The Folke Bernadotte Bridge

The Folke Bernadotte Bridge – a bridge across Djurgårdsbrunn Bay, linking Museiparken with Rosendal – opened on September 19, 2019.

Construction of the bridge began autumn 2018, and the foundation was delivered in June 2019. On Tuesday 4 June, the side sections were hoisted into place using a crane on a barge in Djurgårdsbrunn Bay. The central section was installed the following day, completing the construction of the bridge.

King Karl Johan's bridge in 1820

As early as the 19th century, King Karl XIV Johan had a pontoon bridge erected across the Djurgård Canal. He was having a summer palace built at Rosendal, his country estate, and he needed a short link between Rosendal Palace and the training ground at Ladugårdsgärde that he often visited on horseback. Traces of the bridge footing can still be seen on the shore at Rosendal. The floating bridge was used during the summer months between 1820 and 1848.

The Folke Bernadotte Bridge

The Royal Djurgården Administration will now be building a bridge across the bay, linking the various parts of Royal Djurgården, on the very spot where King Karl XIV Johan built his floating bridge.

The bridge will be eight metres long, bridging the canal between Museiparken and Rosendal with a single, slender steel span.

The bridge will be named in memory of Count Folke Bernadotte. He was appointed as the UN's first mediator following the Second World War. Folke Bernadotte lived at Dragongården, next to Museiparken (now the Chinese Embassy).

Linking southern and northern Djurgården

With its palace, palace park and famous gardens, Rosendal is sometimes overlooked as visitors make their way along Djurgårdsvägen. However, the new bridge will open up new routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

The 2018 anniversary year

Construction of the bridge began in 2018 as part of the commemorations marking the Bernadotte dynasty’s 200 years on the Swedish throne.

Top image: The new bridge has been designed by &Rundquist architects. Photo: Raphael Stecksén/Royalpalaces.se