Erasmus Bridge Rotterdam
Rotterdam's iconic 'Swan' bridge, a modern architectural marvel offering breathtaking city skyline views and stunning light displays.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Erasmus Bridge Rotterdam
Best Time
Magical light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rotterdam's iconic 'Swan' bridge, a modern architectural marvel offering breathtaking city skyline views and stunning light displays.
"An architectural masterpiece and a must-see in Rotterdam! The Erasmus Bridge offers stunning views."
📸 Best Photo Spots
Try Noordereiland or Holland Amerikakade for stunning bridge perspectives.
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle Across
Experience the bridge up close and enjoy unique city views. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Swan's Silhouette
Admire the iconic, graceful suspension design of the Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam's proud symbol.

City Skyline Views
From the bridge deck
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Rotterdam's modern architecture and the bustling Nieuwe Maas River.

Sunset Spectacle
From the bridge or nearby waterfront
Witness the bridge and city lights shimmer on the water during a magical sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Capture the Swan's Grace
Getting Around the Bridge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting rotterdam to photograph the Erasmus Bridge
📸 Best Photo Spots
Try Noordereiland or Holland Amerikakade for stunning bridge perspectives.
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle Across
Experience the bridge up close and enjoy unique city views. :athletic_shoe:
Must see/must do’s in Rotterdam?
🚢 Harbour Boat Tour
See the bridge from a different angle on a scenic harbour boat tour. :ferry:
💡 Evening Illumination
The bridge is beautifully lit at night, offering a different kind of charm. :city_light:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Try Noordereiland or Holland Amerikakade for stunning bridge perspectives.
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle Across
Experience the bridge up close and enjoy unique city views. :athletic_shoe:
🚢 Harbour Boat Tour
See the bridge from a different angle on a scenic harbour boat tour. :ferry:
💡 Evening Illumination
The bridge is beautifully lit at night, offering a different kind of charm. :city_light:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Erasmus Bridge as an architectural marvel and a symbol of Rotterdam's modern charm. Its graceful 'Swan' design and stunning city skyline views make it a highly recommended attraction, especially during sunset and at night when illuminated. While a must-see, some find it can get crowded during peak times.
"The Erasmus Bridge is a must-see in Rotterdam. Its sleek, modern design and impressive span make it a perfect spot for photos. Its one of the best tourist attraction. I passed by on a cloudy February, but I'm sure that the views on others seasons of the year as angles would be magnificent."
Deysi D. Rendon
"The Erasmus Bridge, also known as the Swan Bridge,very beautiful is a proud symbol of the city Rotterdam .Completed in 1996. You can not miss when coming to this city
You get here by means of transport, Metro, Tram, Bus, Water Bus, Taxi Bus."
Anna Julie
"An architectural masterpiece and a must-see in Rotterdam! The Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed 'The Swan' for its graceful design, offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Nieuwe Maas River. Whether you're walking, biking, or driving across, it's a beautiful experience—especially at sunset when the lights reflect off the water. A perfect spot for photos and a great way to appreciate Rotterdam's modern charm."
Mourad Chafik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Erasmus Bridge is easily accessible via public transport. You can take the Metro to Leuvehaven or Leuvehaven station, or various Tram and Bus lines that stop nearby. Water buses also provide a scenic route to the bridge.
While there isn't direct parking on the bridge itself, several parking garages are located within walking distance in the city center. Consider public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Absolutely! Walking across the Erasmus Bridge is a popular activity, offering fantastic views of the city and the river. It's a great way to experience its architecture up close.
Yes, the Erasmus Bridge is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with ramps and a relatively flat surface for easy navigation.
For the best photos, try viewpoints from Noordereiland or Holland Amerikakade. Sunset and evening are particularly magical for capturing its illuminated beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Erasmus Bridge is a public thoroughfare and is free to access and walk across. There are no tickets required.
The Erasmus Bridge is open 24/7 as it's a public bridge. You can visit and cross it at any time of day or night.
Yes, many Rotterdam harbour boat tours and city walking tours incorporate the Erasmus Bridge, offering guided insights and unique perspectives.
There is no observation deck on the Erasmus Bridge itself. The experience is about walking or cycling across and enjoying the surrounding views.
Yes, the Erasmus Bridge is a road bridge and can be driven across. However, be mindful of traffic and consider walking or cycling for a more leisurely experience.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful warm light. Evenings are also spectacular when the bridge is illuminated, creating stunning reflections on the water.
Photographers often recommend the tip of Noordereiland or the Holland Amerikakade for excellent perspectives. The south bank also offers great city skyline shots with the bridge in the foreground.
For daytime shots, a moderate aperture (f/8-f/11) will ensure sharpness. For evening shots, use a tripod and a longer exposure to capture the lights and reflections. Consider a wide-angle lens to fit the entire bridge and skyline.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas like Rotterdam due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check the latest local drone laws before flying.
Try capturing the bridge's unique 'swan' shape, its impressive scale against the city, and the reflections on the Nieuwe Maas River. Long exposures at night can create beautiful light trails from passing boats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: The Swan
Visitors often marvel at the bridge's scale and the intricate network of cables that support its deck. The unique structure allows for impressive views both from the bridge itself and of the bridge from various points along the riverbanks. Its completion marked a significant milestone in Rotterdam's urban development, showcasing the city's resilience and commitment to innovation after the devastation of World War II. The bridge has since become a central element in the city's identity and a must-see for anyone visiting Rotterdam.
Experiencing the Bridge: Beyond a Crossing
For photographers, the bridge is a dream subject. Noordereiland and Holland Amerikakade are frequently cited as prime locations for capturing the bridge's grandeur, especially during the 'golden hour' or when it's illuminated at night. The way the lights reflect on the water creates a mesmerizing spectacle. Some recommend taking a harbour boat tour to gain a unique vantage point of the bridge and the city skyline from the water, further enhancing the appreciation of this architectural masterpiece.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit