Zubizuri

Zubizuri, Basque for “White Bridge,” is a pedestrian bridge over the Nervión River in Bilbao, designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 1997. Its curved white walkway and sweeping arch make the crossing a landmark in the city’s modern architecture. Walk between the Ensanche and Campo Volantín riverside promenade, taking in views of the river and nearby cityscape. The bridge is especially striking after dark when it is illuminated. Its glass floor can be slippery in wet weather, so take care on rainy days.

A bridge by Santiago Calatrava

Zubizuri means “White Bridge” in Basque. Santiago Calatrava designed the pedestrian crossing, which opened in 1997 and spans the Nervión River. Its curved white walkway and sweeping arch give it a distinctive profile among Bilbao’s bridges.

The bridge links the Ensanche area with the Campo Volantín promenade. It also provides a route between the city centre and the riverside near the Guggenheim Museum. The bridge is a useful crossing as well as a place to pause for views of the river and surrounding city.

Walking across Zubizuri

The glass floor gives the walkway a transparent appearance. The surface can become slippery when wet, so walk carefully in rainy weather. From the bridge, look along the Nervión and the city’s riverfront. Its white structure is particularly noticeable after dark, when lighting gives the crossing a different look.

Zubizuri sits among several modern architectural landmarks along Bilbao’s waterfront. The Guggenheim Museum area is nearby, and the Pedro Arrupe footbridge and La Salve Bridge are other river crossings worth noticing on a walk. Zubizuri is open to the public around the clock, so you can include it in a riverside stroll at any time.