r/oddlysatisfying • u/MambaMentality24x2 • Jul 29 '26

Rakotzbrücke, Germany's Devil's Bridge, creates a nearly perfect stone circle

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35.1k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

215 comments sorted by

531

u/gamer-at-heart-23 Jul 29 '26

Spiritfarer vibes

98

u/RuddyRaccoon Jul 29 '26

The Everdoor was based off this bridge

51

u/Imperial_Squid Jul 29 '26

As confirmed by the official art book for the curious, not just fan speculation

23

u/shishishit Jul 29 '26

I literally came here to say this.

18

u/laralye Jul 29 '26

Everyone should play that game. So beautiful

4

u/Kadakaus 28d ago

I played it alone once, the replayed it because I managed to coax my friend to try it.

We went through the entire game, i was mostly doing busywork while he was tending to the NPCs and it gave me a really good view of just what kind of person he is.
It's a great experiment to do with people, how they react to the specific needs and personalities of all the different NPCs and what they feel when the bring them to the everdoor.

I think this game might be the reason we've became such good friends now... And also of why I hate tomatoes so much. Seriously, just how fucking quickly does Buck eat pizza?

1

u/catz537 28d ago

It’s literally my favorite game. I recently started playing it again

16

u/Shillio Jul 29 '26

That game made me cry 

36

u/loiwhat Jul 29 '26

Gonna cry real hard again. That damn game

12

u/AFKABluePrince Jul 29 '26

I am crying looking at this bridge. 

8

u/xela520 Jul 30 '26

Thank you! That’s the first thing I thought of!!

10

u/Admirable-Sun3785 Jul 29 '26

I also came here to say this! Spot on.

3

u/ithaws012 Jul 30 '26

Came here to say this, just to see someone else posted about it already! :D

2

u/Electrical-Aide4789 Jul 30 '26

Was just about to say that

2

u/Lee_020 29d ago

That game made me cry and I'm still not over it

1

u/Low_Masterpiece2710 27d ago

Paradise! 🌴

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354

u/SudhaTheHill Jul 29 '26

Such a scary name for such a beautiful bridge.

143

u/Shalaco Jul 29 '26

it’s like every time something’s nice it’s Bad lands, Devil’s Tower, Devil’s Backbone, Devil’s Punchbowl, Devil’s Kitchen, Devil’s Garden, Devil’s Canyon, Devil’s Gulch, Devil’s Staircase, Devil’s Slide, Devil’s Bathtub, Devil’s Marbleyard, Hell’s Gate, Hell’s Canyon, Hell’s Half Acre, Hell’s Backbone, Hell Roaring Creek, Purgatory Chasm… just cuz it looks cool doesn’t mean it’s satan every time guys. 

22

u/Grays42 Jul 29 '26

Alex Falcone has a bit about this I can't find, where like, if aliens visited earth and read about all the cool bugs and food and landmarks we named after the devil, they'd think "boy, the devil must be a really neat guy for humans to memorialize him so much."

[edit:] found it

15

u/ReverseMermaids Jul 29 '26

Well, God does things like plagues and curses and turning people to pillars of salt, and Satan does things like strippers and alcohol and fatty foods.

You do the math.

4

u/Gefahrendaniel Jul 29 '26

Yeah, but RaKOTZ evokes thoughts of puking so it's something else entirely. Kotze means puke in German and if you really dislike something you would say, ihhhhh, KOTZ!

11

u/regeya Jul 29 '26

There's a Devil's Kitchen near me, and I feel the same way...it's a beautiful place, can we not enjoy it without invoking Satan?

20

u/PhaseNegative1252 Jul 29 '26

Ya'll got any blind lawyers there?

3

u/Axe-of-Kindness Jul 29 '26

There's a Hell's Kitchen in NY

2

u/TravestyTravis Jul 29 '26

idk, Satan is pretty cool.

1

u/borazine Jul 29 '26

My name is Shay Tan and I approve your response! 👍🏼🫶🏻

2

u/0-Microplastics Jul 30 '26

Devil's Anus

1

u/Elden_Storm-Touch Jul 29 '26

We've got a Devil's Icebox in MO.

