Knippelsbro
Copenhagen’s green-towered bascule bridge where four centuries of harbour history, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Knippelsbro is Copenhagen’s iconic green-towered bascule bridge linking the historic island of Slotsholmen with canal-laced Christianshavn. First established as a crossing in the early 1600s and rebuilt several times, today’s 1937 functionalist structure carries cars, cyclists and pedestrians over the Inner Harbour. Its copper-clad towers, once home to bridge keepers, now symbolize the city’s love of clean lines, engineering and water-level urban life, with wide harbor views and constant movement all around.
A brief summary to Knippelsbro
- Knippelsbro, København K, Indre By, 1409, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Plan a slow walk across the bridge and stop midway by the railings for classic harbour views and photos of the green copper towers framing the skyline.
- If you can, time your visit to see the bascule leaves open for ship traffic, when barriers drop, bells ring and the roadway tilts to let vessels pass.
- Check local listings in advance if you hope to visit the restored Culture Tower, as opening hours and small events inside the tower can vary seasonally.
- Visit around sunrise or evening golden hour for softer light, fewer commuters and atmospheric reflections on the Inner Harbour’s calm water.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro lines to Christianshavn Station. The journey from Kongens Nytorv is about 2–3 minutes, with frequent trains running every few minutes throughout the day. A single zone ticket typically costs around 24–30 DKK, and all stations have level access and lifts, making this the most straightforward option for visitors with luggage, strollers or limited mobility. From Christianshavn Station it is an easy urban walk of just a few minutes to reach the bridge area.
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City Bus
Several city bus routes serve the streets on either side of Knippelsbro, linking it with Copenhagen Central Station and Nørreport in roughly 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Standard city tickets and travel cards apply, with single journeys usually in the 24–30 DKK range. Buses run frequently during the day and early evening, but late-night services are less regular, so check timings if returning late. Most buses are low-floor and accommodate wheelchairs, though they can be crowded at commuter peaks.
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Bicycle
Knippelsbro is one of the main bicycle arteries in the city and is easily reached from the wider Copenhagen cycle network within about 5–20 minutes from most central neighbourhoods. The approaches on both sides have dedicated, clearly marked cycle lanes, but they can be very busy at rush hours, so less confident riders may prefer to travel outside peak commuting times. Public bike-share schemes and rentals are widely available in the centre, with typical rental prices starting from around 125–200 DKK per day.
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Harbour Boat
Copenhagen’s harbour boats call at several nearby piers along the Inner Harbour, offering a scenic way to approach the area in around 10–25 minutes from stops near Nyhavn or Islands Brygge. Tickets are integrated with the city’s public transport system and normally cost the same as a standard bus or metro fare per journey. Services are more frequent in daytime and may be reduced in winter or in rough weather, so it is wise to confirm seasonal timetables in advance.
Knippelsbro location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Knippelsbro
A working bridge at the heart of Copenhagen’s harbour
Knippelsbro stretches across Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, tying the government quarter on Slotsholmen to the canals and cobbled streets of Christianshavn. Standing here, you feel the city’s pulse: cyclists stream past in dense waves, cars hum over the steel deck, and below you harbor buses and leisure boats crisscross the water. The bridge is 115 meters long, broad enough for multi-lane traffic and wide pavements, yet compact enough that you always sense the water on both sides. As a bascule bridge, Knippelsbro can open its central leaves to let taller ships through. Much of the pleasure of lingering here is watching the choreography when it lifts: barriers drop, traffic pauses, and the roadway slowly tilts upwards, revealing the mechanical underbelly that keeps this vital crossing moving.Four centuries of crossings condensed into one structure
A bridge has stood on this spot since the early 17th century, when King Christian IV ordered a link from his fortified city to the new merchants’ district of Christianshavn. The first timber crossing, begun around 1618, was known as the Great Amager Bridge and later Christianshavn’s Bridge. Over the centuries it was rebuilt repeatedly in wood and then iron to cope with heavier traffic and changing harbor use. The current Knippelsbro, the fifth bridge on this site, opened in the late 1930s. It reflects a period when Copenhagen’s docks were booming and needed a crossing high and strong enough for modern vehicles, yet still able to open for cargo ships. The bridge’s name is older than the structure itself and comes from Hans Knip, a 17th-century bridge keeper whose job was to operate the crossing and collect tolls from passing vessels.Functionalist lines and the famous green towers
The bridge’s most recognizable features are its pair of copper-clad towers, rising above the deck like compact, rounded lighthouses. Designed in a stripped-back functionalist style, they were constructed at a nearby shipyard, then craned into place on purpose-built concrete foundations. Their clean vertical lines contrast with the horizontal sweep of the roadway, giving the bridge a distinct profile that is instantly readable from afar. Inside, the five-storey towers once housed guard rooms, operating machinery and even sleeping quarters for the bridge master and crew who worked around the clock when the harbour was packed with commercial shipping. Today the bridge is operated remotely and the machinery needs far less human presence, but the towers remain as sculptural markers and have gained a second life in the city’s cultural scene.From infrastructure to intimate cultural venue
