516 Arouca

The 516 Arouca is a steel footbridge that spans 516 meters across the Paiva River valley at a height of 175 meters above the water. The structure is made of steel and provides a walkway that is 1.2 meters wide along its entire length.

The bridge was designed and built by engineers from the Itecons Institute in Coimbra before opening to the public on April 30, 2021. The project emerged as a contemporary approach to creating a pedestrian crossing through a mountain region.

The bridge takes its name from its length in meters, making it instantly memorable and easy to reference in conversation among visitors. This straightforward naming approach reflects how the structure was designed with contemporary thinking.

Visitors should book tickets in advance through the official website, as they are not available on-site. Coming early in the day helps you avoid crowds and enjoy clearer views across the valley.

The construction uses 127 metal trays that are four meters long each, forming the walkway across the entire span. This modular approach allowed for efficient assembly and gives the bridge its distinctive structure.

Location: Arouca

Inception: April 30, 2021

Official opening: April 30, 2021

Length: 516 m

Width: 1.2 m

Made from material: steel

Operator: Arouca Geopark

Part of: Arouca Geopark, Passadiços do Paiva

Address: Areinho, 4540-257 Arouca, Portugal

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-19:00

Phone: +351256940258

Website: https://516arouca.pt

GPS coordinates: 40.96417,-8.17487

Latest update: December 10, 2025 11:51