Prins Claus Bridge

Prins Claus Bridge is a cable-stayed crossing over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal in Utrecht, defined by a single pylon that rises above the waterway. The structure carries vehicles, buses, and bicycles, connecting the office district of Pape Village to the central areas of the city.

The project commenced in 1997 under architect Ben van Berkel's direction and was inaugurated by Princess Maxima on June 25, 2003. This construction was part of Utrecht's urban renewal during the early 2000s.

The bridge takes its name from Claus van Amsberg, the prince consort of the Netherlands, reflecting local identity and connection to the royal family. This naming choice ties the crossing to the nation's modern history and gives it significance beyond its practical function.

The bridge features separate lanes for cars, buses, and bicycles, making the crossing safe and convenient for different types of traffic. The flat design and wide paths allow you to move from one side to the other with ease and confidence.

The pylon was designed with minimal form language, allowing it to appear weightless despite its technical sophistication and structural importance. Many visitors pass over it without noticing how the engineering creates an illusion of lightness and simplicity.