Denmark’s longest cycle bridge approved in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has approved construction of a new 460-metre bicycle and pedestrian bridge linking Østerbro’s Nordhavn district with Refshaleøen. Once built, it will be Denmark’s longest cycle bridge and a key step in the city’s plan to cut car use and expand sustainable mobility.

The bridge has a projected cost of DKK 660 million (EUR 88.4 million). The city will fund DKK 333.8 million (EUR 44.7 million) through its 2026 budget, with the rest covered by the national cycling infrastructure fund. From 2033 onwards, DKK 21 million (EUR 2.8 million) annually will go to maintenance, staffing and operations.

Designed to serve both land and maritime traffic, the bridge will provide a fixed clearance of 6.63 metres for smaller boats and harbour buses. A central moveable span, operated roughly once an hour, will create a 60-metre passage for larger vessels including cruise ships.

The bridge is expected to carry around 2,250 cyclists and 225 pedestrians per hour in each direction. Built for durability, it is designed to last at least a century, with modular components simplifying maintenance.

Beyond functionality, the bridge reflects Copenhagen’s ambition to remain a global leader in green mobility, offering safer, more convenient cycling and walking connections while contributing to Denmark’s climate goals.

Author: Claus Köllinger

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.