Van Leerbrug

Van Leerbrug and bridge keeper's house
Already in the 17th century there was a -wooden- swing bridge over the Vecht. It was later replaced by an iron one. This bridge was blown up by the Germans at the beginning of May 1945, just before the end of the Second World War. In 1949 the new bridge was opened: a second-hand, double drawbridge from 1888 that was transported here in parts over the water from Weesperkarspel. The Vreeland barrel factory Van Leer (now: Greif) financed a large part of the bridge, which is why the name became 'Van Leerbrug'. In 1986, the bridge was replaced by the current bridge, which retained its old name. Tolls were levied at the bridge until the construction of the Provincial Road in 1940. Until then, all traffic from east to west had to cross this narrow bridge, so tolling was a lucrative activity. In the photo from 1905 you can see the toll sign hanging against the side wall of the bridge keeper's house.

Cross the Breedstraat and enter the Voorstraat. Immediately to the right of the lamppost you will see the sign with a historic photo with a view of the Zuidervoorstraat.

ZichtopdeVechtstreek