A chain bridge was built in the 1780s and 1790s in the Wörlitzer Park which crossed a canal between artificial rocks.

The light construction was intended to move, to create sensual sensations[clarification needed] for the visitors of the park.

A little later, the Rotundenbrücke [de] crossing the Donaukanal in Vienna was opened for pedestrians and carriages.

To celebrate this event the Chain Bridge Waltz was written by Johann Strauss.

Later bridges of the type included the Kaiserbrücke in Breslau (today: Grunwaldbrücke in Wrocław) of 1910, and the Deutzer Hängebrücke, which opened in 1915.