Erasmusbrug

Erasmusbrug, the Swan of Rotterdam

The Erasmusbrug is one of Rotterdam’s most famous landmarks and one of the most recognisable examples of modern architecture in the city. Opened in 1996, it crosses the Nieuwe Maas and connects Rotterdam city centre with the Kop van Zuid district.

The bridge was designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel. Its distinctive 139-metre-high inclined pylon and sweeping cables quickly earned it the nickname De Zwaan, “The Swan”.

Architecture of the Erasmusbrug

The Erasmusbrug is a 802-metre-long cable-stayed bridge. Its most distinctive feature is the large inclined steel pylon, rising 139 metres above the river, from which the cables supporting the main bridge deck extend.

In total, the bridge has 40 stay cables. Its asymmetrical design combines engineering and architecture and has become one of the defining elements of Rotterdam’s skyline.

History of the Erasmusbrug

At the end of the 1980s, Rotterdam began transforming the former port area of Kop van Zuid. One of the key elements of the redevelopment was the creation of a new direct connection between this district and the city centre.

In 1990, Ben van Berkel presented a design for a cable-stayed bridge with a single inclined pylon. The proposal stood out for its strong architectural identity and was eventually chosen as the new crossing over the Nieuwe Maas.

Construction began during the first half of the 1990s. The enormous steel pylon was assembled in Vlissingen and transported by sea to Rotterdam. On 13 April 1995, it arrived at its final location accompanied by numerous boats and watched by thousands of spectators.

Opening of the Erasmusbrug

The Erasmusbrug was officially opened on 4 September 1996 by Queen Beatrix. During the ceremony, the queen crossed the bridge towards the southern bank while hundreds of schoolchildren took part in the opening celebrations.

Shortly after the bridge opened, strong vibrations were detected in the cables during certain combinations of wind and rain. The problem was solved by installing additional dampers on the stay cables.

Erasmusbrug in numbers

The Swan, a symbol of Rotterdam

Since its opening, the Erasmusbrug has become one of Rotterdam’s main icons. Its silhouette appears constantly in photographs of the city and the bridge regularly provides a backdrop for sporting events, celebrations and major public events.

Watch our video below for more images of the Erasmusbrug and its surroundings in Rotterdam.

Discover other bridges in Rotterdam

De Hef | Koninginnebrug | Luchtsingel | Maastunnel | Regentessebrug | Rijnhavenbrug | Van Brienenoord | Willemsbrug