Hotels near Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug)

The 802-metre Erasmus Bridge is the sculptural spine of modern Rotterdam - a cable-stayed span designed by Ben van Berkel of UNStudio and opened in 1996 by Queen Beatrix. The 139-metre asymmetric white pylon leans at an angle that earned the bridge its universal nickname De Zwaan (the Swan). The southern third is a separate bascule lifting section - the largest and heaviest in Western Europe - which opens for tall ships several times per week. The whole bridge carries road traffic, trams, cyclists, and pedestrian walkways on both sides.

Crossing on foot takes 15 minutes and connects central Rotterdam to Kop van Zuid, the redeveloped former shipyards on the south bank. The northern approach passes the Boompjes waterfront and the Willemsplein plaza; the southern end lands at Wilhelminaplein next to the SS Rotterdam pier and the modern towers of the New York Hotel district. During the annual Rotterdam Marathon and Wings for Life run in June, the entire bridge closes to traffic and fills with runners.

Pro Tip: For the classic swan-profile photo, walk 200 metres east along the Boompjes to Nieuwe Leuvebrug pier - it gives you the full pylon lean in silhouette. The night lighting comes on at civil dusk and the LED colour cycles for major events.