Friesenbrücke open to cyclists and pedestrians

On Friday, 5 September 2025, the Friesenbrücke will be open to cyclists and pedestrians. An important milestone! The impressive bridge over the Eems between Weener and Westoverledingen is an important link in the connection between Groningen and Bremen. In addition, the bridge restores the connection between the municipalities of Weener and Westoverledingen for local residents. The Wunderline will also run via this bridge next spring. This will make the connection between Groningen and Bremen not only faster, but also more comfortable.

 


Prior to the opening, the members of the Wunderline Steering Group and the municipalities along the route came together. In the Steering Group, the provinces of Groningen and Lower Saxony, the city of Bremen and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management are working together with ProRail and Deutsche Bahn on the Wunderline project. The municipalities along the Wunderline and transport organisations in the region are united in the Chain Mobility Network. The Wunderline Steering Group recently welcomed two new directors, the State Secretary of Lower Saxony, Matthias Wunderling-Weilbier (also chairman) and the deputy of the province of Groningen, Erik Jan Bennema. After the Steering Group meeting, both gave an update on the latest status of the Wunderline project during a joint meeting with, among others, many mayors and councillors. 

Restored connection
Led by Deutsche Bahn, the directors were briefed on the status of the Friesenbrücke after the network meeting, took a look at this impressive project and attended the opening of the pedestrian and cycle section of the bridge. This section alone cost €6 million and was financed by the state of Lower Saxony. Work on the railway section will be completed in spring 2026. The Friesenbrücke represents a major step forward for cross-border connections and chain mobility in the border region: cyclists and pedestrians will literally have more space to move quickly, sustainably and easily between the northern Netherlands and north-western Germany.

Opening hours
Use of the cycle path and footpath is dependent on the tide and is only possible when the bridge is not open to shipping traffic. Deutsche Bahn will publish the exact times on its website for the Friesenbrücke (link to Bauprojekt Friesenbrücke) in the ‘Downloads’ section.

Flagship project
The simultaneous collaboration on improving the quality of the rail connection and chain mobility at stations is unique in Europe. The Wunderline has been designated a “flagship project” by the EU, an exemplary project of cross-border cooperation. The Wunderline, and with it the Friesenbrücke, symbolise the good relationship and cooperation between the Netherlands and Germany and the joint commitment to socio-economic strengthening of the northern border region.