Discover the iconic Calatrava bridges along the Hoofdvaart
The bridges were officially opened on 1 July 2004 during a ceremony attended by Queen Beatrix. Read more about these beautiful bridges and get inspired to take a look along the Hoofdvaart!
Lute
Due to its shape, this bridge is reminiscent of the medieval string instrument, the lute. The bridge carries the Maria Tesselschadelaan over the Hoofdvaart in Hoofddorp. The Calatrava bridges are functional but also artistic: the long steel cables that support the bridge are attached to the pointed tip – such a tip is also known as a pylon. The length of the Luit's pylon is no less than 48 metres.
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De Citer actually consists of two bridges: a semi-bicycle bridge parallel to the Hoofdvaart over the Nieuwe Bennebroekerweg and a car bridge over the Hoofdvaart. The length of the pylon of the zither is 62 meters. At this bridge you will also find 1 of the 20 special Story Poles of Haarlemmermeer that tell you something about the heritage and the environment. A great moment to get off during your bike ride and read the story on the pole!
Harp
The Harp is a Calatrava bridge on the Northern Randweg near Nieuw-Vennep and, like the other two bridges, crosses the Hoofdvaart. The Harp is 143 meters long and the length of the pylon is 82 meters – making it the largest Calatrava bridge in Haarlemmermeer.
Tip: you can best view the bridges during a bike ride through the polder landscape. It can be difficult to park your car near the bridges. By bike you can quietly explore the special architecture of the Calatrava bridges in Hoofddorp and Nieuw-Vennep, maybe even during one of the many beautiful bike rides that you will find through Haarlemmermeer!
