The history of Nordhavnen starts in the time when industrialization really took hold in Copenhagen and when the first conglomerates earned money on steamer traffic. All the way up until the present day, where there is still plenty of activity in the harbour, the industry in Nordhavnen always mirrored the industrial development in Copenhagen. Nordhavnen is full of traces of the harbour industry; it carries Copenhagen´s maritime and industrial history in its heart. Large cranes, old warehouses and silos and worn cables and wires give evidence of an area much used during the 100 years Nordhavnen has existed. When the Århusgade quarter is developed, many of the existing buildings will be preserved.
The new district will literally be built on the old Copenhagen. For a century, Nordhavnen has expanded countless times using earth from building sites and construction waste. But the history of Nordhavnen is also very much the history of Copenhagen. The expansions not only made Copenhagen larger, they also gave room for business and enterprise, resulting in many jobs. This is where a good part of tomorrow´s Copenhageners will live and work.
Nordhavnen 1928, south view. In the foreground: Langelinje and Amerikakaj Enlarge picture
Nordhavnen 1948, Langelinje and Amerikakaj in the foreground Enlarge picture
Nordhavnen 1967, Svanemøllehavnen in the foreground. Enlarge picture
