- AreaSt Anna Bay, Willemstad
- Opened1888
- Time15–30 min
- CostFree (bridge and ferry)
The Queen Emma Bridge (Koningin Emmabrug) links the two historic halves of Willemstad, Punda and Otrobanda, across the mouth of St Anna Bay. It rests on a row of floating pontoons, and when a ship needs to enter or leave the harbour, a small engine at one end swings the whole bridge sideways against the quay. Locals call it the "Swinging Old Lady".
The first version opened in 1888, the idea of American consul Leonard Burlington Smith, who originally charged a toll to cross. The bridge has been rebuilt and renovated since, but the principle is the same, and it is still one of the few bridges in the world of its kind in daily use.
When the bridge is open (or rather, closed)
There is no fixed timetable: the bridge swings whenever harbour traffic needs it, from small tankers and tugs to cruise ships. A bell and flags warn pedestrians, and then the walkway glides away with people still waving from the end. While it is open, two free ferries shuttle between the Punda and Otrobanda quays, so you are rarely stuck for long.
- Watch it swing: stand at the Otrobanda end or at a waterfront terrace on either side.
- At night: the arches are lit in changing colours and the view of the Handelskade is at its best.
- Accessibility: the bridge is flat but moves slightly underfoot; the ferries have a small step.
Around the bridge
On the Otrobanda side you can walk on to the Kura Hulanda Museum and the lanes of the Kura Hulanda village in a few minutes. On the Punda side are Fort Amsterdam and the shopping streets. A guided walk ties the two halves together: see GetYourGuide. Cars use the high Queen Juliana Bridge further up the bay, which has its own big view of the harbour from the road.
Staying on the Otrobanda side puts you a short walk from the bridge: browse Booking.com.
Tours: Queen Emma Bridge
Compare guided trips, transfers and tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to cross?
No. The bridge and the ferries that run while it is open are free for pedestrians.
How often does it open?
Several times a day, whenever ships pass. There is no published timetable.
Can cars use the Queen Emma Bridge?
No, it is for pedestrians only. Cars cross on the Queen Juliana Bridge.
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