Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
Copenhagen, the vibrant capital city of Denmark, is the bright spot of colour in Scandinavia. Although its history is full of strife (the city has faced almost everything from fire and bombardment to plague), it has rebuilt itself each time with great aplomb. It is, perhaps, this same spirit that continues to govern Copenhagians even today; the city has near picture-perfect infrastructure which gives it a characteristic planned look, and provides both locals and travellers avenues of easy navigation – especially on the bike! The Danish are proud of their culture of biking that supersedes all other forms of transport, making it one of the most sustainable cities in the world.
Here are some of the bridges that you must explore, to get a sense of Danish pride and Scandinavian civil architecture.
Øresund
The Øresund Bridge is Denmark and Sweden’s biggest architectural achievement. This 16 km long bridge joins the two countries over the Øresund strait, shortening the ride to only 20 minutes. Since 2000, when it was first opened, the bridge has been a pivotal point of sightseeing and a scenic route from Copenhagen to Malmo, with the sea waves crashing onto its tall pillars.
Fun fact about ‘The Bridge’ (as it has come to be known after the popular Nordic noir crime series by the same name): it comprises a road, a rail line, an underwater tunnel, and an artificial island by the name of Peberholmen.
Location: Øresundsmotorvejen, Denmark
Inderhavnsbroen / the Inner Harbor Bridge
The Inner Harbour Bridge looks quite like its name – situated in the heart of Copenhagen, it connects the two important districts of Nyhavn and Christianshavn across the picturesque Nyhavn canal. It has a unique sliding structure that allows the bridge to retract and join together again, to let the ships pass, earning it the name ‘the Kissing Bridge’.
The canal is dotted by fishing vessels and sailing boats of all kinds, filling the air with the din of fishermen’s chatter. In its backdrop stands the brightly coloured 17th and 18th century buildings exuding an old-world charm. Locals love to cycle through the Inderhavnsbroen to catch the lovely waterside, especially during sunset.
Nyhavn is full of some must-visit sites, including the Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, and a host of restaurants (AOC, Studio, and Rebel to name a few), serving the most delectable Nordic cuisine.
Location: Inderhavnsbroen, 1401 København, Denmark
Dronning Louises Bro / Queens Louise’s Bridge
Queens Louise’s Bridge is a romantic set up very dear to the Danish people. It is one of the most popular bridges in Copenhagen where locals and travellers alike are seen indulging in fun and merrymaking, with music and beer for company. The bridge is a well-known socialising and sunbathing spot in the summers. It is located in the Lake square and runs across the picturesque lakes. In the evening, you can view Nørrebrø’s famous neon lights from the bridge.
Location: Søtorvet 2, 1371 København, Denmark
Cykelslangen / the Bicycle Snake
For a biker and cycling lover, the Bicycle Snake bridge is a must see! If you are not already satiated by all the biking avenues that Copenhagen offers and are still on the hunt for that perfect ride, wait no further. Get set to ride through the Cykelslangen, the city’s first bridge dedicated to biking (after which many more followed).
The bridge is an engineering marvel, with the structure so smoothly carved out that it ensures both safety and pleasure to the rider. It meanders effortlessly through buildings to give you a premium experience of the Copenhagen cityspace. Travellers aside, this superhighway has made commuting fast and hassle-free for locals. Pedestrians aren’t forgotten – they are separated from bikers for safety and ease of movement.
Location: Cykelslangen, 1560 København V, Denmark
Lille Langebro
Lille Langebro or the “little Langebro” is located near the busy Langebro bridge, ideal for bikers and pedestrians to traverse across the inner harbour of Copenhagen. The bridge is a tranquil, calm spot amidst busy stretches, and has an almost soulful feel to it as you wait and catch your breath looking at the waterside. It was designed to have a sculptural look to it as if to resemble the green-spired buildings that it faces. When you are done enjoying the sights of the harbour, you can visit the Danish Architectural Centre situated in the adjacent BLOX building and a string of quaint little cafes that further elevate your mood.
Location: Lille Langebro, København, Denmark
Cirkelbroen / The Circle Bridge
The Circle Bridge is worth seeing for its unique architecture comprising five circular platforms in different sizes. It connects Copenhagen’s harbours, witness to a once-thriving maritime activity of Denmark. The Cirkelbroen is one of the many pedestrian and biking bridges of the city that not only celebrates cycling culture, so intrinsic to Copenhagen, but also the intimate sights of daily life. We must say that this bridge is an ideal spot for sauntering and slow exploration. You will be greeted by scenes of fishing and sailing boats, integral to the Christianshavn neighbourhood that the bridge navigates.
Location: Cirkelbroen, København K, Denmark
Marmorbroen / The Marble Bridge
The Marble Bridge was designed by the reputed 18th-century architect, Nicolai Eigtved, in quintessential Rococo style that adds a vintage, ornamental aesthetic to the otherwise hyper-modern structure of Copenhagen. The bridge, paved with Norwegian marble, stretches across the Frederiksholms Kanal to Christiansborg Ridebane. This part of the city is reminiscent of the medieval era when Denmark was the centre of power.
The bridge is picturesque in itself, especially if you are a history and medieval architecture buff. In that case, do not forget to check out the Christiansborg Palace and its associated buildings (the Tapestries, the Great Hall, the Royal Stables), all located on the islet of Slotsholmen.
Location: Marmorbroen, 1218 København K, Denmark
Bryggebroen / The Quay Bridge
If you could describe a bridge as ‘chic’, Bryggebroen of Copenhagen city would be it. The bridge connects Havneholmen to Islands Brygge and provides a shorter route and easier commute to students attending Copenhagen University, Amager and the IT-University in Ørestad. Not too long ago, young couples frequented the place to tie love locks on the railings in an attempt to eternalise their love! Once you are done doing the rounds of its simple structure overlooking the south harbour, you can hop on to the Fisketorvet Shopping Centre and catch sight of the Aller Media House.
Location: Bryggebroen, 1561 København V, Denmark
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