Modersohnbrücke

About the Modersohnbrücke

The Modersohnbrücke was built in 1913/14 as the Hohenlohebrücke by the Royal Railway Directorate Berlin. In 1951, it was renamed along with the street after having survived World War II almost completely intact. Due to massive signs of wear, it had to be demolished in 1999. From 2000 to 2002, a completely new road bridge was constructed as a tied-arch bridge, based on plans by the office of H. P. Gauff Ingenieure and designed by Berlin architect Hans-Günther Rogalla.

The Modersohnbrücke connects the Boxhagener Kiez with the southern side of Friedrichshain above Stralauer Allee. Between Ostkreuz station and Warschauer Straße station, it is the only way to get from the neighborhood around Boxhagener Platz towards the Spree. This means the bridge is not an isolated place, but is anchored in the middle of the Kiez’s life.

If you have plans afterwards: The area with Boxhagener Platz and Revaler Straße is often referred to as the heart of Friedrichshain’s nightlife. In this neighborhood, you’ll find everything your heart desires: delicious restaurants, cute cafés, small boutiques, cool pubs, great markets, and even a club or two. The RAW grounds are also just a few minutes’ walk away. The RAW area is not only the last industrial wasteland within Berlin’s S-Bahn ring, but also a cultural hotspot since 1999 for events of all kinds, from concerts and exhibitions to open-air cinema and flea markets.

Why is the Modersohnbrücke a great place for a first date?

For a first date: Less is often more. And that’s exactly what makes the Modersohnbrücke so compelling. Since the tracks run underneath, the view to the west is barely obstructed by buildings. Because there’s hardly any traffic on the bridge, you can relax and watch the sunset behind the Berlin TV Tower. S-Bahns pass underneath, and the signal technology creates a small light show that gives the feeling of being right in the middle of the city.

The most striking feature of the bridge is its beautiful westward view, which allows for watching, photographing, and filming a spectacular sunset. No program or agenda is needed. Just come, lean back, and talk. Ideally, of course, with a cool drink from the Späti. It costs almost nothing and still makes an impression.

Furthermore, the bridge is also strategically well-located for a date: especially in the warmer months, this opportunity is used by locals, but also by many tourists. So, if you want to know if the chemistry is right, you’ll find out quickly here. What you see on the Modersohnbrücke simply reflects Berlin: industry, railway, and the TV Tower. No artificial ambiance, no distraction from service staff or background music. Just the moment and the person next to you. And if the conversation stalls, the next S-Bahn will pass through anyway.