Hamburg Unveils New Entenwerder Bridge, Enhancing Connectivity for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Hamburg, September 8, 2026 – Hamburg officially inaugurated its newest bridge, the Entenwerder Bridge, on Monday. Located at the eastern end of Hafencity, this significant infrastructure project is designed exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting the districts of Hafencity and Rothenburgsort. The approximately 135-meter-long and 7-meter-wide structure spans the mouth of the Oberhafen Canal into the Norderelbe, linking the Elbbrücken quarter with Elbpark Entenwerder.
According to the municipal development company Billebogen Entwicklungsgesellschaft, the bridge features a free span of 75 meters between its two supports, making it one of the largest foot and cycle bridges in the city. The Hamburg transport authority estimates the construction costs at around 16 million euros.
A Vision Decades in the Making
The completion of the Entenwerder Bridge marks the realization of a long-standing aspiration for architect Volkwin Marg. Marg, co-founder of the Hamburg-based firm gmp Architekten von Gerkan, Marg und Partner, reportedly advocated for a park and a bridge for Entenwerder approximately 50 years ago. Considered one of the intellectual fathers of Hafencity, Marg, who will turn 90 in October, expressed his delight: “I could never have dreamed that a bridge would ever be built here. This only came about through Hafencity, and I’m not entirely innocent in its creation. So, this is magnificent.” The design for the bridge was a collaborative effort between the Stuttgart engineering firm Schlaich Bergermann Partner and the architectural firm gmp.
Improved Connectivity and Safer Routes
Historically, the Oberhafen Canal and the heavily trafficked Billhorner Brückenstraße created a significant barrier between the two districts. Residents wishing to travel from Hafencity to Rothenburgsort had to navigate this major traffic artery. The new bridge offers a direct and safer alternative. The route now guides users behind the Elbbrücken station, beneath the road, and then over the new bridge. Conversely, residents from southern Rothenburgsort can now reach the U-Bahn and S-Bahn station Elbbrücken much more quickly.
The transport authority highlights that this new connection establishes a continuous cycling route along the Elbe, extending from Rissen in the west to the Vier- and Marschlande in the east, significantly enhancing regional cycling infrastructure.
Rothenburgsort: A District Undergoing Transformation
The new bridge is part of a broader urban renewal initiative in Rothenburgsort. This district is currently undergoing significant changes, with plans for a redesigned city entrance, a new district center, and improved connectivity. The Entenwerder Bridge is a key component of these efforts, aiming to integrate Rothenburgsort more closely with other parts of Hamburg and foster its development.
The inauguration of the Entenwerder Bridge underscores Hamburg’s commitment to sustainable urban development and promoting active modes of transport. This project not only improves daily commutes for thousands of residents but also enhances the recreational appeal of the Elbe waterfront, further solidifying Hamburg’s reputation as a forward-thinking European city.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/xxneue-fuss-und-radwegbruecke-in-entenwerder-freigegeben,entenwerder-108.html
