Byens Bro (The City's Bridge)

A Modern Icon Spanning the Rails

Byens Bro, meaning "The City's Bridge," opened in May 2015 as a transformative piece of urban infrastructure for Odense, Denmark's third-largest city. The bridge stretches 135 metres across the railway yard at Odense Central Station, crossing 15 railway tracks to connect the northern and southern districts of the city. Designed by the award-winning Gottlieb Paludan Architects, the bridge was selected through a 2012 design competition and immediately became a beloved landmark upon opening. The name itself was chosen through a public competition that attracted more than 1,300 local participants, reflecting the community's investment in the project.

Architectural Brilliance and Engineering Innovation

The bridge's most striking feature is its 40-metre-high pylon finished in mirror-polished steel, which serves as both a structural support for the longest span and a visual beacon for the city. The pylon's reflective surface dynamically captures and reflects light, celebrating the motion of cyclists and pedestrians crossing the bridge—particularly stunning when illuminated at night. The bridge's curved forms are not merely aesthetic; they follow the natural traffic patterns of the city, optimising both functionality and visual harmony. The structure cleverly segregates cycling and pedestrian traffic for safety while maintaining visual and architectural unity, creating what amounts to two bridges in one. This thoughtful design earned Byens Bro the European Steel Design Award of Merit in 2015 and a prize for beautiful buildings and structures from the city of Odense.

Connecting City, Station, and Waterfront

The primary purpose of Byens Bro is to improve connectivity between Odense's city centre and the emerging harbour district, while simultaneously enhancing access to Odense Railway Station's platforms. The bridge provides direct access to three station platforms via integrated lifts and stairs, making it an essential link for the thousands of commuters and travellers who pass through daily. By creating a safe, direct route for cyclists and pedestrians across the previously fragmented railway zone, the bridge has become a natural and efficient part of Odense's green urban mobility landscape. It serves as a gateway to waterfront activities and developments that were previously difficult to access on foot or by bike.

Urban Spaces and Community Gathering Points

Beyond its function as a crossing, Byens Bro enriches Odense's urban fabric by creating two new public squares—one in the city centre and another near a vocational education centre (VUC). These squares serve as arrival and meeting points for train passengers, commuters, and visitors, transforming what might have been purely functional spaces into vibrant social hubs. The bridge's stairs double as informal seating during events held in the adjacent King's Garden park, demonstrating how thoughtful design can serve multiple purposes. The bridge also incorporates 1,400 bicycle parking spaces, reflecting Odense's commitment to cycling as a primary mode of urban transport and acknowledging the bridge's role in the city's cycling culture.

Integration and Accessibility

Byens Bro was conceived as an extension of Odense's existing urban infrastructure grid rather than an isolated monument. This philosophy ensures the bridge feels like a natural continuation of the city's streets and pathways. The design prioritises accessibility for all users—cyclists, pedestrians, elderly visitors, and those with mobility challenges—through gentle gradients, wide pathways, and integrated lift access. The bridge's simple yet spectacular architecture translates functional requirements into an inspirational traffic solution that demonstrates how infrastructure can be both practical and beautiful. Since opening, the bridge has been embraced by the community and has become a well-functioning, organic part of Odense's daily urban landscape.