The canals in Copenhagen

Like all historic ports Copenhagen have a lot of moats and canals.

Knippelsbro. Coming from north this bridge is the first obstacle in the sound between Själland and Amager
The bridge can be opened for big ships.

Leaving the lock of Copenhagen on our way southwards.
We made this trip in 1979. When we tried again in 1998 it was not possible to pass through.

History:
When the wind forces water into or out of the Baltic Sea the current in the sound between Själland and Amager can be very strong. These strong current were difficutl for the first steamers with small engines to handle in the southern parts of Copenhagen harbour.
That's why the lock was built.

During the 1950:ies the Själland-bridge was built between Själland and Amager south of the lock. Small boats could pass under the bridge, and it could be opened for bid ships.
As a part of the new traficsystem built around Copenhagen together with the Öresund Bridge in 1993 to 2000, a new railway bridge was built south of the Själlandbridge. The new railawy bridge pratically stopped all boats from passing, as it only permits boat less then 2 meters high to pass.
The lock is still used though. The old Slusehavn between Själlandsbron and the lock is a haven for houseboats, and when they go to or from the harbour they have to pass the lock.

The lock is situated on the Amager-side of the sound. From the lock to Själland there is a dam with a lot of ports that can be opened. This is to prevent to big differences in waterlevel in the Copenhagen harbour.
One or two of these ports are usually open which permits small boats to pass. The current can be very strong here.

Michael Vestermark

Christianshavn's canal
Wilder's canal
Trangraven
Nyhavn

Do send comments or further information to Bosse Arnholm!

Click here to get back to the startpage.

This page was modified at 12-08-05


Christianshavn's canal	Wilder's canal	Trangraven	Nyhavn