The swing bridge was built in 1877. Twelve years after the opening of the winter harbor in 1865, it enabled ships to pass through at any water level. For over 130 years, the swing bridge connected the pier on Victor Hugo Embankment with the Malakoff Park area. In March 2009, however, the old swing bridge at the Winterhafen had to be dismantled. Rust, weather, and environmental influences had taken such a toll on the structure and cultural monument over the years that it was beyond repair.

The new bridge was constructed to match the appearance of the old swing bridge – a requirement imposed by the historic preservation authorities. Parallel to the dismantling of the old bridge, construction of the new bridge was already in full swing. The swing mechanism was "revived" and modernized with a mechanical hydraulic system – originally, the bridge had been turned by muscle power. In October 2009, the new bridge was installed at Winterhafen.