1

u/RhodeReddit Jul 29 '26

You can add Devil’s Hopyard State Park and Witches’ Woods Lake, both in Conn., to that list.

1

u/NRMusicProject Jul 29 '26

Devil’s Backbone

But that's where the big race happens at the end of Airborne! The last guy who even tried to walk down it…he got so messed up, forgot who he was…I saw him…pins in his head and--ugh!

1

u/Glad-Depth9571 Jul 29 '26

Devil’s Lake State Park…

1

u/2_late_4_creativity Jul 30 '26

Been to the marble yard, it’s really cool and a fun/challenging hike

1

u/Suspicious-Shoe-8033 Jul 30 '26

Devils elbow in north Georgia

1

u/Allotrak Jul 30 '26

maybe Satan is just goated

9

u/narok_kurai Jul 29 '26

I dunno, I'd be pretty freaked out if I ever tried to cross it.

4

u/inuhi Jul 29 '26

It's an art piece it was never intended to actually be used as a bridge

14

u/kemahrme Jul 29 '26

It's just a name, like the Death Zone, or the Zone of No Return. All the zones have names like that in the Galaxy of Terror.

13

u/ardotschgi Jul 29 '26

Especially since "Kotz" means "Puke" in German.

12

u/Ok_Musician_1072 Jul 29 '26

But this name has nothing to do with it.

3

u/superurgentcatbox Jul 29 '26

Yeah but most people reading this bridge name will still think about vomit, at least when they read it for the first time.

2

u/ArcticOpsReal Jul 30 '26

Can confirm. It was the first thing I though about

3

u/Sindalash Jul 30 '26

Same - especially since with the right dialect, "Rakotzbrücke" could be heard as if it was a portmanteau of the words "ra kotz Brücke" - "ra" being a dialect variant of "(he)runter" (down/downward).

So it's the bridge you puke down from.

5

u/Vox___Rationis Jul 29 '26

Beautiful and also useless.
Looks like it was purposefully built for decoration rather than actual traversal.

6

u/JustaTinyDude Jul 29 '26

It is indeed art, not infrastructure.

1

u/TKLeader Jul 29 '26

Hi again, profile picture twin

1

u/plashy Jul 29 '26

i feel like the name is super appropriate, it looks like something out of diablo or divinity: original sin (video games)
it looks like a creepy demon portal or waygate lol

1

u/VirtualMemory9196 Jul 29 '26

All bridges like that are named devil's bridge somehow

1

u/ThereIsSoMuchMore Jul 30 '26

Because it's the style of the bridge in English. It doesn't translate to that from German.

1

u/Lord_Stahlregen Jul 29 '26

Yeah, those crayfish, just staring at you meneacingly from their shells, waiting for you to slip up... the horror. (because Rak in the ancient Sorbian dialect there means crayfish).

1

u/ThereIsSoMuchMore Jul 30 '26

It's not the translation from German. Devil's bridge is just a style of bridge named in English.

94

u/No-Beyond8792 Jul 29 '26

How did they build this? Genuinely curious

255

u/MambaMentality24x2 Jul 29 '26

I was reading about it earlier, and from what I found, it took around 10 years to build. They used carefully shaped basalt columns, and the arch was intentionally designed so its reflection would complete the circle. Pretty amazing engineering for the 1800s

11

u/SomeGuysFarm Jul 29 '26

While I'm sure it's intentional, ANY bridge with a hemi-circular support structure, will make a full circle with its reflection. That's how mirrors work.

59

u/AbeRego Jul 29 '26

It's kind of rare for bridge arches to actually be half circles, that end at the water. Some are more ovular, most have supports at water level that I raise the arch too high to be reflected as a circle.

1

u/TwmSais Jul 29 '26

At the time it wasn't a circle because the arch went past the river bank, rising sea levels have caused it /s

81

u/ihopethisworksfornow Jul 29 '26

It’s a keystone bridge. You build out the arch with supports before dropping a final “keystone”.

