Culture Tower on Knippelsbro: Copenhagen’s Riverside Icon

An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.

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Vadehavskysten

Housed in one of the iconic copper towers atop Knippelsbro (Knippels Bridge), the Culture Tower offers a blend of historical architecture, sweeping harbor views, and a modern cultural hub. Once used by bridge keepers, this heritage site now hosts exhibitions, intimate concerts, and a cozy café, all set against Copenhagen’s vibrant waterfront.

A brief summary to Vadehavskysten

Nørregade 19, Esbjerg, 6700, DK
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Local tips

Check ahead for events or open hours, as the tower’s schedule is irregular and often tied to exhibitions or concerts.
Ascend the spiral staircase carefully—the original steps are steep and may be tricky for those with mobility issues.
For the best city views, visit near sunset when the harbor glows and city lights flicker on.
Sip coffee or wine sourced from local Copenhagen producers while enjoying the setting.
Combine your visit with a stroll along the bridge—spot the contrasting architecture of Indre By and Christianshavn.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Copenhagen, the walk to Knippelsbro leads you through the lively shopping districts and past key city landmarks like the Royal Danish Theater and iconic harborfront. The copper towers are clearly visible as you approach the bridge crossing into Christianshavn, making the tower easy to spot. Expect a gentle 10–20 minute stroll, offering classic canal views and a glimpse of local street life.
Public Transport

City buses frequently cross the bridge, stopping near both the Inner City and Christianshavn sides. Single fare tickets for Copenhagen buses are typically around DKK 24 per adult. Buses provide easy access, depositing you within a brief walk of the tower’s entrance atop the bridge. Expect quick journeys from most central locations.
Taxi

A taxi ride from key city areas such as Rådhuspladsen or the central station brings you directly to either end of Knippelsbro. Rides are usually 5–10 minutes and generally cost DKK 60–100 depending on traffic. Once dropped off, the towers of the bridge stand as unmistakable landmarks.
Bicycle

Cycling to Knippelsbro is popular and scenic—Copenhagen’s cycle lanes cross the bridge itself, making for a swift and easy trip from almost any part of the city. Bike parking is available at the base of the bridge, though it can get crowded during busy times.

Discover more about Vadehavskysten

The Culture Tower, perched atop Knippelsbro—Copenhagen’s historic bascule bridge spanning the city’s inner harbor—stands as an imaginative reuse of a 1930s bridge control tower. Its distinct green copper silhouette is visible from across Indre By and Christianshavn, drawing visitors to an unexpected vantage above the modern flow of city life and canal traffic below. Originally serving as the bridge keeper’s post, the tower played a vital role in regulating passage between the two city districts for most of the 20th century. Today, its beautifully restored interior gives way to a unique fusion of old and new: while original features like porthole windows and steel staircases evoke its industrial past, its present life bursts with cultural energy. Artists, local creatives, and entrepreneurs have transformed the tight vertical spaces into a café and intimate art gallery, offering freshly brewed coffee, chocolates, and wine alongside exhibitions, talks, and music events. A visit here means panoramic city and canal views from atop a living transport artery; you’ll see ferries, kayaks, cycling commuters, and city landmarks from a vantage typically reserved for bridge operators. The tower’s events and pop-ups are carefully curated to showcase Copenhagen’s creative pulse, but the tranquil setting above the water makes for one of the city’s most atmospheric coffee or wine breaks. Though the Culture Tower is compact, the experience is memorable—each visit connects you to Copenhagen’s living heritage, offering a rare blend of architectural history and urban culture. The tower is especially enchanting at sunset and during nighttime city illuminations. Accessibility is limited due to the historic structure, and while regular opening hours have varied, special events and occasional open days mean there’s usually something to discover.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Vadehavskysten

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An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.

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Landgangen

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Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn

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Swimming Stadium Denmark

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Fanø Tourist Office

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Fanø Krogaard

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Fano Bed and Boats

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Fanø Lokalhistorisk Forening

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Bunkers on Fanø

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Unmissable attractions to see

Brunnen Park

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Christian IX statue, Esbjerg

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Esbjerg Art Museum

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Skulptur “Kobberkors”

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Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”

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Fish Auction for tourists

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Dyrehaven

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Brillesøerne

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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King George

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Dokken City Beach

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Hjørnekroen

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VadeMad

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Kabyssen

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Cafe Nanas Stue

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Klubben 1811

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Stenbohus

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Strygejernet

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Cafeteria Lakolk

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Marskdestilleriet

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Culture Tower on Knippelsbro: Copenhagen’s Riverside Icon

A brief summary to Vadehavskysten

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi

Bicycle

Unlock the Best of Vadehavskysten

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Vadehavskysten

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Vadehavskysten

Denmark

Namaste Esbjerg

Dronning Louise

Esbjerg Water Tower

Landgangen

Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn

FanøFærgen, Esbjerg

Swimming Stadium Denmark

Men by the Sea

Fanø Tourist Office

Fanø Krogaard

Fano Bed and Boats

Fanø Lokalhistorisk Forening

Bunkers on Fanø

Unmissable attractions to see

Brunnen Park

Christian IX statue, Esbjerg

Esbjerg Art Museum

Skulptur “Kobberkors”

Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”

Fish Auction for tourists

Esbjerg Havn

Fishermen memorial

Dyrehaven

Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev

Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri)

Brillesøerne

Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet

Fanø Skibsfarts- & Dragtsamling

Fanø Museum

Essential places to dine

Spisestuen, Esbjerg

Bone’s

Mundheld

Restaurant Xing Yuan

Cozmo A/S

Restaurant Loftet

India Royale - Restaurant Esbjerg

Restaurant Madklubben Esbjerg

Hos Ingeborg

Restaurant Flammen

Bluesette / Esbjerg Streetfood

HONGKONG restaurant

Streetfood Esbjerg

Cafe Vivaldi

Sand's Restauration ApS

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

BROEN Shopping

Victoria N Friends

Christel Seyfarth Butik

Kunstladen

Arbuckle Design

Fanø Lys

Sønderho Gårdbutik

WestLys

Det Gamle Apothek

Den Lille Ravbutik

Metropolis Drachen

Rømø Lys

By Vicky

Rømø Bolsjeri og Ishus

Butik Rømø

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Vinbaren

Kasket Karl