A Walk Above A River – Our Return to the Puente Vizcaya

In January 2018 we visited the Vizcaya Bridge, the first transporter bridge inaugurated in 1893, but were only able to take the gondola across because the foot bridge was closed. We returned with my brother (May 8) and were delighted to have the opportunity to ascend to the top and take in the views.

The bridge straddles the river and allows boat traffic to pass without the need of a drawbridge:

The hanging white gondola car transports people and cars across the river approximately every 4 minutes. Here’s a view of the gondola from above:

Standing on the bridge nearly 50 m above the river the crossing gondola creates a strong vibration. This is not for the faint of heart. But after a few minutes you do get used to it and don’t notice it as much. There are numerous panels showing the history and design of the bridge. And even a marker regarding its designation as a world heritage site:

But the best part are the views:

We had the bridge almost entirely to ourselves and found it to be quite a tranquil place:

After we descended, we took the gondola to the other side of the river. The price had gone up five centimos to 45 since January – still a bargain at about 50 cents. We then took the metro back into Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim Museum – where the bridges just don’t compare even if you get to watch rowing practice.

It was worth the wait to revisit and experience this exceptional bridge from another angle.

Hasta pronto,

Shana & Jeff