Mexicobruggen
Witness the impressive Scherzer-type bascule bridges, a protected monument connecting vital docks in Antwerp's historic port.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less shipping, fewer commute delays
Mexicobruggen
Best Time
Less shipping, fewer commute delays
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the impressive Scherzer-type bascule bridges, a protected monument connecting vital docks in Antwerp's historic port.
"Impressive technology that you can see up close."
Check Bridge Schedules
Avoid waiting! Look up bridge opening times to plan your visit and minimize road delays. :informationdeskperson:
Port Area Exploration
Combine your visit with exploring the historic Antwerp port for a fuller industrial experience. :ship:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scherzer Bascule Bridges
Witness the impressive dual roller bascule bridges, a marvel of electric-driven engineering.
Port of Antwerp Views
Experience the industrial charm and scale of the Antwerp port area from this unique vantage point.
Connecting Waterways
See the Kattendijkdok and Houtdok connect, a vital part of the port's intricate network.
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Operations & Timing
Monument Status & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Bridge Schedules
Avoid waiting! Look up bridge opening times to plan your visit and minimize road delays. :informationdeskperson:
Port Area Exploration
Combine your visit with exploring the historic Antwerp port for a fuller industrial experience. :ship:
Photography Opportunities
Capture the unique engineering of the bascule bridges, especially when open or closed. :camerawithflash:
Understand Local Frustrations
Be aware that bridge openings can disrupt local commutes, as noted by residents. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Bridge Schedules
Avoid waiting! Look up bridge opening times to plan your visit and minimize road delays. :informationdeskperson:
Port Area Exploration
Combine your visit with exploring the historic Antwerp port for a fuller industrial experience. :ship:
Photography Opportunities
Capture the unique engineering of the bascule bridges, especially when open or closed. :camerawithflash:
Understand Local Frustrations
Be aware that bridge openings can disrupt local commutes, as noted by residents. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mexicobruggen to be an impressive display of engineering technology and a significant part of the Antwerp port's industrial landscape. While some note the potential for traffic delays due to bridge openings, the unique design and historical monument status are widely appreciated.
"The Mexicobrug is a bridge in the Antwerp port area on the right bank of the Scheldt , in the so-called old port. The bridge spans the connecting channel between the Kattendijkdok and the Houtdok . The bridge has been a protected monument since 2001.
The Mexico Bridge is a complex of two identical roller bascule bridges of the Scherzer type with an electric drive. The bridge has a passage width of 21 meters. There is little shipping traffic here, so that these bridges are usually open to car and freight traffic."
Pavel Koroš
"Can you please stop opening the bridge when people go to work? How can you prioritize that some guys drinking cava in a boat are in a hurry to park instead of hundreds of people who go to their workplaces to pay the taxes? Who is the Illuminati who decides about the opening of the bridge? Does not seem very smart… or (s)he gets some commission in black?"
Miguel A.
"Wanted to see when it’s open"
daimon daiG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mexicobruggen are located in the Antwerp port area. Access is typically by car or public transport to the port district. Consider using local bus routes that serve the port.
Parking availability can be limited in the active port area. It's advisable to check for designated visitor parking or use public transport to reach the vicinity.
While the bridges are for vehicular and freight traffic, pedestrian access might be restricted or only available when the bridge is closed to shipping. It's best to confirm local access policies.
The most effective way to see them is by approaching from the Antwerp side of the Scheldt and observing their operation or static presence.
Yes, several bus lines serve the Antwerp port area. Check the De Lijn app or website for routes and schedules that get you closest to the Mexicobruggen.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Mexicobruggen are part of the port infrastructure and are generally visible from public areas. There are no admission fees to view the bridges.
The bridges themselves don't have 'opening hours' in the traditional sense, but they open for shipping traffic. It's best to check shipping schedules if you want to witness an opening.
The bridges are accessible to road traffic. Public access for viewing is generally from the surrounding port areas, but direct access onto the bridge might be restricted.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer good lighting for photography. Witnessing a bridge opening can also be a dramatic photographic moment.
Port of Antwerp tours may sometimes include views of the bridges. Inquire with local tour operators for specific itineraries.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic old port area, observe port operations, and enjoy views of the Scheldt river. Nearby attractions might include the MAS museum.
A short visit of 30-60 minutes is usually sufficient to appreciate the bridges and their surroundings, unless you are specifically waiting for a bridge opening.
Facilities might be sparse directly at the bridge. It's advisable to use amenities in the nearby port facilities or in the city center before heading to the bridges.
They are a protected monument, showcasing impressive Scherzer-type roller bascule bridge technology and are crucial for connecting port docks.
Yes, being in a busy port area, you can often observe various types of vessels passing through the connected docks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Engineering Enthusiasts
Take the time to appreciate the scale and complexity of these dual bridges. Understanding their operation and their role in connecting vital port docks offers a deep dive into maritime infrastructure.
Day-Trippers from Antwerp
Combine your visit with a stroll through the old port area for a more complete experience. Be mindful of potential bridge openings that could affect your return journey, so a quick check of schedules is recommended.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel: The Scherzer Bascule Bridges
These bridges are not just functional; they are also a protected monument, highlighting their historical and architectural importance. Their design allows them to be usually open to car and freight traffic when not needed for shipping, a testament to efficient port management.
Visitors often remark on the 'impressive technology that you can see up close,' making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in industrial heritage and engineering feats.
Navigating Port Life and Bridge Operations
One reviewer humorously questioned the decision-making process for bridge openings, highlighting the tension between shipping needs and daily commuter schedules. This underscores the importance of checking bridge schedules if you plan to visit by car, to avoid unexpected waits.
Despite potential minor inconveniences, the bridges offer a unique perspective on the functioning of a major European port. Observing the interplay between infrastructure, shipping, and road traffic provides a vivid snapshot of industrial life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit