Quick Facts
What: A set of three adjacent bridges forming a single crossing over the Ljubljanica River, uniquely arranged side by side.
Where: Central Ljubljana – links Prešeren Square (main square) on the west bank to the Old Town on the east bank.
Why famous: An architectural icon by Jože Plečnik (completed 1932), now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cost: Free – public pedestrian bridge, open 24/7.
Time needed: 10–15 minutes for a quick look, up to 30 minutes to explore the area.
Best for photos: Early morning or evening when the bridge's lamps glow.
The Triple Bridge (Slovene: Tromostovje) is a one-of-a-kind landmark in the heart of Ljubljana. It consists of three elegantly interconnected bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River, fanning out from the city's central Prešeren Square into the Old Town. Designed by famed architect Jože Plečnik in the 1930s, this pedestrian bridge ensemble is both a practical crossing and a work of art, now celebrated as part of Plečnik's Ljubljana (inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021). Visitors come to admire its unique design, soak in river views, and use it as a picturesque gateway to Ljubljana's historic core.
What is the Triple Bridge and Why Are There Three Bridges?
The Triple Bridge is essentially one bridge expanded into three. The original central bridge was a traditional stone bridge built in 1842 to replace an old wooden river crossing. In the early 20th century, increasing traffic led to a creative solution: instead of demolishing the old bridge, the city architect Jože Plečnik flanked it with two additional footbridges in 1931–1932. These slightly angled side bridges fan out from the central span, creating a wider pedestrian crossroads that eases congestion and provides multiple paths across the river. Plečnik's design unified all three with the same style, effectively turning them into one harmonious structure.
Today, the Triple Bridge connects the lively modern city center (Prešeren Square) to the medieval Old Town. It has been a pedestrian-only zone since 2007, so you can wander freely without traffic. The bridge is not just a way to get across the river – it's an experience in itself, offering wonderful views and a sense of Ljubljana's history and style. In 2021, it gained further recognition when it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Plečnik's works, underscoring its cultural significance. Whether you're entering Old Town or just enjoying the ambience, Tromostovje is open at all hours and always buzzing with activity.
What to Look For at Triple Bridge
As you explore Tromostovje, keep an eye out for these features that make it special:
- Plečnik's Stone Balustrades: Notice the elegant stone railings along all three bridges – Plečnik removed the old metal fences and installed matching stone balustrades topped with simple pyramid finials, unifying the trio. These balustrades lend the bridges a classic look and align with the architecture of nearby buildings.
- Art Nouveau Lamps: The bridges are lined with charming period-style lampposts. These lamps, added during Plečnik's redesign, illuminate the crossing at night and accentuate its fairytale atmosphere.
- Stairways to Riverside Terraces: On each side bridge, you'll find stone staircases that lead down to little terraces just above the river. Take a few steps down to stand almost at water level. These terraces are shaded by trees (Plečnik even planted poplars here) and offer a peaceful spot to watch boats or ducks go by.
- Riverside Viewpoints: From the terraces below or the outer bridges, look outward along the Ljubljanica River. Upstream you'll see other bridges and charming riverside buildings; downstream you can spot the famous Dragon Bridge in the distance.
- Prešeren Square Backdrop: On the west end, the Triple Bridge spills into Prešeren Square. Here you're greeted by the bronze statue of poet France Prešeren and the iconic salmon-pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. This scenic backdrop – church, square, and bridges together – is one of the most photographed scenes in Ljubljana.
- Market Colonnade and Flower Kiosk: On the Old Town side (east bank), glance to your right (south) as you exit the bridge. You'll see a small flower shop kiosk built into the bridge area, adjoining the covered Central Market colonnade designed by Plečnik.
- Castle Views: Look up beyond the rooftops – from the Triple Bridge you can often catch a glimpse of Ljubljana Castle perched on the hill above the Old Town. The sight of the castle tower peeking over the skyline adds to the magic of the scene.
Best Photo Spots Around Triple Bridge
With its storybook setting, Triple Bridge offers several great angles for photography:
- From Butchers' Bridge: Just downstream, the modern Butchers' Bridge (with its glass panels and love locks) provides a perfect angle to capture all three spans of Tromostovje in one shot. You can frame the Triple Bridge with the river in the foreground.
- Riverside Cafés or Terraces: Grab a spot at a café along the Ljubljanica or step down to the riverside terrace below the bridge for a low-angle view. From near water level, you can photograph the bridges arching overhead with reflections dancing on the river – especially lovely on a calm morning.
