Slovakia, Bratislava: Cycling Bridge of Freedom

Last Saturday (22th of September 2012) was officially opened cycling bridge of freedom in the presence of representatives of the autonomous regions of Slovakia and Austria, but mainly for the participation of those for which the bridge is - cyclists and families with children. the bridge before the actual opening literally became famous all over the world! How is it possible? This is explained in the following lines.

Search for Chuck Norris – he is behind everything

Cycling bridge construction began in September 2011. When the bridge began to gain real contours, he must be named. and so the initiative Bratislava Self-Governing Region, which announced an Internet poll, didn’t want just give the name of the bridge, but also to raise public awareness of this project. of course, no one expected that it crosses the boundaries of both awareness cooperating states and reaches far and wide into the world. Page visitors, let´s call them interviewers had the opportunity to vote for the following three proposals: Bridge of Maria Theresa, Liberty Bridge, Bridge of the Iron Curtain. but the public had also the opportunity to make up new name. so someone suggested bridge of Chuck Norris. Immediately, this proposal received the most votes and became the absolute winner of the polls. it did not remain unnoticed, but very quickly all the world knew about it. About the bridge of Chuck Norris was written throughout Europe, in America, even in Australia. This, let´s say the recession, but ran into legal problems and negative attitude of both countries, and for the first time in the history of Chuck Norris lost :-(, well not really, because Chuck Norris does not need a bridge, though named in Bratislava before it was built :-).

Construction in accordance with history

Cycling bridge should serve for cyclists, hikers, and emergency services vehicles if necessary. the bridge was built to preserve the testimony of history. Steel structure winds through the remains of the original bridge, and even one of the pillars is set on a military bunker from the time of the "Iron Curtain." That reminds sample and barbed wire that separated the Slovak border from Austria. the total length of the bridge is 955 m, from which a steel structure consists of 525 meters. the bridge is 4 meters wide and cyclists when driving exceed 7 meters height difference.

Cyklomost linked not only to Slovak and Austrian cycling tracks, but also the tourist network. it also became an international line connecting Eurovelo 13, which includes a trail "Morava river alluvium", in length of 62 km.

Tips for trips to the surroundings

This bridge will not serve only for cyclists, but also for all local tourism, which is relegated by geographic location. it is set directly in Bratislava's Devinská Nová Ves, which boasts an extraordinary history, dating back to the Neolithic settlement. Another type of a trip can be a protected area Devinská Kobyla that surrounds the area and offers visitors - walkers to view the world paleontological locality Sandberg, or just jump Devin remote medieval castle at the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers. on the Austrian side are visitors attracts by the most rural baroque palace complex Austria - Schloss Hof castle, with its beautifully park, as well as the city of Hainburg an der Donau, laced with picturesque streets and massive medieval gates and walls.

Definitely we highly recommend you to find the time and ride the bike cross this beautiful and untouched landscape, especially in the current autumn season offers remarkable views. Cross over cycling bridge suddenly turns into a feeling, that relax and enriching you at the same time.

Text/foto: Oskar Mažgút