Parking Permit WK Turnen 2026 - Session 1
Parking permit for the first session of the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships. Park conveniently at Ahoy Parking during the competition.
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Erasmus Bridge
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Parking Permit WK Turnen 2026 - Session 2
Reserved parking for the second session of the Gymnastics World Championships at Ahoy Parking. Secure your spot for the sporting highlight.
TAFKAL: Serieus Grappig - Comedy Night
Experience the masters of improvisation live at RTM Stage. A night full of humor and unexpected punchlines with the famous TAFKAL group.
Parking Permit TAFKAL 2026
Official parking permit for the TAFKAL show at Ahoy Parking. Skip the search for a spot and park directly at the venue.
Parking Ticket NN North Sea Jazz Festival 2026
Secure your parking spot at Ahoy Parking for the famous jazz festival in Rotterdam. Enjoy convenient access to the festival grounds.
Bus parking permit: DG The Finals 2026
Special bus parking permit at Ahoy for the DG The Finals 2026 gymnastics event.
Parking permit: DG The Finals 2026
Parking at Ahoy Rotterdam for visitors of the DG The Finals 2026 gymnastics event.
Parking permit: Breakbulk Europe 2026
Parking reservation for the Breakbulk Europe 2026 exhibition at Ahoy Rotterdam.
Parking permit: Euroanaesthesia 2026
Parking options at Ahoy Rotterdam for Euroanaesthesia 2026 attendees.
Parking permit: TwitchCon 2026
Secure your parking spot at Ahoy for TwitchCon 2026 in Rotterdam.
The Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam is a combined cable-stayed and bascule bridge that connects the northern and southern districts of the city across the Nieuwe Maas river. Designed by architect Ben van Berkel, the bridge was officially inaugurated in 1996 by Queen Beatrix. Due to its distinctive asymmetric white pylon, which stands 139 meters high, it is popularly nicknamed 'The Swan.' The bridge spans a total length of 802 meters and serves as a central symbol of Rotterdam’s modern reconstruction and architectural innovation. The southern section of the bridge features an 89-meter-long bascule bridge, which is the largest and heaviest of its kind in Western Europe. Constructed from steel, the bridge is spectacularly illuminated at night, making it a prominent feature of the city's skyline. The Erasmus Bridge accommodates vehicular traffic as well as pedestrians and cyclists with its wide lanes. It frequently hosts major public events, such as the Rotterdam Marathon and the city's New Year's Eve fireworks display.
- Location: South Holland, Netherlands
- Top sights: Kantine Walhalla · Conny Janssen Danst · Theater Walhalla - Kleine Walhalla
- Nearby: Schiedam (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 66 | 55 | 38 | 56 | 62 | 78 | 87 | 70 | 79 | 81 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Erasmus Bridge is a public bridge that can be accessed and crossed for free at any time. An interior visit is not possible as it has no indoor spaces.
Typical hours
As it is a bridge, it is open 24 hours a day. There are no fixed opening hours; the best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset.
Photography
Photography is allowed on the entire bridge and is especially rewarding in good weather. Take the opportunity for panoramic shots of Rotterdam's skyline.
Time needed
A walk across the bridge takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how many photos you take. For a longer visit including the surroundings, allow half an hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Maritime Museum or the Markthal. A boat tour of Rotterdam’s harbor also provides a great perspective on the bridge.
Getting there
The Erasmus Bridge connects the city center with the Kop van Zuid district. You can reach it on foot from Rotterdam Centraal station in about 20 minutes, or by tram lines 7 or 8.
Insider tip
Visit the bridge in the late afternoon when the sun paints the white pylons golden. For a special experience, rent a bike and cycle across the bridge to the island of Feijenoord.
Geography
Facts
- The bridge was officially inaugurated by Queen Beatrix in 1996.
- The asymmetric pylon stands 139 meters tall and is made of steel.
- With a total length of 802 meters, it is one of the longest bridges in the Netherlands.
- The 89-meter bascule section is the largest and heaviest in Western Europe.
- The total construction costs amounted to approximately 165 million euros.
- The bridge is nicknamed 'De Zwaan' (The Swan) by residents due to its shape.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Erasmus Bridge (10)
Theater Walhalla - Kleine Walhalla
Theater Walhalla - Kleine Walhalla is a theatre in Rotterdam, hosting smaller productions.
Nederlands Fotomuseum🏛 museum
Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam displays a comprehensive collection of photography history.
Marineloodsvaartuig Castor
Marineloodsvaartuig Castor is a former pilot vessel in Rotterdam, now a tourist attraction.
Niffo
Niffo is a gallery in Rotterdam, exhibiting contemporary art.
Shri Ram Mandir
Shri Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple in Rotterdam, dedicated to the god Ram.
World Port Center
World Port Center is a distinctive building in Rotterdam, symbolizing the port.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'The Swan'?
Because of its asymmetrical white pylon, which resembles a swan's neck.
Can you cross the bridge on foot?
Yes, there are wide foot and cycle paths with great views of the Rotterdam skyline.
How long is the bridge?
It is 802 meters long and connects the center with the Kop van Zuid district.
Does the bridge open?
Yes, the southern part is a bascule bridge for large ships, the largest of its kind.
Where is the best spot for a photo?
From the banks at Boompjeskai or from the Wilhelminapier you get the best view.
Erasmus Bridge: where is it located?
Erasmus Bridge is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Erasmus Bridge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kantine Walhalla, Conny Janssen Danst, Theater Walhalla - Kleine Walhalla.
Erasmus Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Erasmus Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam is a combined cable-stayed and bascule bridge that connects the northern and southern districts of the city across the Nieuwe Maas river.
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