Belgian bridges combine both medieval architecture with cutting-edge engineering marvels to reflect the country’s rich architectural and historical heritage. These bridges connect cities and villages while increasing the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings. They also frequently cross scenic rivers and canals and act as important transit links within Belgium.
Join me in exploring the unique and astounding variety of bridges throughout Belgium
Eau Rouge Viaduct
- Length: 652.50 meters
- Location: Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot
One of the longest bridges in Belgium, the Eau Rouge Viaduct, built in 2000, crosses the Eau Roue river near Stavelot. Although it is not particularly significant in terms of its construction, it is famous for another reason. It is part of the Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit and therefore part of the yearly Formula One Belgian Grand Prix in Spa.
Bonifacius Bridge
- Length: Not available
- Location: Bruges
Named after St Boniface, an English Benedictine monk, this medieval-style bridge only dates back to the early 20th century. It is a very picturesque stone bridge that crosses one of the many canals in Bruges. And canals is certainly something Bruge is known for!
It is very popular with both tourists and photographers because it offers stunning views over the waterways of Bruge and is close to the Church of Our Lady, and right next to Gruuthuse Palace. The Gruuthuse Bridge is also worth visiting as it is right around the corner. It is quite unique to because it has a building (Arents’ House) right on top of it. The only such bridge in Bruge.
Pont de Wandre
- Length: 328 meters
- Location: Liège
Built in 1993, this modern cable-stayed bridge spans the majestic Meuse River and the Albert Canal. The bridge actually joins the two Belgian towns of Liege and Herstal, with the N667 crossing over it. So, it is also quite an important transportation link, so you might end up driving over it at some point.
Remouchamps Viaduct
- Length: 939 meters
- Location: Remouchamps, Liège
Completed in 1980 as part of the E25 motorway (A26 in Belgium) between Maastricht in the Netherlands to the French border, this is a significant link between the two countries. The Remouchamps Viaduct is also the longest bridge in Belgium with a length of 939 meters.
Pont des Trous
- Length: Approx. 68 meters
- Location: Tournai
- Status: Dismantled
The Pont des Trous before it was dismantled was a stunning 13th-century medieval bridge in Tournai. It was part of the city’s fortifications that included two fortified towers and it indeed used to be quite an iconic landmark.
The dismantling of the central arch of the bridge was quite controversial and there was a lot of protest from locals and historians at the time. However, the greater good was seen in widening one of Belgian’s major waterways – the Schelde. The positive side is that the two original towers were kept as part of the project and the new central span is built in the same style as the original.
Broel Bridge (Broelbrug)
- Length: Unknown
- Location: Kortrijk
Although the bridge is not very long, the Broel Bridge is worth a visit if you love medieval architecture. The Broel Towers (Broeltorens) are an astounding pair of medieval fortified towers in Kortrijk, Belgium. They “tower” over the bridge, right on the River Leie in Kortrijk.
The original bridge has actually been rebuilt many times, including after WWII when the existing structure was destroyed. The current bridge features three simple vaulted stone arches that blend well with the amazing architecture of the towers behind it.
Vroenhoven Bridge
- Length: 195 meters
- Location: Riemst
Connecting Antwerp with Liège over the Albert Canal, this 195-meter bridge is a major traffic thoroughfare in Belgium. However, it also holds historical significance as it was the location of the first German attack on Belgian soil on May 10th, 1940, during World War II.
The is an interactive museum here where you can learn all about the invasion. And there is also a peace flame, standing watch since 2012 on a hill overlooking the bridge.
Pont de Fragnée
- Length: 177 meters
- Location: Liege
The Pont de Fragnée is a Parisian-style bridge that spans the Meuse River in Liege. It was built for the 1905 World Expo and took four years to construct.
The bridge has numerous ornate sculptures, including allegorical representations of the Meuse River, the Ourthe River, and the city of Liège. It also features four tall columns topped with golden statues symbolizing Science, Industry, Agriculture, and Fine Arts.
As such, it is quite a noteworthy landmark in Liege and definitely worth visiting when you are in town.
Pont de Jambes
- Length: 145 meters
- Location: Namur
The Pont de Jambes, or “Pont de Meuse,” is an ancient stone bridge that spans the Meuse River in Namur. The bridge has had many forms over the centuries and dates back to Roman times. It has been rebuilt many times and is now a stone bridge with seven arches, the central one having been enlarged in the 60s to accommodate larger ships on the river.
Charles de Gaulle Bridge
- Length: 54 meters
- Location: Dinant
The last bridge in this list is an unusual one. Although it has nothing of particular note in terms of structure or span, it pays tribute to two people in European history. First, the bridge is named after Charles de Gaulle, the former president of France and a leader of the Free French Forces during World War II. He was actually held captive in Dinant during World War I.
Second, there are a series of whimsical colored saxophones along the bridge, which pay tribute to Albert Sax, the inventor of the instrument, who was born and raised here.
