Villach has always been an important transport hub since the first bridge was built over the then raging river Drau. The bridge was first mentioned in 878 AD. Again and again the flood tore the bridge away, and the inhabitants had to re-build it again and again. It was not until the late 19th century that the wooden bridge was replaced by an elegant arch bridge made of steel. It was the symbol of the town and stayed unharmed by the bombing raids during World War II. In the 1950s, the need for a wider bridge became so great that in 1959, the work on a new and broader bridge began. From the modern bridge you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Mittagskogel and the mountain chain called Karawanken but also of the nature park Dobratsch.