Across the Inner Harbour stands Knippelsbro a bascule bridge connecting Slotsholmen and Christianshavn. Knippelsbro isn’t just a bridge. It’s a living testament to Copenhagen’s history.
Five bridges have stood on this very spot. The first was built in 1618-20 by Christian IV. It was called the Great Amager Bridge or the Long Bridge. Imagine the wooden structure linking the old city to the newly founded Christianshavn.
A new wooden bridge replaced it in 1712. This one boasted four Hercules sculptures by Johan Christopher Sturmberg. Sadly neither the sculptures nor pictures of them survive today. What a loss of artistry.
Another wooden bridge followed in 1816. This time it featured sculptures of The Four Winds by Frederik Christian Willerup. These sculptures though are preserved in the Museum of Copenhagen. You can see them if you want to.
Next came a railway bridge in 1869 built by Burmeister & Wain. A temporary bridge enabled them to construct this marvel. This bridge ran from Slotsholmsgade to Torvegade.
Then in 1908 architect Axel Berg designed a new railway bridge. The Port Authority’s building master H C V Møller oversaw its construction. It connected Børsgade to Torvegade.
Finally the current Knippelsbro opened in 1937. Designed by Kaj Gottlob it’s a bascule bridge. Wright Thomsen & Kier built it with Burmeister & Wain. This is the bridge we see today.
The name Knippelsbro is quite intriguing. It wasn’t always called that. It was originally known as the Great Amager Bridge or the Long Bridge. Around 1700 it was known as Christianshavns Bridge. The name we know today comes from Hans Knip the bridge’s caretaker in 1641. His house became known as Knippenshus and thus the bridge was called Knippensbro. The current spelling arrived in the late 19th century.
Knippelsbro even has a place in popular culture. In the Olsen-banden films it features prominently. You might recognise it from scenes there.
Today Knippelsbro stands as a symbol of Copenhagen’s continuous evolution. Its history is woven into the very fabric of the city. Walk across it and feel the weight of centuries.