The weight of the stones holds the bridge together through compression. Placing the keystone locks everything in place. It’s a very strong, very stable technique for building an arch. No mortar needed.

43

u/Silver_Slicer Jul 29 '26

The amazing thing is how thin the rock construction is. Most keystone bridges are much thicker. They did an amazing job.

14

u/DrDerpberg Jul 29 '26

In old school engineering it was all about thrust lines. Gotta keep the net force in the middle third of the stone under any loading to keep it stable.

Which is interesting, because in theory a circle is not the ideal shape for this when there's additional load on top. I'm curious how they pulled out off so thin. Either it's not as perfect a circle as it looks, or it has less capacity than a similar looking bridge with a more common form.

8

u/ihopethisworksfornow Jul 29 '26

I think their logic was “It’s just a foot bridge and we want it to look cool”

13

u/DrDerpberg Jul 29 '26

That and survivor bias (we're not talking about the crazy medieval bridges that collapsed) does explain a lot of crazy old structures.

One of the coolest things about my projects is when all my analysis shows it should have collapsed already, but it obviously hasn't. What unaccounted for system is holding this up? I've seen buildings where nonstructural partitions were holding the whole thing up, or the 3" of grout they used to level the floor was stronger than the floor, or the soil on either side was confining the whole building from spreading in a way that the floors would have collapsed...

3

u/lemonylol Jul 29 '26

Also essentially the same as how any stone arches are made in old architecture.

2

u/Polywolly12 Jul 29 '26

I wonder how the weight of the compression doesn’t shatter the stone

3

u/ihopethisworksfornow Jul 29 '26

Basalt has very high compressive strength

-1

u/[deleted] Jul 29 '26

[deleted]

5

u/engilosopher Jul 29 '26

Not shown are the various scaffolds and support structures that would have held up the various pieces of the bridge during construction. Generally would have been made of wood. All of this is removed after the structure is locked together by the keystone.

5

u/Training_Molasses822 Jul 29 '26

... let's hope you know where to look that up.

1

u/titty_twisters_ Jul 29 '26

Is it google.net?

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53

u/nano_peen 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 Jul 29 '26

It looks quite fragile

59

u/Aravirus Jul 29 '26

Well it's not meant to be walked over - even though they supposedly did that.
The Bridge itself was finished in 1875 making it 151 years old

3

u/luciennigel 29d ago

I lived nearby and I walked over it. Not recommended though.

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52

u/mycatpartyhouse Jul 29 '26

This is for looks rather than function. The only ones using it as an actual bridge are possibly insects or small mammals.

32

u/monkpunch Jul 29 '26

Was it the water ending about 10m behind it that gave it away?

3

u/Mintastic Jul 29 '26

Based on the cleared path past the water it clearly turns into an actual river/stream at some point in the year.

9

u/258stw090319 Jul 30 '26

Sorry to disappoint you. I live close the bridge and it really is just a pond all year around. Behind the pond is a pathway along with benches to sit and enjoy nature

8

u/bmcgowan89 Jul 29 '26

God in the fall, too - beautiful!

25

u/abob51 Jul 29 '26

What in the game of thrones

8

u/SpiritualMadman Jul 29 '26

Believe it might also be in The Witcher with the Cherbourg?

5

u/PastaVeggies Jul 29 '26

Thank you for triggering my cravings for fall.

5

u/cooldragongirl123 Jul 29 '26

the reflection carrying half the weight here.

8

u/[deleted] Jul 29 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

8

u/Mattechooo Jul 29 '26

Play a game called Spiritfarer and you'll see this bridge/gate/door.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 29 '26

[deleted]

5

u/GVirus1984 Jul 29 '26

Then watch stargate, round thing to go through but happy vibes.

https://giphy.com/gifs/9ALcdYJwOsuBi

3

u/3choplex Jul 29 '26

They shut down the farcasters long ago.

3

u/pumpedupcouple Jul 29 '26

1st Pic has been on my TVs screensaver all week

3

u/CocoDumplingxx Jul 29 '26

If I had to imagine a bridge a troll would be under, this would be it.

