Sprache wechseln
6,000 kilometres | 16 days | 9 countries | 6 bridges | 1 rally
It all started when the two German cities of Solingen and Remscheid joined forces to gain UNESCO World Heritage status for the Müngsten Bridge. At 107 metres, it’s the tallest railway bridge in the country. When it was built, one and a quarter centuries ago, it represented a major feat of engineering for its time and has since become a popular landmark in the region.
However, gaining World Heritage status has proven more difficult than you might expect. So, the two cities joined forces with five other large arch bridges across Europe and submitted a joint application.
When two friends, Timm and Marc, got wind of the plan, they wanted to help by building awareness for the bridges, their importance and historical relevance. And what better way to do it than create a rally that ran from one bridge to the other—from Solingen in Germany to Porto in Portugal, and all the way back again.
The Six Bridges Rally was born.
Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal and Germany. Breathtaking landscapes, interesting routes and, of course, spectacular engineering. The rally is open to cars and motorcycles at least 15 years old, whereby classics are preferred in order to give the event added flair as well as slowing the pace down a bit. Yes, this is a rally, but it’s not just about speed. There are tasks each team needs to fulfil en route, and everyone should be able to take in scenery and camaraderie.
If we think about magnificent steel structures, one of the most significant that springs to mind has to be the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which was constructed between 1887 and 1889 as the centrepiece for the 1889 World Fair. As such, it is quite fitting that Gustave Eiffel’s great-great-granddaughter, Madame Myriam Larnaudie-Eiffel, is patron of the Six Bridges Rally, thereby lending it increased notability.
At Overland Journal Europe, we enthusiastically support conservation, humanitarian and historical projects on the mainland and beyond. If participation also includes overlanding to places of interest, meeting like-minded people, and enjoying some local cuisine and wine, then there is even more reason to participate.
Open to vehicles which are at least fifteen years old, the third rally is already planned for 2023, and will take place between the 9th and 24th of September. It’s encouraging to note that the organisers also ensure the event is CO2 neutral—every kilometre driven by each competitor is accounted for. More details and how to apply as a competitor can found on the event’s website: sixbridges-rally.de
We will accompany the 2023 event with one or two classic Land Rovers and Stefan, our intrepid cyclist, will ride the route from Solingen to Porto on a Riese & Müller e-bike.
Follow us for updates as we prepare for what will be a fun event and journey to some special locations across the European mainland…who knows, maybe one or two of you may join us as well:
