Knippelsbro 4.22

Knippelsbro is a bascule bridge across the Inner Harbour of Copenhagen, Denmark, connecting Børsgade on Zealand-side Slotsholmen to Torvegade on Christianshavn. It is one of only two bridges to carry motor vehicles across the harbour in central Copenhagen, the other being Langebro.The bridge, the fifth on the site, is 115 metres long and was inaugurated in 1937.History1620: The first bridgeThe first bridge between Copenhagen and Christianshavn was constructed in 1618-20 by Christian IV in connection with the foundation of Christianshavn. The bridge was called the "Great Amager Bridge" or "the long bridge".1712: The second bridgeA new wooden bridge was built in the same location in 1712. It was decoated with four Hercules sculptures by the artist Johan Christopher Sturmberg. Neither the sculptures or images of them exist today.1816:The third bridgeThe bridge was replaced by a new, wooden bridge in 1861. The bridge had two gates which were decorated with four wooden sculptures of "The Four Winds". They were created by the sculptor Frederik Christian Willerup and are now owned by the Museum of Copenhagen.1869: The B&W bridgeIn 1868-69, Burmeister & Wain constructed a railway bridge based on renderings from the groceers J. Adolphs and Christian August Broberg. It ran from Slotsholmsgade ro Torvegade and it was therefore possible to use the old bridge while it was built. It openered on 1 August 1869.