Lille Langebro
An award-winning curved steel bridge for cyclists and pedestrians, glowing like a ribbon across Copenhagen's Inner Harbour.
Lille Langebro is an elegant 160-meter pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning Copenhagen's Inner Harbour, designed by the London-based architecture studio WilkinsonEyre. Completed in 2019, this award-winning structure features a distinctive curved form with sculptural steel wings that rise at midspan, creating a striking visual landmark. The bridge's innovative double-swing mechanism allows two central sections to rotate and open for maritime traffic, while its subtle integrated lighting transforms it into a glowing ribbon after dark. Connecting historic Christianshavn with the city center, it serves approximately 6,000 to 10,500 daily users and exemplifies Copenhagen's commitment to sustainable, cyclist-friendly urban design.
A brief summary to Lille Langebro
- Lille Langebro, Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit after sunset to experience the bridge's integrated lighting system, which transforms the structure into an illuminated ribbon. The effect is particularly striking during winter months when darkness falls earlier.
- Time your visit to coincide with the opening of the bridge's swing sections, which occur periodically to allow maritime traffic through. The rotating mechanism is a remarkable engineering feat worth witnessing.
- Explore the adjacent BLOX building and its public spaces, cafés, and the Danish Architecture Centre, which complement the bridge experience and provide context for its design significance.
- Walk or cycle slowly across the bridge to fully appreciate the modulated views and the gradual reveal of the surrounding harbour landscape, particularly the historic Christianshavn district on the opposite shore.
- Bring a camera during golden hour (sunrise or sunset) when the off-white steelwork reflects warm light and the sculptural wings create dramatic shadows across the deck.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Food Options
- Drink Options
Getting There
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Cycling or Walking from City Center
From Copenhagen's city center, cycle or walk toward the Inner Harbour via Vester Voldgade, which leads directly to the bridge's western abutment. The route is flat and well-signposted, taking approximately 10–15 minutes from Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square). No parking fees apply as the bridge is designed exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Public Transport to Nearby Access Points
Take the S-train, Metro, or bus to Nørreport Station or Copenhagen Central Station, then cycle or walk to the bridge via the city's extensive cycle network. Journey times from these stations are 15–25 minutes depending on your starting point. The bridge itself has no vehicle access, but secure bicycle parking is available at both abutments.
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Walking from Christianshavn
From the Christianshavn district on the eastern side, the bridge is accessible via Langebrogade and the waterfront promenade. Walking from the center of Christianshavn takes approximately 10–20 minutes. The approach is level and pedestrian-friendly, with clear sightlines to the bridge.
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Guided Architecture Tour
Join a guided walking or cycling tour focused on Copenhagen's contemporary architecture, which typically includes Lille Langebro and the adjacent BLOX building. Tours depart from the Danish Architecture Centre (located in BLOX) and last 1.5–2 hours, with costs ranging from 150–250 Danish Kroner per person.
Lille Langebro location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Lille Langebro
A Ribbon of Steel Across the Harbour
Lille Langebro is a 160-meter pedestrian and cycling bridge that gracefully spans Copenhagen's Inner Harbour, connecting the historic district of Christianshavn with the city center. Designed by the London-based architecture studio WilkinsonEyre in collaboration with engineers Buro Happold and Eadon Consulting, the bridge was completed in August 2019 and gifted to the municipality of Copenhagen. Its name—meaning "Little Long Bridge" in Danish—references the larger Langebro car bridge nearby, yet Lille Langebro has quickly become a distinctive landmark in its own right, serving an estimated 6,000 to 10,500 pedestrians and cyclists daily. The bridge's most striking feature is its sculptural form: a sinuous curve in both plan and elevation that echoes the historic ramparts and moat of Christianshavn, creating visual continuity with the city's layered history. The structure consists of five steel spans, with two 37-meter approach sections flanking an 85-meter central section. At midspan, the bridge rises to a height of 5.4 meters to provide the necessary navigation clearance for maritime traffic, while at the abutments it dips gracefully below the deck level. This undulating profile creates a gentle reveal of the surrounding landscape as users cross.Wings of Light and Shadow
The bridge's defining architectural gesture is its pair of triangular steel wings—one on each side—that soar upward at midspan and taper toward the abutments. These wings create a sharp, acute edge that divides light from shade, adding visual drama and depth to the structure. The primary steelwork is painted a uniform off-white that catches and reflects the changing light from the water below, while the supporting piers are rendered in dark grey to minimize their visual presence. The parapet is fabricated from brushed stainless steel with a lightweight stainless-steel mesh infill, ensuring transparency and maintaining sight lines across the harbour. After dark, the bridge transforms into an ethereal spectacle. Concealed lighting integrated into the handrails illuminates both the deck and the sculptural wings, creating the effect of a glowing, twisting ribbon suspended above the water. This carefully designed lighting scheme enhances the bridge's elegant curves while serving a functional purpose, ensuring safe passage for evening users.Engineering Innovation and the Opening Mechanism
One of Lille Langebro's most remarkable engineering achievements is its double-swing opening mechanism, which allows two central rotating sections to swing aside and permit the passage of larger sailing vessels. The two sections rotate together on slew bearings using gravity-assisted movement, and when closed, they lock together through an innovative arrangement of mechanical and hydraulic components rather than traditional pins. This moment connection—combining upper mechanisms that generate compressive resistance with lower mechanisms that provide tensile force—ensures structural continuity and vertical alignment when the bridge is in its closed position. The opening mechanisms are discretely concealed within the bridge's piers, preserving the uninterrupted flow of its visual lines.Dimensions and Accessibility
