Design and construction[edit]

The Hrn Bridge is a three-segment bascule bridge with a main span of 25.5 metres (84 ft) that folds
in the shape of the letter "N". The bridge was built in 1997 and did cost DM 16 million.
Many Kielians were skeptical in regard to the design. There were repeated malfunctions of the
mechanism upon startup, hence one of its nicknames, the "Klappt-Nix-Brcke" (Folds-not Bridge). In
order to ensure crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, a hydraulically operated retractable bridge was
built directly adjacent as an interim solution and is still used during repair and maintenance of the
folding bridge. The Hrn Bridge is now accepted as a technical masterpiece and has become a
tourist attraction.

Location[edit]
The Hrn Bridge is 5 metres (16 ft) wide and connects the city centre on the west bank of
the Hrn with the Gaarden quarter on the east bank. The pedestrian bridge is especially important
for passengers connecting between the Norway Ferry Terminal (Norwegenkai) and the main railway
station.
Usually the bridge opens once every hour in order to allow small- and medium-sized ships to travel
in and out of the Hrn.
The bridge offers one of the best panoramic views of the city of Kiel. It is also at the beginning and
terminating point of a scenic route: the tourist route from Bremervrde to the Kieler Frde connects
approximately 50 different ferries, bridges, ship locks, tidal barriers and maritime museums and its
landmarks of the Rendsburg and Osten transporter bridges.