Knippel's Bridge

One of the two major bridges of Copenhagen is Knippel's Bridge (Knippels Bro in Danish). But who was Mr. Knippel?

Knippel's Bridge with a tram in 1969
Source: www.tog-billeder.dk

Facts

• Built: 1935-1937
• Length: 115 m
• Width: 27,4 m
• Type: bascule bridge

From defence works to a bascule bridge

The first bridge in the Harbour of Copenhagen was built by (not surprisingly) IV Christian king of Denmark. Most of today's architecture sights in Copenhagen were raised by this king. That bridge, which was constructed between 1618-1620, connected the old city with the new defence works called Christianshavn. Christianshavn (today name of a district) had the purpose to protect the city from attack coming form the see. Today's bridge is the latest 'descendent' of the original bridge from the 17th century.

Burmeister Bridge
Source: www.chrarkiv.dk

Later in 1712 the original bridge was replaced by a new wooden one. This wooden bridge is notable because of the four Hercules statues, that were erected as decorations.

A century later, in 1816, the wooden bridge was rebuilt once again, however instead of the four Hercules statues they decorated it with four wooden figures called: The Four Winds.

As the wooden structure became outdated, a new iron bridge was built next to the old one in 1869, according to the plans of Burmeister and Wain Company. Hence, locals called the new iron bridge 'Burmeister Bridge'.

200 kronor banknote

In 1908 a new iron bridge was built by the architect Axel Berg.

Finally in 1937 the Knippel's Bridge gained its recent shape by Kaj Gottlob architect, who totally rebuilt the bridge.

Mr. Knippel

Initially the bridge was called 'Great Amager Bridge' or 'Long Bridge' (Don't mix it up with the Langebro, which is the other or the two present bridges). However, the local population started to call the bridge Knippel's Bridge after Hans Knippel, who was the caretaker and toll collector of the bridge and his house (Knippel's House) stood at the Amager side of the bridge.

Knippel's Bridge with tram line nr. 2
Source: www.vognstyrer.dk

Interesting

This bridge is drawn on the 200 kronor banknote since 2009.

From 1863 until 1972 many trams were running on the streets of Copenhagen until a political decision was made to replace them with buses. Tram line nr. 2 was crossing the harbour on Knippel's Bridge (see picture up and to the right).

The characteristic green control tower of the bridge is rarely used anymore as it is very unusual nowadays to open up the bascule bridge. However, the distinct green tower is still a symbolic part of the capital city and even appears in movies like the 'Olsen-bandens sidste be drifter' from 1974.

Video

The video shows Knippel's Bridge in 1969 (from 1' 5 sec).

Custom House

The clock tower of the custom house
Source: www.aok.dk

Custom house, ferry terminal or restaurant? What is this green-roofed building with the clock tower in the harbour?

Facts

Built: 1937

Address: Havnegade 44

Background

Constructed in 1937, the Custom House (Gammelholm Toldkammer) is an outstanding architectural endeavor located in the Copenhagen harbour. Lying amidst the center of the harbor, the Slotsholm Canal, the Holmen Canal and Nyhavn, it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The oval building has also often been called the ‘pencil case’ due to its oval shape.

History

Built in a functionalist style after the plans of the Danish architect and royal building inspector, Kristoffer Nyrop, its original purpose (as the name suggests) was to act as a clearance for customs on goods to and from Sweden. Later on, the Scandilines took over the building and used it as a ferry terminal up until 2002. Today, the building is called 'The Standard' by the locals and houses a jazz club, two bars, and three restaurants.

Today

Formerly called the ‘Custom House’, it now goes by the name of ‘The Standard’ as a tribute to the Art Deco building designed by Kristoffer Nyrop. Today, visitors can enjoy both Nordic and Indian food while listening to some of the best local, regional and international jazz artists. The Almanak and Studio both serve primarily traditional Nordic food with the former offering its famous Danish open-faced sandwiches and the latter serving food prepared in an open kitchen. The Studio has also been named ‘Denmark’s third best restaurant’ by the White Guide Nordic 2015. The third restaurant in question, Verandah, mostly serves a wide variety of contemporary Indian food using some local and regional ingredients. The jazz club can seat up to 68 people and pays tribute to Copenhagen’s position in jazz history by staying true to its Danish/Nordic musical roots while playing music constructed specifically for ‘The Standard’    

The facade from the harbour
Source: www.wikimedia.org