Glienicke Bridge is a historic bridge located in the city of Potsdam, Germany. The bridge spans the Havel River and connects the districts of Potsdam and Berlin. The bridge is known for its historical significance as it was the site of several Cold War spy exchanges between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The bridge was originally built in 1907 and was designed by the architect Karl Bernhard. It was initially used as a pedestrian bridge and was later converted into a road bridge. During World War II, the bridge was heavily damaged and was rebuilt in 1949.
The bridge gained international attention during the Cold War when it became the site of several high-profile spy exchanges. The first exchange took place in 1962 when the Soviet Union released American spy pilot Francis Gary Powers in exchange for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. The bridge was also the site of exchanges involving other spies, including William Fischer, Frederic Pryor, and Wolfgang Vogel.
Today, the Glienicke Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and is considered a symbol of the Cold War. Visitors can walk across the bridge and learn about its history through exhibits and guided tours. The bridge also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Havel River and the nearby Babelsberg Palace.
