Ponte Hercílio Luz

What makes it special

Cars were kept off the bridge for most of the years after 1982, and it reopened only at the end of 2019, after a long restoration.

The deck you walk beside is the restored one. During the works, hydraulic jacks set on supports beneath the bridge took its whole weight, and the deck was lowered by about 10 centimetres.

The roadway is laid with light metal plates, so the cars on it move slowly on weekdays. From the walkway you look up at the towers and out along the central span between them.

On weekends and holidays, with cars kept off, the roadway hosts events such as road races and processions. Vintage car meets and bagpipe gatherings have been held on it too.

Visiting

From Parque da Luz, at the end of Rua Felipe Schmidt, you see the bridge's full length, and lookouts at this end face the towers head-on.

Walk out on a side walkway and stop over the water to look and take photographs. Carry on to the mainland end, then walk back to the island.

Time the walk for sunset. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays the bridge is closed to cars, and you can walk the roadway itself from either end as far as the start of the central span.

Since December 2024 the bridge has been lit every night: white from Monday to Thursday, and in colours set by a monthly plan from Friday to Sunday.

Tips

If the forecast shows strong wind, walk another day: gusts on the crossing can knock you off balance.

Wear flat shoes with an even sole, and leave heels at home. Children must stay with an adult the whole way. On Sundays the bridge can be full of walkers.