Willemsbrug
Willemsbrug, Rotterdam’s famous red bridge
The Willemsbrug is one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable bridges thanks to its two large red pylons. It crosses the Nieuwe Maas and connects the city centre with Noordereiland and, via the Koningshaven, the southern part of Rotterdam.
The present bridge opened in 1981 and replaced the original Willemsbrug from 1878. It was designed by C. Veerling of Gemeentewerken Rotterdam.
The first Willemsbrug of 1878
The first Willemsbrug opened in 1878 and was named after King William III, who had laid the foundation stone four years earlier.
Together with the railway bridges and the crossings over the Koningshaven, the new connection greatly improved access between central Rotterdam and the southern bank. These bridges played an important role in the later urban and port development of the area.
The original Willemsbrug was approximately 326 metres long. Horse-drawn trams began using the bridge in 1884, and in 1904 it was adapted for electric trams.
For decades, it remained one of the main fixed crossings over the Nieuwe Maas. It was eventually replaced by the present Willemsbrug in 1981.
The present Willemsbrug
The current Willemsbrug is a steel cable-stayed bridge with two distinctive red pylons approximately 55 metres high. Cables extend from the pylons to the bridge deck, creating one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the eastern part of central Rotterdam.
The bridge is approximately 270 metres long and around 34 metres wide. It carries road traffic, public transport, bicycles and pedestrians.
One unusual feature of the design is that the approach roads do not continue in a straight line with the bridge. At both ends, traffic follows broad curves to fit around the existing urban layout.
The Willemsbrug was officially opened on 1 July 1981 by Queen Beatrix, accompanied by the then Prince Willem-Alexander.
Willemsbrug in numbers
| ℹ️ QUICK INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| 📅 Current bridge opened | 1 July 1981 |
| 🌉 Type | Cable-stayed bridge |
| 📏 Length | Approximately 270 metres |
| 📐 Width | Approximately 34 metres |
| 🏗️ Pylon height | Approximately 55 metres |
| 👤 Designer | C. Veerling |
| 🌊 River | Nieuwe Maas |
A red icon of Rotterdam’s skyline
Although the Erasmusbrug is probably Rotterdam’s most famous bridge, the intense red colour of the Willemsbrug makes it another distinctive element of the city’s skyline.
Good views of the bridge can be found from Noordereiland and Oude Haven, especially when combined with other historic landmarks in the area such as De Hef.
Watch our video below for more images of the Willemsbrug and its surroundings.
Discover other bridges in Rotterdam
De Hef | Erasmusbrug | Koninginnebrug | Luchtsingel | Maastunnel | Regentessebrug | Rijnhavenbrug | Van Brienenoord