Oberbaum Bridge

Oberbaum Bridge – the bridge over the Spree in Berlin, connecting the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain districts, the symbol of the administrative district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. The modern neo-gothic Oberbaumbrücke bridge was built in 1894–1896 by the project of architect Otto Shtan and replaced the old wooden bridge. According to the architect, the towers should have been reminded of the historical role of the bridge, which served as the “water gate” of Berlin. During World War II, Oberbaumbrücke received significant damage and on April 23, 1945 it was partially undermined by Hitler’s order (the so-called “Order of Nero”) to prevent the advance of Soviet troops. Since 1998, once a year Oberbaumbrücke has become the scene of comic water battles between the inhabitants of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.