Untertorbrücke

The Untertorbrücke is the oldest stone bridge in Bern, connecting the old city to the Matte district across the Aare river. Its dark, sturdy sandstone arches have spanned the rushing water since fourteen eighty-seven. Years before the bridge stood, travelers relied on a ferry that frequently capsized in the dangerous currents. The town council finally authorized this construction to secure the main trade route. When local woodcutter Hans had to pay his bridge toll in fifteen ten, he only had a button.