The King opens the Hisingsbron Bridge in Gothenburg

On Sunday 5 September, The King opened the Hisingsbron Bridge over the Göta Älv river in Gothenburg.

The King walks across the new Hisingsbron Bridge with County Governor Anders Danielsson and the Urban Transport Administration's project manager Susanne Viberg.

The King walks across the new Hisingsbron Bridge with County Governor Anders Danielsson and the Urban Transport Administration's project manager Susanne Viberg. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

The new Hisingsbron Bridge links central Gothenburg with the island of Hisingen, and replaces the old Götaälvbron Bridge which has been used since 1939.

During the opening ceremony on the Hisingsbron Bridge, entertainment was provided by performers including the music group Triple & Touch and Brunnsbo Music Classes.

During the opening ceremony on the Hisingsbron Bridge, entertainment was provided by performers including the music group Triple & Touch and Brunnsbo Music Classes. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Triple & Touch performed during the ceremony, together with young gymnasts, dancers and musicians.

Gymnasts with flags during the opening ceremony.

Gymnasts with flags during the opening ceremony. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

In his speech on the Hisingsbron Bridge, The King said:

A new landmark has been created from concrete and 7,500 tonnes of steel, giving the city's skyline a new silhouette. This project has required enormous courage and innovation. Both from the City of Gothenburg and from those of you who have carried out the actual construction.

HM The King

The King speaks during the opening ceremony.

The King speaks during the opening ceremony. Photo: Tommy Holl/SPA

Seminar and walk

Earlier during the day, The King had begun his visit to Gothenburg by taking part in a seminar about the Hisingsbron Bridge, during which project representatives described the construction work.

The King had the opportunity to sample the anniversary cake created to mark Gothenburg's 400th anniversary during the summer.

The King had the opportunity to sample the anniversary cake created to mark Gothenburg's 400th anniversary during the summer. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

After the seminar, The King went on board the Sound Horizon barge for a guided tour of the Hisingsbron Bridge from the water and a chance to see its structure and design up close. Back on land, the tour continued along Norra Älvstranden. During his visit, The King also saw how the demolition work on the old Götaälvbron Bridge is continuing.

The King is given a guided tour of the Hisingsbron Bridge from the water.

The King is given a guided tour of the Hisingsbron Bridge from the water. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Watch a film of the opening of the Hisingsbron Bridge.

The Hisingsbron Bridge

  • The Hisingsbron Bridge is a lift bridge made of steel of concrete.
  • The total length of the bridge is 1,380 metres, including all the sections on land. The section across the Göta Älv river is 440 metres long.
  • When the bridge is closed, it has a vertical clearance height of 12 metres. In the open position, the vertical clearance height is 28 metres.
  • The four pylons at the centre of the bridge have a height of approximately 35 metres above the water level.
  • The bridge is about 40 metres wide. (The Götaälvbron Bridge was 27 metres wide.)
  • The bridge has two lanes for vehicle traffic in each direction, one lane for public transport in each direction, and two-way pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides.