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Hercílio Luz Bridge

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Landmark
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Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)

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The Hercílio Luz Bridge in Florianópolis is the oldest and longest suspension bridge in Brazil, connecting the mainland to Santa Catarina Island. Opened in 1926, the steel structure was a significant engineering milestone of its era and remains the most iconic symbol of the state of Santa Catarina. Following structural concerns, it was closed to traffic in 1982 and remained a silent monument for decades until a major restoration project allowed its reopening in December 2019. The bridge has a total length of 821 meters and is distinguished by its eyebar chain suspension system, which was innovative at the time of construction. It is named after Governor Hercílio Luz, who initiated the project but passed away just before its completion. Currently, it serves pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit, and its brilliant nighttime illumination makes it a highlight of the city's skyline. The bridge is protected as a national historic and artistic heritage site.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242524221917161718202123
Rain mm1891461411011149696103152145134153

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Hercílio Luz Bridge is a steel suspension bridge, partially closed to traffic but open as a tourist attraction. A dedicated pedestrian walkway allows access to viewpoints on the bridge.
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Typical hours
The pedestrian section of the bridge is typically open during daylight hours; exact times may vary due to maintenance work. Holidays and weekends often have extended hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the walkway; the steel cables and the bay view provide great subjects. A tripod is recommended for long exposures at dusk.
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Time needed
A walk across the bridge takes about 20 to 30 minutes while enjoying the view. Those also visiting the surrounding viewpoints should allow 45 minutes to an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the bridge visit with a walk through the old town of Florianópolis. The nearby São José da Ponta Grossa fortress is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The bridge is located in central Florianópolis and easily accessible on foot or by public transport. Parking is available along adjacent streets, though often limited.
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Insider tip
Arrive in the late afternoon to see the sunlight on the steel structures and enjoy sunset over the bay. Be mindful of the wind on the bridge - a jacket may come in handy.

Geography

Coordinates
-27.59350, -48.56580

Facts

  • The bridge was officially inaugurated on May 13, 1926.
  • It has a total length of 821 meters and a 340-meter main span.
  • The towers rise 74 meters above the water level.
  • The bridge was reopened on December 30, 2019, after restoration.
  • It was constructed using 5,000 tons of steel imported from the USA.
  • Listed as a national historic monument by IPHAN in 1992.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

FlorianópolisFlorianópolis2 km · NExplore →
Lagoa da ConceiçãoLagoa da Conceição13 km · NExplore →
GaropabaGaropaba32 km · WExplore →
BombinhasBombinhas34 km · EExplore →
Cristo Luz MonumentCristo Luz Monument46 km · EExplore →
Port of ItajaíPort of Itajaí51 km · EExplore →
Beto Carrero WorldBeto Carrero World59 km · EExplore →
BlumenauBlumenau74 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hercílio Luz Bridge (14)

Baía Norte📍 landmark

This wide, sheltered bay separates Santa Catarina Island from the Brazilian mainland.

Hercílio Luz Bridge📍 landmark

Started in 1922, this iconic suspension bridge is the city's landmark, connecting the island to the mainland.

Jardim Botânico de São José Max Hablitzel🌳 park

A botanical garden featuring native Atlantic Forest flora and a central lake.

🆓

Museu Contador Renato Gonçalves🏛 museum

A unique museum dedicated to the history of accounting and local commercial development.

Museu do Presépio🏛 museum

This museum houses an extensive and detailed collection of traditional Christmas nativity scenes.

Museu Histórico Gilberto Gerlach🏛 museum

Located in the historic centre of São José, this museum preserves the city's colonial heritage.

Parque da Luz🌳 park

A hilltop park at the island's entrance offering panoramic views of the Hercílio Luz Bridge.

Praia do Bom Abrigo🎡 recreation

A small beach on the mainland side known for its rock formations and sunset views over the bay.

Marco da Praia do Meio🏺 historical

A commemorative marker located on Praia do Meio beach in the scenic Coqueiros neighbourhood.

Centro Cultural do Continente🎭 culture

A cultural centre in the mainland district promoting local art exhibitions and community events.

Salão do Reino das Testemunhas de Jeová⛪ religious

A congregation hall for Jehovah's Witnesses, known for its simple and modern architecture.

Igreja Voz Missionária⛪ religious

A local Christian church known in the community for its missionary work.

Ile Asé Ti Gun Bi Nana⛪ religious

A traditional temple for Afro-Brazilian spirituality, dedicated to Candomblé rites.

Sou Bem Floripa📍 landmark

A popular photo spot for tourists featuring a colourful sign celebrating the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Hercílio Luz Bridge located?
It connects the island of Florianópolis with the mainland of Santa Catarina.
Can you walk across the bridge?
Yes, there are pedestrian walkways that offer a great view of the sea.
When was the bridge reopened?
After a long closure, it was reopened fully renovated in late 2019.
When is it lit up?
The bridge is spectacularly showcased every night with thousands of lights.
What is the best time to visit?
Weekends are handy when the bridge is often closed to cars and open only to pedestrians.
Hercílio Luz Bridge: where is it located?
Hercílio Luz Bridge is located in Brazil.
Hercílio Luz Bridge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Baía Norte, Hercílio Luz Bridge, Jardim Botânico de São José Max Hablitzel.
Hercílio Luz Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Hercílio Luz Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Hercílio Luz Bridge in Florianópolis is the oldest and longest suspension bridge in Brazil, connecting the mainland to Santa Catarina Island.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Florianópolis — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Florianópolis
The capital of Santa Catarina, which is mostly located on an island and famous for its many stunning beaches.
Joinville — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Joinville
The largest city in Santa Catarina, known for its strong German and European industrial tradition.
Garopaba — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Garopaba
Coastal town in Santa Catarina, known for surfing, sand dunes, and whale watching.
Bombinhas — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Bombinhas
A small coastal city on a peninsula, recognized as the ecological diving capital of Brazil, boasting 39 distinct beaches.
Blumenau — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Blumenau
A city strongly influenced by German immigrants, known worldwide for hosting the second largest Oktoberfest.
Ilha do Mel — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Ilha do Mel
Ilha do Mel is a car-free island and a protected ecological reserve.

History & landmarks

Cristo Luz Monument — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Cristo Luz Monument
An impressive Christ statue in Balneário Camboriú that lights up in colors at night and casts a beam onto the city.
Santa Marta Lighthouse — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Santa Marta Lighthouse
The Farol de Santa Marta is one of the most powerful lighthouses in the Americas, located on a dramatic coastal site in Santa Catarina.

Nature

Lagoa da Conceição — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Lagoa da Conceição
A picturesque saltwater lagoon on Santa Catarina Island, surrounded by green hills.

More places

Port of Itajaí — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Port of Itajaí
Itajaí is a major container port in the southern state of Santa Catarina.
Beto Carrero World — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Beto Carrero World
The largest theme park in Latin America, ideal for families and children with numerous roller coasters and shows.
Port of São Francisco do Sul — Hercílio Luz Bridge (Brazil)
Port of São Francisco do Sul
This port is a key logistical center for the northern region of Santa Catarina.