Koninginnebrug

Koninginnebrug, Rotterdam’s historic bascule bridge

The Koninginnebrug is a double-leaf bascule bridge across the Koningshaven, located next to De Hef. It connects Noordereiland with the Feijenoord district and forms part of Rotterdam’s historic port landscape.

The present bridge was opened in 1929 and replaced an earlier swing bridge that could no longer cope with increasing shipping and road traffic.

History of the Koninginnebrug

In 1924, a design competition was organised for a new bridge across the Koningshaven. The winning design was created by engineer A.H. Rood, in collaboration with the German companies Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg and Grün & Bilfinger.

Rotterdam city architects W.G. Witteveen and A. van der Steur were also involved in the project. Construction began in 1927 and the new bridge was officially opened on 14 June 1929.

Architecture and operation

The Koninginnebrug consists of two large riveted-steel bascule leaves that can be raised to allow ships to pass through. The central opening is approximately 50 metres wide.

Four distinctive control cabins stand on the bridge piers. They feature steel windows set in teak frames and small conical roofs covered with green copper, making them one of the most recognisable architectural details of the bridge.

Koninginnebrug in numbers

A historic bridge next to De Hef

At the time of its construction, the Koninginnebrug was considered the largest double bascule bridge in Europe. Its architectural, historical and technical importance later resulted in its protection as a Rijksmonument, a Dutch national monument.

The Koninginnebrug is still in operation today and opens to allow vessels to pass through the Koningshaven. The bridge is now operated remotely from the control centre at Kop van Zuid.

Discover other bridges in Rotterdam

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