The World’s First and Only Three-Segment Bascule Bridge

Many people remember the first time they saw the spans of a bridge open up for a large ship to pass through. In Kiel, Germany, the world’s first and only three-segment bascule bridge allows people to experience that wonder in a different way.

The Hörnbrücke, stretching across the Kiel Fjord (also known as the Hörn) is 84 feet long when down, connecting the Norway Ferry Terminal to the rail station in the center of Kiel. When it is open for ship and boat traffic, the triple-folded segments form a capital “N.”