Erasmusbrug

Erasmusbrug crosses the Nieuwe Maas in central Rotterdam, linking the city’s northern bank with Kop van Zuid to the south. Designed by Ben van Berkel and opened in 1996, the cable-stayed bridge is known locally as De Zwaan, or the Swan, for its leaning pylon and sweeping cables. Walk across for views of the river, skyline and port, or see the structure from a ferry below. After dark, its lights bring a different look to the riverfront.

The bridge’s shape and name

Architect Ben van Berkel designed Erasmusbrug, which opened in 1996. Its cable-stayed structure spans the Nieuwe Maas and links Rotterdam’s northern and southern sides. The tall, leaning pylon is held by cables, giving the bridge its local nickname, De Zwaan, meaning the Swan.

The bridge is about 802 metres long, with a pylon 139 metres high. It was built as part of the redevelopment of an old port area and helped connect the city centre with the south bank.

Views from the river

From the bridge, look along the Nieuwe Maas towards the city skyline and port. The river also gives you a different angle on the structure: a ferry passing beneath it brings the pylon and cables into view from below. The bridge is a useful route between the centre and Kop van Zuid, where you can continue exploring the southern part of Rotterdam.

At night, lighting changes the bridge’s appearance against the skyline. The riverfront is another place to view it, with Maaskade and Wilhelminakade among the nearby spots for a walk along the water.