A little-known café, Kulturtårnet, in an old copper bridge tower with 360-degree views of the Copenhagen harbor and even many Danes don’t know of its existence. That in spite of the fact that the copper bridge tower at Knippelsbro, is one of Copenhagen’s most treasured landmarks.
Since 2010 the image of the tower has even featured on the front of the Danish 200 kroner bank note, pushing other celebrated gems aside. A few precious times a day the city’s bike-flow takes a breather as the bridge does what it was designed to do back in 1937, allowing ship traffic to continue its journey through Copenhagen’s harbor.
Opened to the public a few years ago
Knippelsbro is one of only two highway bridges across Copenhagen’s inner harbor. It is a bascule bridge designed by engineer Godfred Lorenz with Danish architect Kaj Gottlob, with an aesthetic that has lasted well.
Related: Copenhagen – the Capital City of Green Spires
Most people find this gem by accidently walking across the Christianshavn side of the bridge. Recently, the southern tower has been converted into a cultural event space, open to the public for the first time in over 80 years. Kulturtårnet (The Culture tower) is a new cultural institution in the harbor of Copenhagen.
The bright teal yet unassuming river tower turned cafe is almost submarine-like as it sits at the side of the harbor. Funded by Copenhagen City Council and Realdania, Kulturtårnet’s minimalistic space leans to its maritime heritage and offers its guests a unique cultural and gastronomic experience.
Related: Sunday Walks in Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s smallest and latest cultural institution
From inside the old copper tower you can now see Copenhagen from a totally unique view. The tower operates as a place for the community to come together for cultural events and good food. The team behind this unique project, Lars Erik Lyndgaard Schmidt and Malthe Merrild, are also utilizing Copenhagen’s smallest and latest cultural institution as an experimental space for radio producers.
Kulturtårnet consists of two dining rooms as well as outdoor tables and chairs. On the deck there’s a peaceful atmosphere; inside is cozy and fun. So, once you spot the tower with the big white flag, run over and grab a coffee while taking in the sights and sounds of Copenhagen.
A Hidden Gem in Copenhagen, written by Tor Kjolberg