The Geierlay is a suspension bridge in the low mountain range of the Hunsrück in western Germany. It was opened in 2015.[1] It has a span range of 360 metres (1,180 ft) and is up to 100 metres (330 ft) above ground. On both sides of the bridge are the villages of Mörsdorf and Sosberg. A stream named Mörsdorfer Bach runs through the valley below the bridge.[2] The nearest city is Kastellaun 8 km eastwards. The state capital Mainz is 66 km towards east.
 The Geierlay crossing a valley | |
| Descendant | Underspanned suspension bridge, Suspended-deck suspension bridge, Stressed ribbon bridge |
|---|---|
| Carries | Pedestrians, livestock |
| Span range | 360 m |
| Material | Wood, steel wire rope |
| Movable | No |
The bridge has a weight of 57 tons and can support 50 tons.[2] It is a pedestrians only bridge. Until 2020, bridge was free for tourists. [3] Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a fee of 5 euros per person was introduced for crossing the bridge. This fee has since been withdrawn; crossing is possible in both directions and is free of charge. Twenty per cent of all visitors visiting the bridge do not cross it.[4] The bridge site is within the Top 100 sightseeing destinations in Germany.[4]
Swiss Engineer Hans Pfaffen designed the bridge with similarities to Nepalese suspension bridges.[5]
Since 2017 the Geierlay is only the second longest suspension rope bridge in Germany.[6]
See also edit
Notes edit
1. Day trip to Geierlay Suspension Bridge. Chasing Whereabouts. 16 October 2022.
References edit
- ^ "Geierlay-Brücke im Hunsrück: Hängebrücke wird zum Touristenmagneten - FOCUS Online". Focus.de (in German). 2017-01-17. Retrieved 2017-05-24.
- ^ a b "Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay". Kastellaun.de. Retrieved 2017-05-24.
- ^ "HÄNGESEILBRÜCKE GEIERLAY : Fragen & Antworten" (PDF). Hunsruecktouristik.de (in German). Retrieved 2017-05-24.
- ^ a b "Deutschland: Die längste Hängeseilbrücke der Republik - SPIEGEL ONLINE". Spiegel.de. 2016-11-07. Retrieved 2017-05-24.
- ^ "Fakten & Technik - Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay". Geierlay.de. Retrieved 2017-05-24.
- ^ "Hängeseilbrückenerlebnis: die Geierlaybrücke im Hunsrück". reisemagazin-online.com. Retrieved 2020-11-29.
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