On the Christianshavn side, one tower has been carefully restored and transformed into a tiny cultural space often referred to as the Culture Tower. The original industrial character has been preserved: steel stairs, compact rooms, and porthole-like windows that frame oblique views of the harbour. Inside, small exhibitions, talks, tastings and concerts take place in a setting that never lets you forget you are in the middle of a working bridge. Climb towards the top and you reach a wraparound level perched 13.5 meters above the water, where the former bridge master once surveyed ship traffic. From here, lines of sight stretch along the harbour, past spires, modern waterfront developments and moored boats, offering one of the most unusual vantage points in central Copenhagen.Experiencing city life in motion
For many travelers Knippelsbro is less a single attraction and more a lived experience of the city in motion. Walking across, you can pause by the railings to watch kayakers below or scan the silhouettes of church spires and towers that punctuate the skyline. At different times of day the atmosphere shifts, from the quiet shimmer of early morning to the rush of the commuter peak and the warm glow of late sunsets. The bridge also serves as a natural waypoint for exploring both sides of the harbour. From the central span you can trace the line of the waterfront promenades, the outlines of nearby landmarks and the tangle of canals that define Christianshavn. Linger a little, and Knippelsbro becomes more than just a way of getting somewhere else: it is a compact stage where Copenhagen’s relationship with water, design and daily life plays out in real time.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.1 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.2 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Circle Bridge
0.3 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Frederik VII
0.4 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Højbro
0.6 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
The Stable Boy's House
0.6 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Bishop Absalon
0.6 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.6 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter—a picturesque maze of cobblestone streets, vibrant cafés, indie boutiques, art galleries, and an unmistakable creative spirit.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.6 km
Explore the world of neoclassical sculpture at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, home to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and a treasure trove of art and architectural inspiration.
Højbro Plads
0.6 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Christiania
0.6 km
Explore Christiania, Copenhagen's alternative lifestyle hub, filled with vibrant street art, unique shops, and a rich cultural experience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.0 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Christianshavn
0.2 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.3 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Black Diamond
0.3 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.3 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Havnepromenade
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.4 km
A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.4 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.4 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Slotsholmen
0.5 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Wilder
0.3 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
0.3 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
No. 2
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
à terre
0.4 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Maven
0.6 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Llama
0.6 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Skipperkroen
0.6 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.6 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Khun Juk
0.7 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Kanal-Caféen
0.7 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Lola
0.7 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Restaurant Barr
0.7 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin du Nord
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Danish Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.6 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Copenhagenglass
0.7 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
ILLUM
0.7 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
0.7 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.7 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Maritime Antiques &
0.7 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Magnolias
0.7 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Hygge Original
0.7 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
0.3 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
K-Bar
0.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Brønnum
0.6 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
The Dubliner
0.7 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Balthazar
0.7 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Ruby
0.7 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
1105
0.7 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Godt Øl
0.7 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Bar Deco
0.8 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Zefside
0.8 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.8 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Charlie's Bar
0.8 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.7 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Operaen
0.8 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
The Zoo
0.8 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mini Bar
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
0.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
0.9 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Hive
1.0 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
1.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
1.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
1.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.1 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
1.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
1.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
