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Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge: A Panoramic Gateway to Copenhagen’s Urban Heart

A reimagined bridge control tower offering panoramic harbor views, contemporary art, and an industrial atmosphere on one of Copenhagen’s historic waterways.

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The Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge is a one-of-a-kind landmark that fuses history, art, and cityscape in the center of Copenhagen. Once a bridge control tower, it now offers exhibitions, panoramic views of the harbor, and an atmospheric café. Visitors experience a slice of the city’s industrial maritime legacy, while soaking up contemporary Danish culture against the backdrop of Indre By’s waterfront.

A brief summary to Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge

Local tips

  • Bring a camera—the views from the tower are some of the best across both Indre By and Christianshavn.
  • Check ahead for pop-up events or guided tours, as regular opening hours do not apply.
  • On sunny days, the space can heat up quickly due to its glass and copper design—layers or light clothing are recommended.
  • Accessibility may be limited; be aware of narrow stairs and no elevator when planning your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Copenhagen’s old town, it’s a pleasant stroll southeast toward the waterfront, passing vibrant cafés and historic buildings near the harbor. The distinctive green tower is easily visible atop Knippelsbro, marking the boundary between Indre By and Christianshavn. Expect a walk of about 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point.

  • Public Transport

    Several city buses and metro lines serve the central area; stop near the Christianshavn or Kongens Nytorv station and walk toward the waterfront. After disembarking, the bridge and tower are visible by the waterway, with a short walk (typically 5–10 minutes) to reach the entrance. Standard single city transport fares apply (about 24 DKK for adults).

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    A taxi from the central station or City Hall area usually takes under 10 minutes, traffic permitting. Fares typically range 70–120 DKK depending on distance and time. There is limited layby space near the bridge for drop-off.

  • Cycling

    Knippelsbro is a major cycling thoroughfare, equipped with dedicated bike lanes that link Indre By and Christianshavn. Bike rental stations are nearby throughout the city, and the approach offers fantastic harbor views.

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Discover more about Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge

Nestled on one of Copenhagen’s most iconic bridges, the Culture Tower (Kulturtaarnet) at Knippelsbro is a striking blend of urban history and creative reinvention. The structure itself is a repurposed copper-clad bridge control tower, standing as a testament to Denmark’s prowess at blending the old with the new. Originally built in 1937, Knippelsbro connects the bustling neighborhoods of Christianshavn and Indre By. The tower, once the nerve center for bridge keepers who raised and lowered the bascule spans for passing ships, has since been transformed into a vertical cultural space. Inside, visitors ascend narrow steps to enter a world of contemporary exhibitions, intimate concerts, and pop-up art installations. The perfectly preserved Art Deco interiors and brass details evoke the machine-age optimism of interwar Copenhagen. From the tower’s top decks, sweeping views stretch over the city’s spires and sweeping quaysides—on clear days, you can track the snaking harbor as it merges into Øresund. Its relatively petite interior creates an intimate and exclusive atmosphere, ideal for lingering with a specialty coffee, Danish pastry, or locally crafted chocolate in hand. Though no longer permanently open (the building is 'closed forever' as a regular venue as of 2023), the Culture Tower continues to animate the city through occasional events and summer pop-ups, when its doors are thrown open to the public for guided tours, wine bars, and art happenings. With no regular admission fee in effect, access during special openings is typically free or low-cost, making this a worthy drop-in for anyone eager to experience Copenhagen’s creative pulse. Even outside event days, the tower’s distinctive silhouette and role in the city’s transformation render it an essential landmark for lovers of urban exploration, Danish design, or the hidden stories behind Copenhagen’s bridges.

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