Nimb, a Moorish palace in the centre of Copenhagen

Serving as an oriental restaurant and hotel, Nimb is maybe the most outstanding architectural piece in the Tivoli Gardens, just opposite the Central Station.

Facts

Source: www.nimb.dk

• Built: 1909
• Style: historicist (Moorish inspired)
• Website: www.nimb.dk

Background

Tivoli gardens (amusement park) was opened in 1843 in Copenhagen. Already back then there was a 'bazaar area' with Chinese cuisine in the place of the present Nimb. When a fire broke out in 1862 this oriental part of the Tivoli burnt down. The new building in oriental-Moorish style was built in 1909 after the plans of the architect and at the same time also Tivoli director, Knud Arne Petersen.

But why Nimb?

The name Nimb refers to a family that has a long tradition with gastronomy in Copenhagen. Willam and Louise Nimb started their first restaurant in Tivoli Gardens, near the lake already in 1877. This restaurant, was called DIVAN 2 or as many city dwellers referred to it 'Nimb's Terrasse'.

A family business

The two daughters, Henriette and Serina Nimb, took an active part in running the restaurant. Henriette became chef and Serina was working as the matron and was responsible for that the house was in order. 

Nation-wide fame

Source: http://www.taxafinn.dk/Nimb.jpg

In 1930, thanks to the Danish National Broadcasting Company (DR), Nimb became famous across the country because of the live broadcasts of contemporary dance music.

Architecture

Nimb was built in the historical-Moorish-arab style, that makes the palace look like and enchanted middle-east palace from the One Thousand and One Nights fairy tale. The facade arabesques are made of Italian marble stucco. Inside the building, Dinnensen wooden floors and Oland granite adds a lot to the oriental atmosphere. 

Knippel's Bridge

One of the two major bridges of Copenhagen is Knippel's Bridge (Knippels Bro in Danish). But who was Mr. Knippel?

Knippel's Bridge with a tram in 1969
Source: www.tog-billeder.dk

Facts

• Built: 1935-1937
• Length: 115 m
• Width: 27,4 m
• Type: bascule bridge

From defence works to a bascule bridge

The first bridge in the Harbour of Copenhagen was built by (not surprisingly) IV Christian king of Denmark. Most of today's architecture sights in Copenhagen were raised by this king. That bridge, which was constructed between 1618-1620, connected the old city with the new defence works called Christianshavn. Christianshavn (today name of a district) had the purpose to protect the city from attack coming form the see. Today's bridge is the latest 'descendent' of the original bridge from the 17th century.

Burmeister Bridge
Source: www.chrarkiv.dk

Later in 1712 the original bridge was replaced by a new wooden one. This wooden bridge is notable because of the four Hercules statues, that were erected as decorations.

A century later, in 1816, the wooden bridge was rebuilt once again, however instead of the four Hercules statues they decorated it with four wooden figures called: The Four Winds.

As the wooden structure became outdated, a new iron bridge was built next to the old one in 1869, according to the plans of Burmeister and Wain Company. Hence, locals called the new iron bridge 'Burmeister Bridge'.

200 kronor banknote

In 1908 a new iron bridge was built by the architect Axel Berg.

Finally in 1937 the Knippel's Bridge gained its recent shape by Kaj Gottlob architect, who totally rebuilt the bridge.

Mr. Knippel

Initially the bridge was called 'Great Amager Bridge' or 'Long Bridge' (Don't mix it up with the Langebro, which is the other or the two present bridges). However, the local population started to call the bridge Knippel's Bridge after Hans Knippel, who was the caretaker and toll collector of the bridge and his house (Knippel's House) stood at the Amager side of the bridge.

Knippel's Bridge with tram line nr. 2
Source: www.vognstyrer.dk

Interesting

This bridge is drawn on the 200 kronor banknote since 2009.

From 1863 until 1972 many trams were running on the streets of Copenhagen until a political decision was made to replace them with buses. Tram line nr. 2 was crossing the harbour on Knippel's Bridge (see picture up and to the right).

The characteristic green control tower of the bridge is rarely used anymore as it is very unusual nowadays to open up the bascule bridge. However, the distinct green tower is still a symbolic part of the capital city and even appears in movies like the 'Olsen-bandens sidste be drifter' from 1974.

Video

The video shows Knippel's Bridge in 1969 (from 1' 5 sec).

Frederiksberg Town Hall

The town hall of this little enclave within Copenhagen, the Frederisberg Municipality Town Hall (Frederiksber Rådhus) offers a spectacular view and music from its Clock Tower.

Facts

Frederiksberg Town Hall
Source: Det Kongelige Biblioteks billedsambling

• Built: 1942-1953
• Height of the clock tower: 60 meters
• Address: Smallegade 1-3, Frederiksberg
• Telephone: +45 3821 2121

Background

Since the Frederiksberg Municipality experienced a population growth the council decided to erect a new town hall, that could provide sufficient workplace for the growing number of public servants. The architect of the building is the Danish Henning Hansen, who actually died in 1945, seven years before the town hall was inaugurated.

Interesting

A mechanic in the control door of the clock.
Source: www.taarnurmageren.dk

Shortly after the construction was begun the works had to be suspended and delayed because of the events of the Second World War. The building was only finished and opened in 1953, more than ten years after the constructions started.

Nowadays there are more than 800 public servants working in the building every day.

There is chimes every day five times from the clock tower. They play different melodies adjusted to the season at 9,12, 15, 18, and 22 o'clock. You can find the program by clicking here.

Useful hint

If you want to visit the Town Hall of Frederiksberg you can do that on the first Saturday of every month. Groups can also book other appointments for the visit. During the guided tour you have the chance to see the wedding hall, a huge painting by Sikker Hansen, the city council meeting room, the event hall, and the Clock Tower. The latter one is 60 meters tall compared to the street level.

Video about the clock tower from 1953