- Prešeren Square Perspective: Stand back in Prešeren Square by the Prešeren statue to get a wide shot of the Triple Bridge fanning out across the river. This perspective captures the flow of people crossing and the backdrop of the market colonnade.
- Evening & Night Views: Photographers love the Triple Bridge after sunset, when its lanterns and the city lights glow. Try shooting from one of the side bridges toward the illuminated Franciscan Church.
- Panorama from Above: For a grand overview, head up to Ljubljana Castle or its viewing terrace around sunset. From the heights, you can zoom in on the city center – the Triple Bridge is visible as a distinctive white tri-bridge crossing amidst the rooftops.
Two Short Walking Routes Starting at Triple Bridge
Because of its central location, the Triple Bridge is an ideal launching point for exploring Ljubljana. Here are two self-guided "micro-walks" you can do:
Route A: Old Town Micro-Walk (10–30 minutes)
A quick loop around the immediate area. Start at Prešeren Square, right by the Triple Bridge. Take in the square's energy – street musicians often play near the Prešeren statue. Cross the Triple Bridge on one of the side pedestrian spans. Once on the Old Town side, optionally descend the staircase to the riverbank terrace for a waterside view under the bridges. Continue a few steps along the Ljubljanica riverbank to the Butchers' Bridge, a short footbridge decorated with quirky sculptures and love locks. Cross the Butchers' Bridge back toward the opposite bank (this leads you by the Central Market building). Finally, stroll back toward Prešeren Square.
Route B: Old Town Landmarks Loop (~60 minutes)
A deeper dive into the historic center. From Prešeren Square, cross the Triple Bridge into the Old Town and head straight into Mestni trg (Town Square). In just a couple of minutes you'll reach the Ljubljana Town Hall and the Robba Fountain – a great spot for photos. Continue south through the charming cobbled streets of Stari trg (Old Square), lined with boutique shops and cafes in medieval buildings. When you reach Čevljarski most (Cobblers' Bridge), turn left and cross this elegant Plečnik-designed bridge. On the other side, you'll find yourself near Novi trg and the edge of Congress Square. After a break, loop back toward the river and walk north along the Breg embankment back to the Central Market area and the Triple Bridge.
Tips for Visiting (By Traveler Type)
Families
Good news – the Triple Bridge and surrounding streets are entirely pedestrian-only, making it safe for kids to roam. Young children will enjoy watching boats on the river and the friendly swans that sometimes gather near the terraces. For a fun family activity, consider the Ljubljana scavenger hunt for kids, which starts nearby and turns the Old Town into a playful adventure. Restrooms are conveniently located (look for free public toilets tucked under the bridge approaches). Strollers navigate easily on the wide bridge, but remember to use the gentle slopes or ramps rather than the steep stairs.
Couples
The Triple Bridge is a romantic spot, especially in the evening. Take a slow stroll hand-in-hand across each of the three bridges – it only takes a minute, but each angle offers a charming view. Street performers (violinists, accordion players) often serenade passersby in Prešeren Square, adding to the mood. Consider an after-dinner walk: cross the softly lit bridge and continue along the riverbank, where lights from cafes reflect on the water.
Solo Travelers
If you're exploring solo, the Triple Bridge is a perfect people-watching perch and photography spot. Bring your camera – the angles here are unique, and you can practice capturing the symmetry of the bridges or the candid moments of locals meeting in the square. Information plaques (in multiple languages) offer a bit of history if you're curious. It's also a great place to start a self-guided walking tour of Ljubljana's Old Town.
Budget Travelers
Everything about the Triple Bridge experience is free. It costs nothing to enjoy the architecture, the river views, and the lively atmosphere. Many of Ljubljana's best attractions (squares, churches, outdoor markets) are clustered around this area and also free to see, making the vicinity a hub of things to do in Ljubljana that won't hurt your wallet. Pack a simple picnic snack and sit on a bench by the river to enjoy million-dollar views at zero cost!
Nearby Things to Do and See
Strolling the Triple Bridge will put you at the center of several other must-see Ljubljana attractions. Here are a few worth checking out (all within a short walk):
- Prešeren Square & Franciscan Church: The city's main square is right at the foot of the bridge. It's known for the statue of France Prešeren (Slovenia's beloved poet) and the pink Franciscan Church which provides a picturesque backdrop.
