for Janine to reach the shallower parts of the Isar with Annie. “I love my bridge,” she declares with a smile. Later, Janine and Annie will return to the left bank of the Isar via the Wittelsbacherbrücke.
Annie isn’t the only canine companion seen on and around the bridge. The stretch of riverbank between the Reichenbach and Wittelsbacher bridges is a popular spot for dog walking. Sunbathers and children also flock here, eager for a refreshing dip in the Isar.
Since 1904, the kiosk at the Reichenbach Bridge, at the corner of Auenstraße, has been a bustling hub. In the evenings and on weekends, the Reichenbach Bridge and the Isar riverbanks transform into a lively party zone. Those who haven’t come prepared can grab refreshments from the kiosk on the west bank or the Isarquelle drinks market on the east bank, before strolling down to the river with a beer or a soft drink.
During the day, the atmosphere is calmer. A mother pushes a pram across the bridge, a father engages in a discussion with his approximately twelve-year-old son, and a grandfather helps push his granddaughter’s scooter up the incline leading to the bridge. All of them are regular users of the Reichenbach Bridge.
A Lifeline for Locals: More Than Just Concrete and Steel
The Reichenbach Bridge is a concrete arch bridge, spanning 24 meters wide and connecting the Isarvorstadt on the left bank of the Isar with Au on the right bank. It stretches 140 meters from one bank to the other. Constructed between 1902 and 1903, it replaced an earlier wooden bridge that was shifted 25 meters for the new construction. Shortly thereafter, the Wittelsbacher Bridge was built in the same manner, driven by cost considerations. The Reichenbach Bridge is named after the Bavarian inventor and engineer, Georg von Reichenbach.
When the weather is fine, the bridge over the Isar becomes a scene of a veritable migration. The southern side of the bridge quickly becomes congested, with pedestrians and cyclists vying for space. In February, the Green/Rosa Liste faction in the city council proposed relocating cyclists to the roadway to create more space for pedestrians.
The female figure at the eastern end of the bridge, a sculpture named “Spiel der Wellen” (Play of the Waves), seems oblivious to the bustling activity. She appears introspective, lost to the world, forming a stark contrast to the lively hustle and bustle on the bridge below her.
Janine, having secured a coffee to go from the kiosk, skillfully balances her cup and Annie’s leash until both dog and owner safely reach the avenue between the Reichenbach and Wittelsbacher bridges. It won’t be their last bridge crossing today.
The Reichenbach Bridge is more than just an architectural marvel; it’s a living testament to Munich’s vibrant community spirit. It’s where daily routines intertwine with spontaneous celebrations, where the city’s past meets its present, and where every passerby adds a unique brushstroke to its ever-evolving story. From morning dog walks to evening gatherings, the bridge serves as a constant backdrop to the lives of countless Münchners, embodying the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Source: https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/muenchen/zwischen-gassi-und-feier-warum-diese-muenchner-bruecke-am-abend-ueberlaeuft-art-1150970
