Inner Harbor Bridge: The Copenhagen Kissing Bridge

Half an hour has been cut off the travel time for pedestrians and cyclists traveling from the City Center to Holmen, where the Opera House, art schools, rich military history, and unique nature are located. This time-saving measure has made the Inderhavnsbroen (Inner Harbour Bridge) an extremely popular crossing point.

The Inner Harbour Bridge is a vital part of Copenhagen’s famous infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. This 180-meter-long bridge connects the City Center with Christianshavn, making the two tourist attractions, Nyhavn and Christiania, neighbors. It is also part of Christianshavn’s bike route, which takes cyclists from the heart of the city to the green Amager Fælled.

When the idea for the bridge was presented back in 2011, it quickly earned the nickname “Kissing Bridge” as the first retractable bridge in Europe. It opens by allowing the two sides to move horizontally toward each other, as if meeting in a gentle kiss in the middle.

A Long Journey Ahead

As is often the case in engineering, things do not always go as planned. The construction of The Inner Harbour Bridge was plagued by issues from the beginning, ultimately leading to a three-year delay before its opening in 2016.

The two sections of the bridge did not meet precisely in the “kiss” that had been hoped for, requiring new constructions to address earlier mistakes. The bridge ended up being significantly more expensive than anticipated, and the ongoing scandals led to nicknames like “Copenhagen’s Curse” and “The Crooked Hash Bridge.”

Additionally, the mechanical measurement system designed to ensure that the bridge opens and closes correctly did not function as calculated. The solution involved permanently attaching stop blocks that the bridge is guided onto via four wedges. These wedges ensure that the stopping motion is smooth rather than jerky.

A Busy Spot on the Map

Copenhagen Municipality estimated that between 3,000 and 7,000 cyclists would cross the bridge daily, but after its opening in 2016, the number quickly exceeded 16,000. The Inner Harbour Bridge became an instant success. It not only saves cyclists valuable time on their morning commutes but also offers pedestrians unparalleled views of the stunning architecture and bustling life of the inner harbour from the observation points on the bridge.

Nearby The Inner Harbour Bridge

There are many places and buildings to visit on both sides of the bridge. However, if you find yourself walking or cycling on a sunny day from inner Copenhagen, it’s worth stopping at Krøyers Plads. This area is popular with many people, especially in the summer, and it’s even possible to take a swim. Nearby, there are many other sights to explore. For example, take your bike to visit Christiania’s many quirky houses and buildings, and later venture out to Refshaleøen.