Knippelsbro
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Knippelsbro is Copenhagen’s iconic bascule bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with the canals and cobbles of Christianshavn. Opened in 1937 and crowned by its distinctive verdigris copper towers, it blends functionalist engineering with harbor views, busy bike lanes and a working drawbridge that still lifts for passing ships. More than a crossing, it is a living slice of the city’s maritime and architectural story.
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
Local tips
- Time your visit for golden hour; sunset light over the harbor and Christianshavn’s canals gives particularly atmospheric views from the middle of the bridge.
- If you see barriers lowering and traffic stopping, stay safely behind the lines and watch the bascule deck lift to let a ship pass—an impressive, brief spectacle.
- Use the wide sidewalks on both sides to walk one way and return on the opposite side, giving different perspectives of Slotsholmen, the harbor and the skyline.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station; trains run every few minutes and the ride takes about 3–5 minutes. A standard single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK. From the station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly flat pavements to Knippelsbro, suitable for most visitors including those with light mobility limitations.
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City bus connection
Several city buses run through the inner harbor area, with stops within a 5–15 minute walk of Knippelsbro. Typical journey times from central hubs such as Copenhagen Central Station are 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A bus ticket costs around 20–25 DKK and can usually be bought via travel apps or ticket machines; buses are low-floor and generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Bicycle within the city
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make reaching Knippelsbro by bike straightforward from most central districts in 10–25 minutes. Expect short inclines as you approach the bridge deck and be prepared for busy commuter flows at rush hour. You can use personal bikes or widely available rental and share schemes, which typically charge from around 20–40 DKK for short rides.
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Harbor boat services
Public harbor boats and sightseeing cruises operate along the Inner Harbour, often passing under or near Knippelsbro. Depending on your starting point, the ride may take 20–45 minutes. Public boats are usually covered by regular transport tickets or cost in the 25–40 DKK range, while sightseeing cruises are more, often 70–120 DKK. These offer a different perspective on the bridge but are subject to weather and seasonal schedules.
Knippelsbro location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Knippelsbro
A working link between city and harbor
Knippelsbro stretches across Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, carrying a constant stream of cyclists, cars and pedestrians between the administrative heart of Slotsholmen and the canals of Christianshavn. The bridge’s compact 115‑meter span feels intensely urban, with water close below and a skyline of spires, towers and modern offices unfolding on both sides. Stand at the railing and the bridge’s purpose becomes clear. Ferries, workboats and leisure craft slide along the channel, and when a taller vessel approaches, traffic halts and the roadway lifts. In a city defined by the sea, Knippelsbro is both everyday infrastructure and a stage where harbor life plays out in real time.Centuries of crossings on the same spot
The current bridge is only the latest in a line of crossings that began here in the early 17th century, when Christian IV ordered a link to his new town of Christianshavn. Wooden predecessors, sometimes called the Great Amager Bridge or Christianshavn’s Bridge, once stood where you are now, decorated with heroic sculptures and timber gates. Over time, those early structures gave way to more robust solutions as Copenhagen grew and shipping intensified. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, iron and railway bridges occupied the site. Each version had the same basic task—connecting the city across the harbor—yet the changing materials and forms trace Denmark’s evolution from fortified port to industrial power and, eventually, to a modern capital.Functionalist form and copper‑clad towers
The present Knippelsbro was inaugurated in 1937, embodying the clean lines and pragmatic elegance of interwar functionalism. Its most recognizable features are the two copper‑clad bridge towers, whose verdigris silhouettes rise like ship funnels beside the roadway. Inside, narrow staircases once led to control rooms, boiler spaces and a ring of windows where the bridgemaster oversaw operations from high above the water. Structurally, Knippelsbro is a bascule bridge, its central deck rotating upward on hidden counterweights so ships can pass. The mechanism is largely invisible to passersby, but the brief pause, the whir of machinery and the sight of the roadway lifting remain quietly dramatic. The towers gained symbolic status too: they are depicted on Denmark’s 200‑kroner banknote, anchoring the bridge firmly in the national imagination.From traffic hub to cultural meeting point
In recent years, one of the towers on the Christianshavn side has been transformed into a small cultural venue, known locally as a culture tower. This adaptive reuse adds a surprising layer to a structure often viewed only from the saddle of a bicycle. Inside, exhibitions, intimate events and harbor views reframe the bridge as a gathering place rather than just a route across the water. Around the bridge, the city tells more stories. Slotsholmen holds historic institutions and landmark buildings, while Christianshavn offers canal-side warehouses, houseboats and cobbled lanes. Knippelsbro sits between these worlds, making it a convenient point from which to explore both sides of the harbor on foot.Experiencing Knippelsbro on foot or by bike
Most encounters with Knippelsbro are fleeting: a brisk pedal over the crest, a quick glance at the water. Slowing down reveals more. On windy days, the harbor air carries salt and diesel; in calm weather, reflections of towers and masts ripple below. Dawn and dusk are especially atmospheric, with soft light catching the copper cladding and long shadows stretching across the deck. Photographers find strong compositions in the geometry of railings, tramlines of cycle lanes and the vertical punch of the towers. For many visitors, the simple act of pausing midway, watching the city move around them and feeling the bridge subtly vibrate under traffic is enough to appreciate Knippelsbro as both a piece of engineering and a lived urban space.A bridge woven into Copenhagen’s identity
Although modest in size compared with some of Denmark’s great spans, Knippelsbro occupies an outsized place in Copenhagen’s story. It is one of only a couple of central harbor crossings for vehicles, a key artery in the city’s cycling network and a recognizable motif in art, photography and design. The bridge’s endurance on this historic crossing point, its blend of functionalist architecture and maritime character, and its evolving role—from toll point to traffic node to cultural micro‑landmark—make it a rewarding stop on any exploration of the inner city. Whether you cross it in seconds or linger to watch the bascule lift, Knippelsbro offers a compact, authentic glimpse of Copenhagen’s relationship with its harbor.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
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
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