The bridge spans 160 meters in total length with a minimum clear width of 7 meters, carefully divided to serve its dual users: a 3-meter-wide pedestrian path and a 4-meter-wide cycle way subdivided into two lanes. This generous allocation of space reflects Copenhagen's commitment to prioritizing active mobility and reflects the city's status as a global leader in cycling infrastructure. The bridge's low-level crossing and gentle gradients make it accessible to users of all ages and abilities, supporting the city's vision of inclusive urban design.Recognition and Urban Context
Lille Langebro has received numerous international accolades, including the RIBA International Award for Excellence in 2021, the Civic Trust International Awards, and the International Architecture Award. The bridge was also shortlisted for the RIBA International Award and the Construction News Awards for Best Innovation. Its success lies not only in its aesthetic achievement but in its role as a catalyst for urban revitalization: positioned immediately adjacent to the newly completed BLOX building—home to the Danish Architecture Centre, cafés, and public spaces—the bridge has activated a previously underutilized section of Copenhagen's harbour, bringing renewed life and connectivity to the area.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 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.
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.
The Danish Parliament
0.5 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.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.6 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Frederik VII
0.6 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.6 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.
Church of Holmen
0.7 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Magstræde
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.7 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.7 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro
0.7 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Gammel Strand
0.7 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Bishop Absalon
0.8 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kopenhagen
0.1 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.3 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
0.3 km
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
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.
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.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.4 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.
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.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.4 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
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.
Slotsholmen
0.4 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Marmorbroen
0.5 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Islands Brygge 18
0.5 km
A waterfront cultural house on Copenhagen’s harbour, blending performances, family activities and a relaxed café with open views across the city skyline.
National Museum of Denmark
0.5 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Essential places to dine
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 Noi
0.4 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Rio Bravo
0.6 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Kadeau
0.6 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.
Restaurant 1733
0.7 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Puk
0.7 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Marv & Ben
0.7 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Cafe Wilder
0.8 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.8 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Tight
0.8 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Restaurant Maven
0.8 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.
Københavner Cafeen
0.9 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
King Hans Cellar
0.9 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.8 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Læderstræde
0.8 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
0.8 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.8 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Hygge Original
0.9 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.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.9 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
& Other Stories
0.9 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.9 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Strøget
0.9 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.9 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Souvenir Shop
0.9 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.9 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Viking Souvenirs
0.9 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.9 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Marble Bar
0.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Pier5 Bar
0.5 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.6 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Zefside
0.6 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Southern Cross Pub
0.7 km
Lively two-floor sports pub in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring well-priced beers, screening wall-to-wall live sport, and staying open long into the night.
Ruby
0.7 km
Hidden in an 18th‑century canal‑side townhouse, Ruby pairs quietly glamorous, apartment‑style interiors with some of Copenhagen’s most considered cocktails.
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.
Ved Stranden
0.8 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
K-Bar
0.8 km
A small, monochrome cocktail lounge off Ved Stranden where crafted infusions, intimate lighting and a personal touch showcase Copenhagen’s modern bar culture.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.8 km
Discover unconventional wines and craft cocktails in Copenhagen's most welcoming wine bar.
Taphouse
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s craft-beer playground with 60+ rotating taps, minimalist Scandinavian design and a relaxed, conversation-first atmosphere off City Hall Square.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Eiffel bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
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.
Dorsia
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
1.0 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
1.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
1.0 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
1.0 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Module
1.0 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
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.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.1 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Cosy Bar
1.1 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.1 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.
Never Mind
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
1.1 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.
Den Anden Side
1.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
