Dyssebroen, Wooden bridge in Freetown Christiania, Denmark
Dyssebroen is a 60 meter long wooden bridge crossing the Stadsgraven waterway and linking the more urban Christianshavn area with the quieter Amager Side of Freetown Christiania. Two semi-circular extensions on the structure provide benches for pedestrians and cyclists to rest while traveling across.
The current bridge was built in 1998 when German craftsmen constructed it using the submerged sections of an older military bridge as its foundation. This connection to the earlier structure shows how the new crossing incorporated what remained from the past.
The bridge embodies how residents of Freetown Christiania shape their own community without outside architects or planners directing the work. Locals designed and maintain it as an expression of their independent spirit.
The crossing works equally well for pedestrians and cyclists, with enough space to walk or push bicycles across. The benches on the side extensions are handy if you want to pause your journey or simply observe the surrounding area.
The entire structure is built from Douglas fir timber, which demonstrates traditional Scandinavian building methods and gives it a distinctive character. This choice of material combined with the handcrafted approach is notable in a modern city setting.
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