A belt tensioning device includes a first tensioning arm mounted on a base body pivotably about a first pivot axis and includes a rotatable first tensioning roller. A second tensioning arm is pivotably mounted relative to the base body about a second pivot axis and includes a rotatable second tensioning roller. Via a spring arrangement between the first tensioning arm and the second tensioning arm, the first and second tensioning arms are resiliently supported against one another in the circumferential direction. A damping mechanism is operatively arranged between the base body and the first tensioning arm for damping relative rotational movement between the first tensioning arm and the base body.
The damping mechanism generates a varying damping torque dependent on the rotational position and/or rotational direction of the first tensioning arm relative to the base body upon pivoting of the first tensioning arm relative to the base body.