It is the oldest preserved stone bridge in Nuremberg, predating many other city structures.
Originally called the Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), its current name honors King Maximilian I of Bavaria.
The bridge was specifically designed to handle the heavy merchant traffic of the 15th-century trading economy.
During the Middle Ages, the bridge functioned as part of the city’s defensive perimeter, linking internal districts.
It is one of the few historical structures in Nuremberg to retain its medieval masonry roots despite the city's heavy aerial bombing in 1945.
The Maxbrücke is the oldest stone bridge in Nuremberg, dating back to 1457. Spanning the Pegnitz River, it connects the island of Schütt with the city's historic center. The bridge was originally constructed as part of the city's defensive fortifications and was formerly known as the Steinerne Brücke. It features a distinct two-arch design built from sandstone. During the late Middle Ages, it served as a critical logistics point for the transport of heavy goods. Today, it stands as a pedestrian-only crossing point between the Trödelmarkt and the western part of the Altstadt. The structure survived the extensive destruction of the city during the Second World War with significant portions intact. It remains a central element of the Nuremberg riverfront landscape.
From the Henkersteg bridge looking back toward the Maxbrücke.
Walk across at dusk to view the reflection of the illuminated half-timbered houses in the Pegnitz.
Combine your visit with a short walk through the adjacent Trödelmarkt island area.
Look down at the water level to see the detailed sandstone masonry and joinery.
Do not mistake it for the nearby Henkersteg (Hangman's Bridge), which is a wooden reconstructed bridge rather than the original stone structure.
