The new access to the famous chalk cliff “Königsstuhl” on the Baltic Sea island of Rügen replaced an existing panoramic platform. The access from the plateau over the so-called “Königsgrab” was no longer able to cope with the high number of visitors. This resulted in various break-offs at the chalk cliffs. The new bridge is designed as a circular path that starts on the plateau and spans the Königsgrab with a cable-stayed footbridge. Therefore, the chalk cliff is no longer accessed directly, but visitors are guided over it in a loop with an elliptical layout. The shape allows visitors to cross the “Königsgrab” without changing direction and facing oncoming traffic. At the same time, visitors have an undisturbed view over the sea and the cliffs. The visitor platform is designed as a single-span suspension bridge. Its superstructure is supported on one side by a mast on its abutment. The bridge deck consists of a welded steel box girder, that is connected to the main supporting cables via suspension cables, which carry the vertical forces of the superstructure to the top of the mast. Further demands on the structure result from its exposed location on the 120 meter high chalk cliff. For instance, the structure needs to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the Baltic Sea, such as storms and salt water gusts. However, the impact of the structure on the sensitive natural environment within the national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is minimal.
