© irene waters 2014
Bridges of Europe. There are so many and so varied, these are but a few. The footbridge crossing the River Reuss in Lucerne is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. The interior of the bridge (the Kapellbrucke) has restored paintings dating back to the 17th century. Sadly some were destroyed in a fire in 1993.
© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
Crossing the River Thames in London is a bascule and suspension bridge known as the Tower Bridge. Opened in 1894, the bridge is suspension on either side of the towers towards land and between the towers the bridge opens to allow for shipping. The two towers connect up the top with a pedestrian walkway which gives stability. The bridge has been the site of several incidents. Planes flying between the walkway and the opening of the bridge, a double-decker bus being caught on the bridge as it was opening and the quick-thinking driver accelerated to jump the gap. Luckily apart from some shock at suddenly flying through the air coming down with a huge bump on the other side the manouvre was successful and no injuries were sustained. A shepherd took his sheep across the bridge claiming that he was exercising his ancient right of a freeman, causing havoc to the traffic. Recently a Fathers 4 Justice campaingner climbed a crane near the bridge and began a 6 day vigil as spiderman. You have to love the British.
© irene waters 2014
Back in France at the quaint Venice of France Annecy there are small bridges, both foot and vehicle, crossing the many canals that the town boasts.
© irene waters 2014
Finally in Switzerland some miniature bridges are to be found at the Vapeur Parc on the shores of Lac Leman in Le Bouveret. Here 16 miniature engines, (scaled down reproductions of several famous trains) of which half are steam, tootle around the 2000m of track going through 63 signals, five tunnels and ten bridges. If you don’t wish to ride there are 1200m of walking tracks but walking doesn’t get you to all vistas the park has to delight you.
© irene waters 2014
© irene waters 2014
This children’s playground in Montreux boasts a bridge to get from tower to tower.
In response to Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge. Have a look at more of Cee’s bridges here.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
I’ve always wanted to walk the Kapellbrucke! Did walk the Tower Bridge. Sly humor to include that last bridge!
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Couldn’t resist the last one. My favourite is the bridge with just the feet visible. Makes me think of Lilliput.
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I forgot you’d spent time not only in France but in Switzerland, Irene ! – but I shan’t forget again. These are super pic.s !!! 🙂
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You are allowed to forget but I will test you every so often. A bit of fun. 🙂
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A great selection of photos. 😀
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It is amazing how many bridge photos you actually take. I could have gone on for ages. Thanks Raewyn 🙂
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Love the stories abut the Tower bridge in London!
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It is such a British icon and yet wonderful tales relating to it don’t seem to be known. The latest which I didn’t mention as it is not funny was the lift in the north tower free fell three metres injuring slightly but scaring the living daylights out of the six occupants.
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Reblogged this on bloggerboii14.
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Irene, I sure adore the variety of bridges you have included in your post. Thanks.
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Thanks Cee. It was fun as always finding them.
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All your bridges were spectacular but I must say I enjoyed the last one the most. The little fellow looked so brave crossing!
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He was brave and determined. There was not bridge too long for that little chap.. Thanks for dropping by.
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Ooh… I love bridges. And doors. Bridge and door photos. A bit weird, perhaps, but there you are. 🙂 My favs are the tiny foot bridges (and the Lucerne strictly for the history of it).
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It is amazing the variety of different bridges. The painted bridge is incomprehensibly old and so so special.
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Me too Sarah! And windows too 🙂
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You have an amazing collection of bridges here Irene, and enjoyed reading the history behind them. Of course, I know one rather well, having set eyes on it once or twice 🙄 Wonderful skyline as a backdrop. I adore the covered footbridge in Lucerne, looks like something out of Lord of the Rings 🙂
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Yes the Lucerne one is certainly ancient and I would have been surprised had you not recognised the other. 🙂
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Haha 😉
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Enjoyed all your photos and so far been on all except the last one 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
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You are welcome Sam. Have to admit I haven’t been on the last one either. 🙂
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