Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge)
Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge) is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Rotterdam audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type bridge
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Rotterdam Rotterdam guide
About Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge)
Rotterdam's iconic asymmetric cable-stayed bridge nicknamed "The Swan", completed in 1996, linking the north and south banks of the Nieuwe Maas.
The Erasmusbrug is Rotterdam's most celebrated modern landmark. Designed by Ben van Berkel of UNStudio and completed in 1996, the bridge stretches 802 metres across the Nieuwe Maas. Its single 139-metre asymmetric pylon leans backwards at 16.9 degrees, creating the swan-like silhouette that gave the bridge its popular nickname, De Zwaan. From this pylon, 32 steel cables fan out to support the bridge deck. A moveable bascule section near the south bank, 89 metres long and weighing 6,750 tonnes, is one of the heaviest moveable bridge sections in Europe. Named after humanist philosopher Desiderius Erasmus, born in Rotterdam around 1469, the bridge links the city centre with the Kop van Zuid waterfront district and has become the undisputed symbol of modern Rotterdam.
Did you know? The bridge's moveable bascule section weighs 6,750 tonnes, one of the heaviest moveable drawbridge sections ever built.
How long should you spend at Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge)?
Plan about ~45 min at Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge). That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge) worth visiting?
Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge) is one of the 22 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Rotterdam, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Rotterdam
Hear the story of Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge)
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