Lejonströmsbron - Sweden's Longest Original Wooden Bridge

Lejonströmsbron is a wooden bridge in Skellefteå, Sweden, crossing Skellefte River between the boroughs Sunnanå and Prästbordet, near the parish church for Skellefteå landsförsamling. Completed in 1737, Lejonströmsbron holds the distinction of being the oldest wooden bridge in Sweden. With a length of 207.5 metres (681 ft), it was, until a 230-meter long wooden bridge was built in Gimonäs in Umeå in 2006, Sweden’s longest wooden bridge. Interestingly, until 1868, a walking person had to pay 1 öre to cross the bridge, while a rider on horseback had to pay 3 öre.

Carts pulled by a horse had to pay 6 öre, and wagon pulled by several horses had to pay 12 öre. In 1868, a speed limit was introduced over the bridge. If a person drove or rode faster than a pedestrian, they could be fined five riksdaler. Lejonströmsbron was declared a listed building in Sweden in 1994. It is worth noting that the last war battles that took place on Swedish soil occurred under the Finnish War, also known as the 1808–09 war. On May 15, 1809, the Battle of Lejonströmsbron occurred, but the bridge has since become a symbol of peace.

Today, Lejonströmsbron is a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Sweden’s past, along with a unique, preserved wooden bridge experience.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons