Kerteminde Renaissance Harbour

Kerteminde Renaissance Harbour is a project that restores the town’s historic connection to the water – a bond reaching back to the Renaissance, when the harbour was the town’s life line. Once a bustling hub, the harbour had become neglected, and access to the water from the town-facing quay was lost. With this project, the town is once again reconnected with the water through an open, recreational urban space.

Three architectural interventions set the scene: the Stone Carpet continues the granite paving from the town’s church down to the harbour; the timber promenade frames the harbour space as a terraced quay, providing new places to linger and viewpoints; and the Tidal Square reestablishes the Renaissance Harbour’s shoreline with a broad ramp, where visitors can experience the rhythm of the tides up close.

The quay facilities and seating zones are elevated to withstand storm surges and rising sea levels, protecting both the harbour’s public spaces and the surrounding buildings. Bicycle lanes are marked with cobblestones, which also serve as tactile guiding lines for the visually impaired, while the material palette ensures longevity and minimal maintenance. The large bridge across the harbour has been upgraded with a wider pedestrian area and new paving.

The cohesive harbour area invites for activities and recreation for all. Swimmers, sailors, café guests, and passersby come together in a flexible urban space that accommodates moorings, outdoor dining, and social gathering points. The Renaissance Harbour has become a vibrant meeting place, where cultural heritage, climate adaptation, and everyday life are woven together for the benefit of both residents and visitors.

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