Kruunuvuori Bridge, the new icon of Helsinki

The new Kruunuvuori Bridge connecting Korkeasaari and Kruunuvuorenranta is the longest, tallest and longest-standing bridge in Finland – and it is also globally exceptional as bridges of this size have not been built for the sole use of public transport, pedestrian traffic and cycling. The bridge thus becomes an interesting attraction not only due to its size, but also due to the advanced traffic thinking behind its design.

In 2012, as part of its World Design Capital programme, the City of Helsinki organised a design competition to design a transport connection from Kalasatama via Korkeasaari to Kruunuvuorenranta. The participants of the competition were selected on the basis of an application procedure, and the most important part of the applications was the Kruunuvuori Bridge connecting Kruunuvuorenranta and Palosaari (i.e. the tip of Korkeasaari).

The aim of the competition was to find a design solution that would meet the functional, sustainable and aesthetic objectives set for the new transport connection. Of the 52 applications, 10 participants were selected. From a very international set of participants, the winning entry was the work of a planning group led by WSP Finland called “Gemma Regalis” (the crown jewel).

The jury of the competition particularly liked the lightness and airiness of Gemma Regalis, which gives open sea views to both those looking at the bridge from further and those travelling on the bridge. The design is also considered to meet the other goals set for the transport connection.

The bridge linking Kruunuvuorenranta in Laajasalo and Korkeasaari in Helsinki opened on the afternoon of Saturday, 18 April 2026. The Kruunuvuori Bridge, which is about 1.2 kilometres long, is the longest bridge in Finland. Photo: Teemu Salonen / Lehtikuva

Source: Helsinki Times