Triple Bridge

What makes it special

Three bridges fan out side by side over the Ljubljanica, the two outer spans set at a slight angle to the one in the middle. The central span is the oldest of the three, standing here since 1842. Jože Plečnik added the side bridges and gave all three the same heavy balustrades and lamps, so they read as one structure.

From each side bridge, two stairways lead down to terraces just above the water, planted with poplars as part of the same design. Go down one of them to see the bridge from river level, where the balustrades and the angle of the outer spans are easiest to take in.

The bridge sits where two of Plečnik's planned routes through the city meet: one follows the river, the other runs from Rožnik hill to the castle hill. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of his work in Ljubljana.

Visiting

One short loop covers the bridge. Start on Prešeren Square and take your photograph of the three spans from there. Then cross on the central span and stop halfway for the view back over the square and up to Ljubljana Castle.

On the old town bank, turn round and come back over one of the side bridges. Halfway across, take the stairway down to the terrace by the river, where poplars line the water, then climb back up to the square.

Tips

Evening is the busiest time, once the river terraces fill up. If you want the bridge with fewer people on it, keep to the two side bridges, which are usually quieter than the central span.

Many walking tours and informal meetups start here through the day. Come early in the morning and you will have the central span almost to yourself.