- Central Market (Plečnik's Market): Just steps from the Old Town end of Triple Bridge is the Central Market, a colorful open-air and covered market where locals buy fresh produce, flowers, and sundries daily.
- Dragon Bridge: A block downstream (follow the river east for about 3 minutes) is the famous Dragon Bridge, guarded by four copper dragon statues – the city's emblem.
- Butchers' Bridge: Just south along the river, this modern footbridge is known for its love locks and quirky art sculptures. From here, you get an excellent view looking back at Triple Bridge.
- Ljubljana Castle: Rising above the Old Town is Ljubljana Castle. You can reach it by a steep 10-minute hike or by taking a funicular from the Central Market area.
- Town Hall & Mestni trg: A 5-minute walk into Old Town brings you to the historic Town Hall and Mestni trg square with the ornate Robba Fountain.
- Cobblers' Bridge: Another pretty pedestrian bridge about 300 meters upstream, Čevljarski most is another Plečnik creation with distinctive stone columns.
For a comprehensive list and itinerary of sights within walking distance, check out our guide to the best things to do in Ljubljana.
Turn Your Visit into an Adventure
The Triple Bridge is the starting point for our free Ljubljana city game – an interactive scavenger hunt that takes you through the Old Town solving riddles and discovering hidden details. No app needed, just your email!
Start Free City GameFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Triple Bridge
Q: Is the Triple Bridge free to visit?
A: Yes – completely free! The Triple Bridge is a public pedestrian crossing, so there's no entrance fee or ticket needed. You can walk across it any time of day or night. In fact, it's open 24/7, so you're welcome to enjoy the view even in the late evening or early morning hours.
Q: How long do you need to see the Triple Bridge?
A: You can "see" it in just a few minutes by walking across, but give yourself around 15–30 minutes to fully appreciate it. That allows time to cross all three bridges, take photos from different angles, maybe go down to the river terraces, and enjoy the street performers often in Prešeren Square.
Q: Why are there three bridges at Tromostovje?
A: The three bridges were built to widen a bottleneck and add flair. Originally there was one stone bridge from 1842. In the 1930s, architect Jože Plečnik added two side bridges to expand pedestrian capacity without demolishing the old bridge. This clever design turned a simple river crossing into a grand entrance to the Old Town.
Q: Is the Triple Bridge pedestrian-only?
A: Yes. Since 2007 the Triple Bridge and surrounding area are part of Ljubljana's pedestrian-only zone. No cars or buses cross it, making it safe for walkers (including kids and strollers).
Q: When is the best time to photograph the Triple Bridge?
A: Two times stand out: early morning and evening. In the early morning (around 7–8 AM), the light is soft and there are few people around. In the evening, especially at blue hour and nightfall, the bridge's lamps are lit and the scene is magical – perfect for photos with the illuminated church and reflections in the river.
Q: How can I include the Triple Bridge in a short walking tour?
A: Triple Bridge is the perfect starting point for a Ljubljana Old Town walking tour. A simple route is to begin at Prešeren Square (west side of the bridge), cross into the Old Town, and then explore nearby sights like the Town Hall, Cathedral, and Central Market, looping back over another bridge. Check out our self-guided Old Town walking tour for a detailed route.
Q: Is Triple Bridge a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A: Yes. In 2021, several of Jože Plečnik's creations in Ljubljana (including the Triple Bridge) were collectively inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The listing, titled "Plečnik's Ljubljana," honors the architect's unique contributions to the city's urban design.
Q: What does "Tromostovje" mean?
A: Tromostovje literally means "Triple Bridge" in Slovene. Tro = three, most = bridge, and the suffix -ovje turns it into a collective noun. So when you hear locals say "Tromostovje," they are simply referring to the Triple Bridge.
Explore More of Ljubljana
After enjoying Tromostovje, you can continue your adventure with our self-guided Old Town walking tour or spice things up with a fun twist: try LjubljanaGame's free city game, an interactive quest that turns Ljubljana into your playground. However you choose to explore, this iconic bridge will likely be a centerpiece of your visit – bridging not just the two riverbanks, but also the city's past and present in one graceful sweep.
Related guides:
- Free Things to Do in Ljubljana – Budget-friendly activities and hidden gems
- Self-Guided Walking Tour – Complete 1-hour Old Town route
- Kids Scavenger Hunt Guide – Family-friendly tips for ages 5-12
- Ljubljana City Game – Free interactive scavenger hunt