Follow the yellow wooden bridge from central to north Rotterdam (or vice versa!), get cool views and see this architectural hidden gem.
See this piece of public urban planning from the ground or as you wander along it. The pedestrian bridge is a cool and unique award-winning architectural spectacle. Its yellow wooden planks make it stand out in urban Rotterdam and can make for an interesting picture if you can get the right angle.
The Luchtsingel has a mini pedestrian roundabout and a small garden area which makes it worth visiting as an attraction itself. Around the bridge there are plenty of local, city places to get a drink or grab something to eat.
Coming from the city centre? You’ll find the bridge just off to the side right of Rotterdam Central Station.
A Crowdfunded Creation
Apart from having a cool design, this bridge has an interesting back-story. This crowd-funded creation was the result of frustrated locals in North Rotterdam. By the late 2000s their access to the centre of the city had been largely cut-off due to the development of busy roads and railways. Instead of waiting for the government to fix it, which would take for-ev-er, they took matters into their own hands.
An architecture firm designed The Luchtsingel and reached out to the public to help fund the bridge. Donors were able to buy a plank of wood with their name engraved. So, as you wander along the bridge you can see the names of all those who helped make this important piece of urban development happen!
Tips and Tricks
- You might be following Google Maps and end up going over the bridge on your way to somewhere else in the city and it is a cool architectural sight if you’re into that sort of thing. But, don’t feel like you need to go out of your way to see it.
Getting There
- By Car: paid parking near Rotterdam Central Station.
- By Public Transport: Rotterdam Central station is a short walk from the start of the Luchtisngel on the city centre side.
Interesting architectural sight to see if you’re in the area!
— Zoë, Antwerp local