Old Rhine Bridge Rheinfelden

The Old Rhine Bridge links the Swiss town of Rheinfelden, in the canton of Aargau, with its namesake across the river in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The two towns were once a single settlement, and the river that now divides them is also what they have in common. The bridge is the place where the connection is easiest to see, and it is the natural starting point for anyone who wants to understand how the border works in daily life here. Crossings of the Rhine at this point are very old, and earlier bridges were built of wood. The present arched stone bridge dates from the early twentieth century and is now limited to pedestrians and cyclists, with road traffic using a newer bridge elsewhere.

Walking out from the Swiss side, you climb gently onto the span and see the river open up on both sides. The Rhine here is broad and fast, with a rocky bed that creates rapids in places, and the stretch near the bridge is known for its currents. Halfway across, a line or sign marks the national border, and visitors like to stand with a foot on each side for a photograph. The border itself is entirely open to pedestrians, and in daily life people cross to shop, eat or visit family.

The views from the bridge are among its main attractions. On the Swiss bank you see the old town of Rheinfelden, with its tight lanes, tall houses and church towers rising behind the riverbank wall. On the German bank the other Rheinfelden has its own historic quarter and a modern riverside promenade. A small island in the river, with the remains of a medieval castle and an old fortification, is also visible in the stream, and the old town on the Swiss side has preserved parts of its medieval layout.

Rheinfelden is also known for its salt. Brine was found beneath the town in the nineteenth century, and the town became a spa resort, so brine baths and spa hotels are a feature of the area. The brewery Feldschlösschen, one of Switzerland's best-known beer producers, is based in Rheinfelden, and its name is familiar across the country. Combined with the bridge, the old town and the riverside walks, these make Rheinfelden a rewarding half-day trip from Basel, which is only a short train ride away.

The bridge is free to cross at any hour, and it is lit in the evening, when the reflections in the river make it a pleasant place for a stroll. It suits walkers, cyclists, photographers and families, and it is a good way to see the Rhine at close quarters. Allow thirty minutes for the crossing and the views, longer if you continue into the old town on either side or follow the riverbank paths. Bring a passport or identity card if you plan to go beyond the bridge on the German side, as rules can change and it is wise to carry identification.