Årstabroarna, Railway bridge complex in Stockholm, Sweden.
Årstabroarna consists of two parallel railway viaducts spanning across Årstaviken bay, connecting Södermalm island with the southern mainland districts of Stockholm. Both structures accommodate rail transit alongside separate pathways for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the water.
The Eastern Årsta Bridge opened in 1929 and was Sweden's longest bridge at completion, featuring a truss arch design by architect Cyrillus Johansson. The Western Bridge followed in 2005 with a contemporary design by Norman Foster, representing a different architectural approach.
The Western Bridge's red color connects to traditional Swedish design principles and locals often call it 'falukorven' after a familiar cured meat product. This playful nickname shows how the structure has become part of everyday conversation among people living nearby.
Crossing is easiest during daylight hours, with dedicated pedestrian and cyclist pathways ensuring safety away from rail traffic. Plan your visit outside peak rail hours to fully enjoy the crossing and the views across the water.
The Western Bridge designed by Norman Foster rests on ten supporting pillars extending deep into the submerged bedrock. This hidden structural solution demonstrates the careful engineering planning needed to build safely across this challenging waterway.
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