Glienicke Bridge: the "Bridge of Spies" between Berlin and Potsdam

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Glienicke Bridge (Glienicker Brücke) crosses the Havel between Berlin's Wannsee district and Potsdam. Opened on 16 November 1907, this 128-metre steel bridge is known worldwide as the "Bridge of Spies": during the Cold War it was the setting for three exchanges of agents between East and West, in 1962, 1985 and 1986. The middle of the bridge now marks the boundary between Berlin and Brandenburg. You can cross it freely on foot or by bike, and it offers a pleasant view of the neighbouring lakes and parks. Allow 30 minutes for the crossing, the information panels and photos, longer if you continue along the waterside path.

Highlights

The green bridge

Painted in two shades of green, the steel lattice bridge links Königstraße on the Berlin side to Berliner Straße on the Potsdam side. Walking across takes a few minutes; the middle of the bridge used to mark the border between East Germany and West Berlin.

The spy exchanges

The first exchange took place in 1962: the American pilot Francis Gary Powers was freed in return for the Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. On 11 June 1985, 23 Western agents and dissidents held in the East were exchanged for four Eastern agents. On 11 February 1986, the Soviet dissident Anatoly Shcharansky was released together with three others, in exchange for five Eastern Bloc agents.

The lakes and parks

On either side of the bridge lie the Jungfernsee and Lake Glienicke, lined by the World Heritage parks of Potsdam and Berlin. It is a pleasant starting point for a walk or a bike ride along the water.

Practical info

Tips

The bridge is open to all, day and night, with no ticket. It was closed to private traffic from 1952 and reopened to everyone on 10 November 1989, the day after the fall of the Wall. It appears in Steven Spielberg's film "Bridge of Spies" (2015), which shot scenes on site; see also our selection of films and series shot in Berlin. For a place devoted to espionage in the city, visit the Spy Museum. The bridge pairs well with a trip to Potsdam or the Museum Barberini.

How to get there

Glienicker Brücke, between Königstraße (14109 Berlin) and Berliner Straße (14467 Potsdam). From Berlin, take the S-Bahn S1 or S7 to Wannsee, then bus 316 to the bridge. From Potsdam, reach the bridge by bus or by bike from the centre. The Berlin ABC ticket at €5 covers the journey. The Wannsee Conference House and the Wannsee beach are in the same area.