description Glienicke Bridge Overview
The Glienicke Bridge is a historical steel structure spanning the Havel River, connecting the Wannsee district of Berlin with the city of Potsdam. During the Cold War, the bridge served as a restricted border crossing between East Germany and West Berlin, functioning physically and symbolically as the 'Bridge of Spies.' It was the site of several major espionage exchanges between the United States and the Soviet Union, including the 1962 trade of captured pilot Francis Gary Powers for Soviet intelligence officer Rudolf Abel.
help Glienicke Bridge FAQ
Why is Glienicke Bridge called the Bridge of Spies?
During the Cold War, the bridge became a location for high-profile exchanges between Soviet and Western intelligence services. Its most famous exchange took place on February 10, 1962.
Who was exchanged at Glienicke Bridge in 1962?
The United States exchanged Soviet KGB officer Rudolf Abel, whose real name was William Fisher, for American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers. Student Frederic Pryor was also released as part of the wider arrangement, but his handover occurred at Checkpoint Charlie.
Where does Glienicke Bridge connect?
The bridge crosses the Havel River between Berlin's Wannsee district and Potsdam. During the Cold War, the boundary between West Berlin and East Germany ran across the bridge.
Was Glienicke Bridge used for later spy exchanges?
Yes. A major 1985 exchange involved 25 people released to the West in return for four Eastern-bloc agents. Another well-known exchange followed in 1986 involving Soviet dissident Anatoly Sharansky.
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