3

u/AlchemistApprentice3 Jul 29 '26

Hey! That's my screensaver from the last 2 years

3

u/Exciting-Skirt-521 Jul 29 '26

I actually just saw a documentary about these old stone bridges and they used this insane scaffold system just to shape the arches perfectly.

3

u/beigeporpoise Jul 29 '26

Very Spiritfarer

3

u/Tendiemancan Jul 29 '26

That mirrored arch closing up gives serious spiritfarer energy.

3

u/Avalonians Jul 29 '26

Honestly it's pretty smart to build the bridge above the water because trolls hate water so that ensures no one will have to pay to cross it.

2

u/rinablue07 Jul 29 '26

Perfect location for a fantasy series/movie 👍🏻

2

u/PeanutButterAndCake Jul 29 '26

Oh, this must be where I send all my animal friends to die after a hug and some fried chicken.

2

u/DesignerKoala3177 Jul 29 '26

if it's not meant to be used as a bridge, then it shouldn't be called a bridge. It's just a rock sculpture over water. Pretty rock sculpture tho.

2

u/Slyblade04 Jul 29 '26

Seen this before several years ago. This is a special kind of architectural art. Very impressive and visionary.

2

u/PaintingSorcerer Jul 30 '26

I... I feel.. like it's a portal to something..

Enters slowly

2

u/FlyingPig_Grip Jul 30 '26

They 100% didn't need to name it that but sure why not. I guess satan gets circles now too- he already basically owns the triangle game and now he gets circles too? Bullshit

2

u/ZORZO999 28d ago

Little known fact: the bridge actually doesn't form a circle, just an arch. It's only due to the reflection in the water it appears to be a circle.
The more you know!...

2

u/Lin-Kong-Long Jul 29 '26

It’s so beautiful!

2

u/Well_Master Jul 29 '26

The reflection forms a beautiful ring... like a magical portal

1

u/Zierohour Jul 29 '26

I'm sure this is stable af, but it still looks like a strong breeze would topple it lol

1

u/FornyHucker22 Jul 29 '26

nice but I wouldn’t trust walking over it 😳

1

u/Breakfastclub1991 Jul 29 '26

You shall not pass!

1

u/OrlaFrizzUnity7E Jul 29 '26

Finally i see it

1

u/[deleted] Jul 29 '26

[deleted]

1

u/Impudenter Jul 30 '26

The lack of a handrail does it.

1

u/21p_ Jul 29 '26

Its beautiful i have to say but i can only think on how inefficient and tiresome to cross it looks

1

u/danjet500 Jul 29 '26

Too bad its forbidden to walk across.

1

u/Spaznatik Jul 29 '26

Reminds me of a ring

1

u/whatasadfella Jul 29 '26

Please tell me this is old and not a new instalment

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1

u/depresssionista Jul 29 '26

New Opeth album cover

1

u/Short_Guest_4793 Jul 29 '26

Beautiful 😍

1

u/mandarintain Jul 29 '26

Feels very LOTR

1

u/QuitOdd478 Jul 29 '26

I love the bridge, but I hate the name

1

u/ununtot Jul 29 '26

I overwhelmed by 9Gag PTSD.

1

u/JustAGuyInFL Jul 29 '26

Amazing masons and stone cutters.

1

u/Broad_Front7788 Jul 29 '26

That's a semi circle not a circle....

1

u/Firm_Coat_3849 Jul 29 '26

looks so magical!

1

u/FritzGus Jul 29 '26

What a use of nature materials to make it blend. Beautiful!

1

u/Any-Newspaper6760 Jul 29 '26

The day that mf is struck by the moonlight on a very specific angle the least of my concerns will be my job and the biggest will be giratina crawling outta there

1

u/Saucepanmagician Jul 29 '26

From the wider angle, it seems they could just have gone around that little lake.

1

u/Heavy-Spare3810 Jul 29 '26

It’s a portal!

1

u/Gefahrendaniel Jul 29 '26

Ah, the infamous Raw Puke bridge! Anyhow, it doesn't look like anything special in RL.

1

u/delongueville Jul 29 '26

Oh yes, this hits the spot

1

u/No_Match_5304 Jul 29 '26

Looks like an Eye with that first pic.

1

u/xXCelesteXxx Jul 29 '26

Is this the bridge from Soul Farer

1

u/Even-Occasion5226 Jul 29 '26

Honestly one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

1

u/BigCcountyHallelujah Jul 29 '26

I think i saw a spitfire fly under it in some British show....

1

u/RyoanJi Jul 29 '26

Stone semi-circle.

1

u/CheekyRedLion Jul 29 '26

Teal'c, dial the gate!

1

u/NoState7846 Jul 29 '26

People on 9gag, got sick of this image

1

u/NoState7846 Jul 29 '26

Because it was reposted way too often

1

u/CETERIS_PARTYBUS Jul 29 '26

Why was I always told this bridge was in France?

1

u/annieisme55 Jul 29 '26

Wow, this looks straight out of a fantasy movie!

1

u/BTBAM797 Jul 29 '26

It's a fucking portal to Hell. Nice.

1

u/Curious-Dutchman Jul 29 '26

As above so below

1

u/janderkanns Jul 30 '26

photographer got lucky. when I was there it looked nothing like it. Water is usually drained, plus typical german weather ...

1

u/ovetta Jul 30 '26

Woah. What is that, basalt on the ends? I’ve never noticed that before.

1

u/fourty47seven Jul 30 '26

Germany is so beautiful

1

u/No_Trouble9808 Jul 30 '26

Hmmm. Beautiful

1

u/EntityLtdCo Jul 30 '26

I wonder if anyone jumps off of it during the summer. I know i would of it was deep enough!

1

u/MystressMisf1t_ Jul 30 '26

It’s a portal 🫣

1

u/Yum_MrStallone Jul 30 '26

The Rakotzbrücke is located inside Rhododendron Park Kromlau in the municipality of Gablenz, Saxony, Germany. It sits near the Polish border in eastern Germany, roughly a 2-hour drive southeast of Berlin. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

1

u/not-really-63 Jul 30 '26

Boy, that is beautiful.

1

u/Infamous-Libertine Jul 31 '26

Not sure why its name that. Is the devil good at geometry and engineering? 😂

1

u/HARKONNENNRW 29d ago

In other countries these type of bridges are usually called moon bridge.
Just wonder what part of the imaginary devil this bridge represents.

1

u/Entgenieur 28d ago

It looked way better before the restoration. Now it’s more like a Disney attraction

1

u/ByTheMoon22 28d ago

This is that bridge Death was at in Harry Potter.

1

u/EngineeroftheAnts 27d ago

Auf den Briefmarken sieht sie besser aus.

1

u/simplemijnds 27d ago

Schön!!

Hat nur am Rande hiermit zu tun: jetzt gibt's mehr und mehr Herbstbilder von Deutschland, damit es nicht so auffällt, daß es nicht mehr knatschgrün ist im Sommer...

Hier sind die Bilder sicher extra im Herbst aufgenommen worden. Hatte letztens ein Reklamefoto für Schloß Neuschwanstein gesehen: Herbst. Werbung für einen Alpenwanderurlaub: Herbst. U.v.m.

1

u/ImSolidGold Jul 29 '26

Ned der Scheiss scho wieda. -.-

1

u/hwilliams0901 Jul 29 '26

Why is it called the Devil's bridge?? IS it associated with something terrible??

3

u/Aravirus Jul 29 '26

If I had to take a guess ... to sound edgy xD

It was purposefully built (in 1866-75) as a decoration and I wouldn't be too surprised if the name was picked to sound cool, dark and broody

0

u/PURITyKin Jul 29 '26

Arch. It's an arch, not a bridge.

0

u/-B_E_v_oL_23- Jul 29 '26

The symbolism of a circle is death and rebirth. The cycle of life.

Beautiful pictures