Knippelsbro
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Knippelsbro is Copenhagen’s iconic green-towered bascule bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn. First established here in the early 17th century 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 and now partly reused as a cultural venue, frame classic views of the stock exchange spire, harbour traffic and the city’s low skyline, making the bridge a characterful everyday crossing and a quietly memorable stop on any waterside walk.
A brief summary to Knippelsbro
- Knippelsbro, København K, Indre By, 1409, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
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
- Walk across at a relaxed pace and stop at the centre of the span for some of the best harbour views of both Slotsholmen’s historic skyline and canalside Christianshavn.
- Visit around early morning or late evening for softer light, fewer commuters and atmospheric photos of the green copper towers against the changing sky.
- Stay alert to bike lanes and traffic when taking photos; use the pavements and recesses by the towers rather than lingering at the edge of the cycle tracks.
- If you take a harbour boat tour, watch for Knippelsbro on the route to see its bascule structure and towers from below, a very different perspective.
- On windy days, bring an extra layer; the exposed position over the water can feel noticeably cooler than the nearby streets on either bank.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes along the canalside streets to reach Knippelsbro. Metros typically run every few minutes throughout the day, and a single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK depending on ticket type. Lifts and escalators make the station accessible, but the final walk over cobbles and pavements may be uneven in places.
-
Bus
Several city bus routes run along the harbourfront corridor between Nørreport and Amager, stopping within a 10–15 minute walk of Knippelsbro on either the Slotsholmen or Christianshavn side. Journey times from the inner city are around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Standard city bus tickets cost in the region of 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or transport apps. Buses are low-floor, but expect some crowded services during rush hours.
-
Bicycle
Knippelsbro sits directly on one of Copenhagen’s main cycle routes, and reaching it by bike from the city centre usually takes 5–15 minutes. Dedicated cycle lanes feed straight onto the bridge from both sides, though gradients are slightly steeper than the surrounding streets. Public bike-share schemes offer rentals from around 20–40 DKK per short trip. Helmets are not compulsory but traffic is busy at peak times, so confident riding and awareness of other cyclists are important.
-
Harbour Boat
Harbour boats and canal tours operate along the central harbour and often pass under Knippelsbro as part of their route. Trips from Nyhavn or Gammel Strand to this stretch of the harbour typically take 30–60 minutes, depending on stops, with ticket prices commonly in the 60–120 DKK range. Boats run more frequently in warmer months and may offer limited or no service in severe winter weather. Most have low steps and fixed seating, which can be challenging for some visitors.
Knippelsbro location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Windy Conditions
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Knippelsbro
A working bridge at the heart of Copenhagen’s harbour
Knippelsbro stretches across Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, linking the government quarter on Slotsholmen with the cobbled streets of Christianshavn. Standing here, you are on one of only a handful of road bridges that still carry vehicles, bikes and walkers over this central stretch of water, so there is a constant but gentle flow of city life passing by. The roadway is broad, with raised pavements and generous bike lanes reflecting Copenhagen’s cycling culture. Pause at the railings and you get a front-row view of the harbour as boats slip beneath the steel spans. On one side, the pointed spire of the old stock exchange rises above the rooftops; on the other, church towers and modern offices frame the canal-side streets. The bridge’s position makes it a natural hinge between the royal and administrative buildings on one bank and the more residential, maritime character of Christianshavn on the other.Four centuries of crossings in one place
A bridge has occupied this spot since the early 1600s, when King Christian IV ordered a connection to his new merchant town of Christianshavn. Those first crossings were simple wooden structures, vital for moving people and goods across what was then a defensive harbour. Over the centuries, each version of the bridge reflected the needs of its time: ornate wooden gates in the 18th century, then iron and steel spans as industry and rail traffic grew in the 19th century. The current Knippelsbro is the fifth bridge on this site, opened in 1937 as Copenhagen modernised its harbour infrastructure. Its name recalls Hans Knip, a 17th‑century bridge keeper whose job was to manage traffic and tolls. Though none of the earlier bridges survive, the continuity of a crossing here has quietly shaped the development of both banks, helping transform Christianshavn from a fortified trading outpost into one of the city’s most characterful districts.Functionalist design and distinctive copper towers
Architect Kaj Gottlob and collaborating engineers gave Knippelsbro a clean, functionalist profile. The main spans are a steel bascule design: two leaves that can pivot upwards to let taller ships pass. From the deck, the mechanics are discreet, but the straight lines, riveted details and solid concrete approaches all speak to early 20th‑century confidence in engineering. What most visitors remember, though, are the twin copper-clad towers rising from either side of the carriageway. Their pale green patina, a result of weathered copper, gives the bridge its unmistakable silhouette and has earned it a place on Denmark’s 200‑kroner banknote. Each tower is a compact vertical world of staircases and small rooms stacked over several levels. They once housed guard rooms, boiler spaces and the control rooms from which the bridge master watched the harbour and operated the bascule machinery.From industrial infrastructure to cultural landmark
Knippelsbro remains a vital piece of infrastructure, but its role has expanded beyond pure functionality. As shipping patterns changed and control systems were modernised, the towers no longer needed a full-time crew. One has since been carefully restored and repurposed as a small cultural venue, hosting intimate events and giving occasional access to its upper levels. Even if you never go inside, you can sense this layered use in the scuffed doorways, porthole windows and hints of old signage. The bridge’s combination of working road, historical structure and cultural symbol captures a broader story about Copenhagen’s harbour, where industry, daily commuting and urban leisure now overlap along the same waterfront.Experiencing the bridge on foot, by bike or from the water
For many people, encountering Knippelsbro is part of an everyday journey. Cyclists stream over in both directions, often pausing briefly at the crest for a quick look at the water. Pedestrians hug the balustrades, stopping to photograph the skyline or to watch a sailing boat time its approach with the bridge’s opening schedule. The deck rises just enough to give an elevated view, but you are never so high that the sounds of water and engines below are lost. From the harbour, the bridge takes on a different character. Passing underneath by boat, you see the heavy bascule leaves above you and the way the steel, concrete and copper come together. The towers read almost like ship superstructures, echoing the city’s maritime history. Whether approached from land or water, Knippelsbro feels both modest in scale and quietly monumental, a piece of infrastructure that has become part of Copenhagen’s visual identity.Harbour light, changing weather and quiet details
The best way to appreciate Knippelsbro is to linger for a while and let the setting sink in. In the early morning, soft light picks out the rivets and railings while the city is still relatively calm. On clear afternoons the water can sparkle fiercely, and the green towers stand out sharply against the sky. Cloudy days flatten the colours but emphasise the geometry of the deck and the rhythm of passing traffic. Look closely at the details: the gentle curve of the roadway as it rises toward the centre; the wear on the paving stones where countless feet and tyre tracks have passed; the subtle vibration when a heavy vehicle crosses. All of this combines to make Knippelsbro more than a simple crossing. It is a vantage point, a piece of living history and a small but telling example of how Copenhagen blends practicality with understated design.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
