Author of materials about St. Petersburg, travel, excursions, and city routes.
Historian and guide in St. Petersburg, Peterhof, Tsarskoye Selo and Vyborg.
St. Petersburg is a city that makes you fall in love with it at first sight. But its magic truly unfolds at night, when the main spectacle begins – the drawbridges of St. Petersburg. In 2026, this event will again become an essential part of any tour of St. Petersburg and one of the most vivid experiences for tourists.
When twilight descends on the city's embankment and the city lights are reflected in the waters of the Neva, a real performance begins. The drawbridges of St. Petersburg are not just a technical process; they are the city's calling card, attracting thousands of travelers every year and included in the program of many tours in St. Petersburg.
In this article you will learn the current schedule and times of the drawbridges in St. Petersburg in 2026, as well as what time the bridges are raised and where the most beautiful views of the drawbridges and night-time St. Petersburg open up.
Why are the bridges raised in St. Petersburg?
Many visitors to the city believe that the opening of the bridges in St. Petersburg is a show for tourists, but behind the romance lies a strict necessity. Why do the bridges open in St. Petersburg? The answer lies in history and geography: the city stands on islands, and the Neva is a powerful waterway connecting the Baltic Sea with Lake Ladoga. Huge tankers and cargo ships, which are too tall for the low St. Petersburg crossings, must pass through the city, and the only way for them is the opened spans.
So a technical necessity has turned into one of the most beautiful spectacles in the world and has become an integral part of night tours around St. Petersburg.
Drawbridge schedule in St. Petersburg in 2026 (timetable)
If you are planning a trip, it is important to study the bridge opening schedule in St. Petersburg in advance.
Navigation season in St. Petersburg is connected with the opening of the bridges and usually lasts from April to November. The bridges are opened at night (approximately from 1:00 to 5:00) to minimize the impact on city traffic.
From April 10 to November 30, the bridges over the Bolshaya and Malaya Neva are opened.
From April 20 to November 15, navigation along the Bolshaya Nevka is in effect.
Bridge drawbridge schedule in 2026
It is better to check the current bridge opening schedule in St. Petersburg before a walk, especially if you are planning a night tour around St. Petersburg.
When the bridges are not opened during navigation
During navigation, the bridges are not opened on major public holidays, for example:
- on May Day, on the night of May 1 to 2
- on Victory Day, on the night of May 9 to 10
- on Russia Day, from June 12 to 13
- on National Unity Day, on the night of November 4 to 5
Schedule changes are also possible due to weather conditions – for example, if the wind increases to 12-15 m/s, the bridges are not opened.
What time are the bridges raised in St. Petersburg?
One of the most frequent questions from tourists is what time the bridges open in St. Petersburg.
The first to open is the Palace Bridge – it is opened at 01:10. Then, at intervals of 15–20 minutes, the other crossings are raised.
Some bridges are raised twice a night:
- Dvortsovy
- Blagoveshchensky
- Volodarsky
The exact bridge-raising schedule is important to consider when planning a walk or tour around Saint Petersburg so as not to miss the most spectacular part.
When bridges are raised during the day
You can see the bridges raised during the day in 2026 at the Scarlet Sails celebrations in June, Navy Day in July, and River Fleet Day on June 3. You can also admire this spectacle in daylight during rehearsals for the main festivities. The city announces the exact time of such events officially only a few days in advance. To avoid missing a unique moment, check the current schedule on the Mostotrest website.
Which bridges are raised in St. Petersburg?
During the navigation season, about 12 bridges are raised regularly. The main ones are:
- Dvortsovy Bridge – the city's main symbol
- Troitsky Bridge – with its lacy structures
- Blagoveshchensky Bridge – the very first bridge in Saint Petersburg
- Liteyny Bridge – over the deepest part of the Neva
- Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge – with towers in an industrial style
The bridges across the Bolshaya Nevka (Sampsonievsky, Grenadersky, and Kantemirovsky) are raised only by prior request.
When is the best time to watch the drawbridges in St. Petersburg
The best time to watch is during the white nights (from late May to early July). At this time the city hardly ever plunges into darkness, and the raising of the bridges looks especially striking against the sunset sky.
However, in other months of the navigation season too, the raising of the bridges in Saint Petersburg remains an impressive spectacle, especially during night tours around Saint Petersburg.
Where to watch the drawbridges in St. Petersburg?
Choosing the right spot is the key to the experience. Here are the best places to watch the bridges being raised in Saint Petersburg:
The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. The most panoramic spot. From here you can see three bridges at once: Dvortsovy, Troitsky, and Birzhevoy.
Palace and Admiralty Embankments. Here you will find yourself in the very heart of the action, right at the foot of Dvortsovy Bridge.
Boat trips are perhaps the most thrilling way to see the drawbridges, as well as the embankments of nighttime Saint Petersburg. Just imagine: you glide along the dark surface of the Neva on a boat, and above your head giant steel wings, illuminated by lights, slowly open. This feeling of freedom and the city's grandeur cannot be put into words – you have to experience it!
Drawbridge tours in St. Petersburg
That is exactly why you should take a boat tour to see the bridges being raised with Leningrad Tour! The "Night Petersburg" tour is a chance to combine a sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg with watching the bridges being raised.
The boat departs from the pier by the legendary Anichkov Bridge and takes you from the cozy Fontanka River into the spacious waters of the Neva. You will see the Hermitage, the Summer Garden and the Peter and Paul Fortress in their nighttime illumination, and the highlight will be watching the Palace and Trinity bridges being raised from the best possible angle – from the water. On board there is a warm enclosed deck with panoramic windows in case of a chilly wind, and an open area for those perfect photos.
"Night Petersburg" tour
Go to the tour →Frequently asked questions about the drawbridges in St. Petersburg
How many drawbridges are there in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg has 12 drawbridges.
Which is the most beautiful drawbridge in St. Petersburg?
The Palace Bridge is considered the most beautiful drawbridge in St. Petersburg. It is raised against the backdrop of the Peter and Paul Fortress, creating one of the city's most recognizable views.
This is the moment most often included in night tours of St. Petersburg and boat trips, as the water offers the best angle on the raising of the spans.
Are the bridges raised in St. Petersburg in winter?
In winter, the bridges in St. Petersburg are not raised. Navigation on the Neva stops because of the ice, so there is no need to raise them. The bridge-raising season in St. Petersburg usually starts in April and lasts until November.
What time are the bridges raised in St. Petersburg?
The raising of the bridges in St. Petersburg begins at night. The Palace Bridge is raised first – at about 01:10.
Then other bridges are raised at intervals of 15–20 minutes. Some of them are raised twice a night, so it is important to check the bridge-raising schedule in advance, especially if you are planning a tour of St. Petersburg or a night walk.
Where is the best place to watch the bridges being raised in St. Petersburg?
The best places to watch are the Palace Embankment, the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island and the Admiralty Embankment. However, the most spectacular option is a boat trip. Watching the bridges being raised from a boat in St. Petersburg lets you see the process right from the Neva and take the best photos.
Which bridges are raised most often?
The ones raised most often are: the Palace, Trinity, Blagoveshchensky and Liteyny bridges. These are the ones most often included in night tour routes in St. Petersburg.
Where can I watch the bridges being raised today?
On the official website of St. Petersburg's Mostotrest state institution and in the "Bridges of Petersburg" app, where the schedule and current status of the bridges are published in real time.
The raising of the bridges in St. Petersburg in 2026 is, of course, a breathtaking spectacle and also an important part of city life. When planning tours of St. Petersburg, be sure to include this event in your itinerary!
