The Bridge Across the Limfjord

Preliminary studies for Denmark’s longest pedestrian and cycle bridge

Stigsborg

How can a new connection between Nørresundby and Aalborg provide an attractive crossing of the Limfjord while also taking into account the aquatic environment, maritime traffic and port logistics? COWI and Dissing+Weitling explored this question in a feasibility study and design proposal for Aalborg Municipality.

  • Aalborg, Denmark
    Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridges, Preliminary Studies
    2026 - 2026
  • Client
    Aalborg Municipality

  • BROEN, as the project has been named, will connect Musikkens Plads in Aalborg with the Stigsborg urban development area in Nørresundby. The proposal features an approximately 650-metre-long, low-level opening bridge with a double movable span. Most of the structure sits close to the water, giving it a visually understated presence in the harbour’s open, horizontal landscape.

    The architectural focal point is the approximately 80-metre-long double main span. Here, the movable bridge spans are supported by overhead structures that create a clear symmetry and frame the navigation channel as a gateway between the inner harbour and the Limfjord. At the same time, the design maintains access to the Central Harbour for larger vessels.

  • Åben Bro
    BROEN is expected to accommodate 5,000–10,000 daily journeys. By comparison, around 7,500 people currently cross the Limfjord each day.

  • S-curve creates changing views

    The alignment of the bridge offers changing views across the fjord, the harbour and the two waterfronts. From Musikkens Plads, the bridge rises gently from the quay towards the linear main span. Beyond the opening span, it continues in a sweeping S-curve towards Stigsborg, touching down in the south-facing park.

    On either side of the movable section, the bridge deck widens to create places to pause and spend time above the fjord. Along the longer stretches, the deck narrows again to support efficient movement across the bridge. The geometry also keeps ramps short and gradients gentle, making the connection easily accessible to cyclists, pedestrians and people with reduced mobility.

  • Musikkens hus oversigt A
    The bridge architecture and alignment respond to both harbour traffic and the user experience.

  • The bridge is therefore conceived as more than a connection between the two sides of the city. Its alignment creates a continuous experience from the city, across the fjord and into the new south-facing recreational park.

    Aalborg Municipality describes the vision as follows:

    “The cycle and pedestrian bridge should not only provide an efficient connection across the Limfjord, but also serve as a recreational urban space. (…) The bridge landings should be designed as attractive destinations with space for urban life, events, cafés and activities on and by the water.”

    Aalborg Municipality, 14 August 2026

    The feasibility study also covers construction costs, maritime traffic and navigation conditions, as well as alternative solutions including shuttle ferries, a tunnel, a gondola lift and buses.