Bispebjerg Bakke

Bispebjerg Bakke is a distinctive housing complex in north-west Copenhagen, created in close collaboration with sculptor Bjørn Nørgaard. Two long residential blocks wind through the grounds in a serpentine line, giving the estate a clear sculptural character. The three to four-storey buildings rise in places to eight storeys, creating a striking profile. Traditional materials such as yellow and red brick, wooden windows and copper roofs are used throughout. Inside, curved and slanting walls, convex windows and concave balconies, together with a strong inflow of daylight, give the apartments a pronounced spatial and visual feel.

Visit Bispebjerg Bakke for its unusual, snake-like layout and clear sculptural expression, both outside and in the interiors. The mix of brick, wood and copper, together with the curved walls, windows and balconies, makes it a worthwhile short stop if you are interested in contemporary housing and architecture.

Worth a detour for anyone interested in contemporary Danish housing and sculptural architecture.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

20–40 minutes for an exterior walk-through and a closer look at the architectural details.

Best time to visit

Daytime, when natural light best reveals the brickwork, copper roofs and the play of light and shadow on the curved façades.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• 

  Grundtvig's Church

  Church · 808 m

• Dortheavej

  Attraction · 1.1 km

• Bispebjerg Cemetery

  Park · 1.2 km

• Sankt Kjelds Plads

  Attraction · 1.3 km

• Andersen's Contemporary

  Art gallery · 1.3 km

• Kapernaum Church

  Church · 1.4 km

Frequently asked

What is Bispebjerg Bakke, and what makes it special?

Bispebjerg Bakke is a modern housing complex in north-west Copenhagen, created with strong input from sculptor Bjørn Nørgaard. Two long buildings twist through the site like a snake, giving the estate a sculptural feel. The design stands out for its use of traditional materials such as brick, wood and copper, combined with highly unconventional forms both outside and inside.

Can I walk around Bispebjerg Bakke as a visitor?

Bispebjerg Bakke is primarily a residential estate, but you can usually view and photograph the buildings from the surrounding streets and shared outdoor areas without going into private spaces. A short walk around the perimeter is enough to see the winding layout, the changes in height and the details in brickwork, windows and copper roofs. Be respectful of residents’ privacy when you visit.

What kind of architecture will I see at Bispebjerg Bakke?

The architecture at Bispebjerg Bakke is strongly sculptural. Two serpentine blocks rise from three to four storeys up to eight storeys in places, creating a varied skyline. The façades use yellow and red brick with wooden windows and copper roofs. Inside, the concept continues with curved, slanting walls, convex windows and concave balconies that emphasise space and light rather than straight lines.

How long should I plan to spend at Bispebjerg Bakke?

Most visitors find that 20 to 40 minutes is enough for a steady walk around Bispebjerg Bakke. This gives time to see the full snake-like form of the estate, note how the heights change along the buildings, and look closely at details such as the brick patterns, window shapes and balcony forms. It works well as a brief architectural stop near the route.

Is Bispebjerg Bakke worth visiting if I am not an architecture expert?

You do not need specialist knowledge to appreciate Bispebjerg Bakke. The unusual, winding shape of the buildings, the contrast between lower and taller sections, and the mix of brick, wood and copper are easy to notice on a simple walk. If you enjoy visually distinctive places or are curious about how contemporary housing can look, it is a worthwhile short diversion.

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