<p>One of the oldest regulations for maintaining fish passage dates back to the 16th century, specifically in the catchment area of the Traisen river (Austria). The first fish passage facilities in Europe were built in Norway for salmon in the 19th century, and from 1870 onwards, the first facilities were established in German-speaking regions. In Austria, as early as 1891, the Imperial and Royal Ministry of Agriculture issued a “Guide for the Construction of Fish Passages.” In Germany, the handbook on the “Construction and Operation of Fish Passes” was published in 1924. Since then, various designs for ensuring or restoring fish passage have been developed and analysed. To restore longitudinal fish passage at obstacles, technical measures (vertical slot passes, pool passes, fish lifts, etc.) or near-natural measures (ramps, bypass channels, etc.) can be implemented. It is essential that the planning of a fish passage facility is tailored to the weakest swimming fish species or life stages, as well as the size-determining fish species, to ensure passability. This article provides an overview of the construction types and guidelines used in German-speaking countries.</p>