bryggor

Bryggor are structures that extend from a shoreline into a body of water, providing access for boats, goods, and pedestrians. In Swedish usage, brygga refers to a dock or platform, while a quay is a solid waterfront edge along which ships can moor. Bryggor can be fixed, supported on piles or a solid foundation, or floating, built on pontoons that rise and fall with water levels. Fixed bryggor are common in urban harbors and along residential shores, whereas floating bryggor are typical in marina settings and areas with large tidal variation or ice movement.

Common components include a deck, supporting piles or pontoons, mooring posts, fenders, and a gangway or ramp to allow access from shore or vessels. Materials vary from timber and traditional wood preservatives to reinforced concrete, steel, and composite decking. Design considerations cover water depth, wave exposure, ice action, and ongoing maintenance. Regular inspections focus on structural integrity, corrosion, rot, and the condition of mooring hardware and fenders.

Uses vary: fishing piers, passenger wharves, commercial docks, and recreational promenades. Bryggor may also function as breakwaters or waterfront walkways when integrated into larger harbor or park schemes. In modern practice, safety standards address non-slip surfaces, lighting, railing, life-saving equipment, and clear access for emergency services.

See also: quay, marina, wharf, dock, jetty.