Exploring Germany's Longest Abandoned Motorway: Route 46
Hitler's 70 km ghost motorway: Germany's longest abandoned autobahn
Euronews
Image: Euronews
Route 46, a 70-kilometer stretch between Bad Hersfeld and Würzburg, is Germany's longest abandoned motorway, a remnant of Nazi-era construction that was never completed due to World War II. It now serves as a historical monument and habitat for wildlife.
- 01Route 46 was intended as a north-south link through southern Rhön and Spessart, showcasing Germany's beauty.
- 02Construction began in 1937 but halted on October 4, 1939, as World War II approached.
- 03The motorway is recognized as a listed monument since 2003, being the longest preserved incomplete motorway in Europe.
- 04Post-war transport planning shifted focus, leading to the construction of the A7 instead.
- 05The route now supports local flora and fauna and features information boards detailing its history.
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Route 46, measuring 70 kilometers, stands as Germany's longest officially recognized abandoned motorway. Originally conceived during the Nazi era, construction commenced in 1937 but was halted in 1939 due to the impending Second World War. The motorway was designed to connect Bad Hersfeld and Würzburg, emphasizing scenic views like the Homburg castle ruins. After the war, the project was deemed impractical and was never resumed, leading to the establishment of the A7 as the primary north-south route. Today, Route 46 is a listed monument, recognized since 2003 as the longest preserved section of an incomplete motorway in Europe. It has become integrated into the landscape, providing habitats for various flora and fauna, and is accessible to hikers. Information boards along the route educate visitors about its historical significance, reminding them of the ambitious yet unrealized plans of the past.
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Route 46's preservation allows it to serve as a habitat for local wildlife and a recreational space for hikers.
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