Gazing across the historic waters of Copenhagen, you’ll find Nordlige Dokø, a small islet nestled within the larger area known as Holmen. Nordlige Dokø, meaning “Northern Dock Island,” might seem unassuming at first glance, but its story is deeply intertwined with the maritime history of Copenhagen. Originally, Nordlige Dokø and its neighboring islets were created through land reclamation. The need to expand the Holmen Naval Base, once located at Gammelholm, drove this ambitious project. Copenhagen was growing, and the wooden ships docked in the city center posed a significant fire hazard. The sailors’ habit of discarding waste directly into the harbor created unsanitary conditions. Nordlige Dokø played a key role in addressing these issues. As the naval base expanded, so did the need for drydocks. In 1858, a large drydock was constructed on Nordlige Dokø, replacing the older Gammel Dok at Christianshavn. This solidified the islet’s importance to the naval operations of Copenhagen and gave the island its name, Dokøen, meaning “The Dock Island.” The drydock at Nordlige Dokø facilitated the repair and maintenance of larger vessels, contributing to the growth and strength of the Danish Navy. Although annexed to the larger Frederiksholm in 1925, Nordlige Dokø retained its distinct identity. It remained a vital part of the Holmen Naval Base until its closure in 1993. Today, while the naval presence on Holmen is largely confined to Nyholm, Nordlige Dokø stands as a quiet testament to its bustling past. The echoes of shipwrights and the clang of machinery may be gone, but the islet’s contribution to Copenhagen’s maritime legacy remains. Visiting Nordlige Dokø offers a glimpse into the city’s past. It is a reminder of the ingenuity and ambition that shaped Copenhagen’s waterfront and secured its place as a major maritime power.
Galleri KANT
Founded in 2009 by Kerry Harm Nielsen and Anna Gram Sørensen Galleri KANT is more than just a gallery. It’s