Opened only in October 2015, Geierlay is Germany’s longest suspension bridge, and it makes for a wonderful day out in the stunning German countryside! The suspension bridge is 360m long and 100m high. Do you dare to cross it?!
My Arriving
When I added the town of Mörsdorf into my GPS, I felt like I was about to journey through Middle Earth to destroy Frodo’s ring. After a beautiful drive through Rheinland-Pfalz, we arrived at the Geierlay Visitor Center.
The visitor center is in a modern wood building which inside has a café and bathrooms. There are no bathrooms by the bridge, so it would be suggested to use the bathroom before you depart! The center also has a designated parking area. There is no cost to go on the bridge, but the only fee is 2 Euros per day for parking.
A request from the visitor center is that you do not try to drive to the bridge, but to reach it only on the paths by walking or biking. Also you are required to respect the beautiful landscape and pick up any trash you may make.
Head to the Bridge
Time to head to the bridge! When walking to the road, there is a sign post pointing to where you start the walk to the bridge.
You turn right on the main road, then turn on a side road on the left which brings you out to the field.
The paved walkway is 1,7 km to the bridge. The way to the bridge is actually a really beautiful walk! If you have a little one, I suggest to bring a stroller or wagon. If not, you may end up like me and have a child on your shoulders on the journey back! Strollers might not fit on the actual bridge, but there is an area where you can leave them.
When you turn the final corner of the bridge’s path, there is an area where you can sit and take in the amazing view.
After we admired the scenery for a little bit, we were ready to walk across. Being there on a weekday, we pretty much had the bridge to ourselves!
The only thing surrounding the bridge is untouched, breathtaking forest. It is chicken soup for the soul!
Walking on the bridge was very thrilling and I felt safe on it! Since we were not in a rush, we had time to take in the spectacular surroundings.
It is said that it takes six minutes to briskly walk across to the other side; however, it took us much longer because of the snow and taking photos.
For anyone looking to expand the walk back, you also have the possibility to take a hike in the woods. There is a trail map with all of the routes.
One hiking route will take you cross the bridge, down under the bridge and then up to the other side. Sounds fun and we will definitely return to Geierlay this spring!
How to Get There
Address:
Geierlay Visitor Center
Kastellaun Straße 23
56290 Mörsdorf
The drive to Geierlay is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes west of Wiesbaden, 1 hour and 30 minutes northwest of Kaiserslautern and just under three hours northwest of Stuttgart.
Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
Featured Image Photo Credit: © Gemma