Refshaleøen Copenhagen
A former shipyard transformed into Copenhagen's hip industrial quarter, buzzing with street food, art, and urban farms.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Embrace the outdoor vibe
Refshaleøen Copenhagen
Best Time
Embrace the outdoor vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A former shipyard transformed into Copenhagen's hip industrial quarter, buzzing with street food, art, and urban farms.
"Great place to hang out on a sunny day, plenty of food and drinks to choose from."
🚢 Havnebus Strategy
Arrive 10 mins early for return Havnebus to secure a seat. :ferry:
🚲 Bike or Bus It
Cycling is popular, but the 2A bus is also a good option. :electric_plug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Food Delights
Reffen Food Market
A vibrant hub of global flavors with diverse food stalls offering everything from Danish pastries to international cuisine.

Urban Farm Oasis
Øens Have
Explore Scandinavia's largest urban farm, a regenerative oasis offering seasonal, farm-to-table dining experiences.
Industrial Charm
Refshaleøen waterfront
Wander through this hip, former shipyard transformed into a lively district with art and unique urban spaces.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Reffen
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Havnebus Strategy
Arrive 10 mins early for return Havnebus to secure a seat.
:ferry:🚲 Bike or Bus It
Cycling is popular, but the 2A bus is also a good option.
:electric_plug:💰 Budget Bites
Street food can be pricey, but look for free activities like trash collection for meals.
:moneywithwings:❄️ Winter Warmth
CopenHot, Amass Fried Chicken, and Mikkeller Brewery are open year-round.
:snowflake:Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Havnebus Strategy
Arrive 10 mins early for return Havnebus to secure a seat.
:ferry:🚲 Bike or Bus It
Cycling is popular, but the 2A bus is also a good option.
:electric_plug:💰 Budget Bites
Street food can be pricey, but look for free activities like trash collection for meals.
:moneywithwings:❄️ Winter Warmth
CopenHot, Amass Fried Chicken, and Mikkeller Brewery are open year-round.
:snowflake:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Refshaleøen is praised for its vibrant street food scene and unique industrial atmosphere, offering a lively experience, especially on sunny days. However, concert exits can be chaotic and disorganized, leading to significant delays and crowds.
"AMAZING
This was my first ever concert, so I could be biased. I went to see Imagine Dragons and I very much enjoyed my visit. Leaving however was awful, no order at all. We all left at the same time, so there was delays and crowds of hundreds of people.
Took an hour just to get round the corner 🤣 but ah well. Well worth it.
Sorry im advance for my terrible singing voice in these videos 🤣"
Asasia Bainbridge
"Great concert and sound, but the exit was a nightmare – poor traffic flow and no separation between cars and pedestrians."
Olena Lukashenko
"Imagine Dragons concert was great in this venue but to get into was so unorganized, leaving the venue was madness, no clear instructions of where to get the bus, no sign of extra buses, when we did get a bus it was so jammed it was hot, it took an hour to get to Christianshavn station , there were cars, buses , taxis and hordes of people trying to get out. I would not recommend it as a concert venue"
Gwen Frazer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Refshaleøen by the 2A bus or the Havnebus (harbor bus). Cycling is also a popular option.
The Havnebus typically runs every 10-20 minutes, but it's advisable to arrive at the stop a bit early, especially for your return journey, as it can get crowded.Yes, Refshaleøen is accessible via public transport. The 2A bus route serves the area, and the Havnebus (harbor bus) offers a scenic way to get there.
Many visitors prefer cycling to Reffen due to its scenic waterfront location. Alternatively, the Havnebus provides a convenient and picturesque route.
The shortest route to Reffen might involve crossing a canal via a footbridge with stairs, which could be a consideration for those with mobility issues.
The Havnebus generally departs every 10-20 minutes. While it can get full after events, extra buses are sometimes added.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Refshaleøen itself is a public area and generally does not require tickets for entry. However, specific attractions or events within the area may have their own admission fees.
Yes, Refshaleøen offers free activities. For example, you can participate in trash collection at Banegaarden in exchange for a meal.
Exploring the industrial waterfront and enjoying the atmosphere is also free.Refshaleøen is an open area, but individual food stalls and venues have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the specific hours for any vendors or attractions you plan to visit.
There is no entrance fee to access the street food market at Reffen. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase.
Yes, Refshaleøen is worth visiting in the winter. While the summer vibe is more prominent, places like CopenHot, Amass Fried Chicken, and Mikkeller Brewery remain open.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Refshaleøen boasts a diverse range of street food, offering global cuisines from Danish specialties to international favorites. It's a great place to sample various flavors.
The food at Reffen can be a bit expensive, as is common in Denmark. However, the variety and quality often make it a worthwhile experience.
Given the wide array of international food stalls, you can expect to find vegetarian and vegan options available at many vendors within Reffen.
While known for its street food, you can likely find coffee at various cafes and stalls within Refshaleøen, especially those offering breakfast or lighter fare.
Øens Have offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience. For year-round options, Amass Fried Chicken and Mikkeller Brewery are popular choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Refshaleøen offers a unique blend of industrial architecture, waterfront views, and vibrant street art, making it a photogenic location. The Øens Have urban farm also provides beautiful, green backdrops.
Absolutely. The dynamic mix of old industrial buildings, bustling food stalls, and local life provides ample opportunities for compelling street photography.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, would be ideal for capturing both wide shots of the industrial landscape and closer details of the food and people. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for the expansive waterfront views.
Generally, photography is permitted in public areas of Refshaleøen. However, always be mindful of private property and individuals, and ask for permission if you plan to photograph people up close.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, soft light for photography. However, the vibrant atmosphere during the day, especially when the street food stalls are busy, also makes for great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some activities might be more geared towards adults, the general atmosphere is family-friendly. Consider visiting during the day when it's less crowded and the weather is pleasant for outdoor exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider cycling to Refshaleøen to save on transportation costs. While some venues might be pricier, the overall experience of soaking in the atmosphere and trying a few affordable street food items can be a great budget-friendly outing.
couples
For a truly special evening, consider a visit to CopenHot for a relaxing sauna or hot tub experience with city views, especially magical during the cooler months. The area's vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a memorable destination for couples looking for something beyond the typical tourist path.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Refshaleøen's Industrial Past and Present
Visitors can wander through the area, taking in the unique architecture and imagining its seafaring history. The transformation is a testament to Copenhagen's ability to reinvent its urban spaces. It's a place where you can feel the echoes of its industrial heritage while enjoying contemporary urban life.
Beyond its aesthetic, Refshaleøen is a hub for creativity. You'll find street art, pop-up installations, and a general sense of artistic energy permeating the district. It's a dynamic environment that continues to evolve, making each visit a potentially new discovery.
A Culinary Journey at Reffen
The emphasis is on quality and variety, with many vendors focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. While it's a fantastic place to try new dishes, be prepared for Danish prices, which can be on the higher side. However, the unique experience and the sheer breadth of culinary options often justify the cost.
Beyond the main food market, Refshaleøen also hosts unique dining experiences like Øens Have, Scandinavia's largest urban farm, offering a true farm-to-table concept. For those seeking year-round culinary delights, Amass Fried Chicken and Mikkeller Brewery provide excellent options even in the colder months.
Activities and Entertainment
For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for climbing and other recreational activities. The artificial ski slope, though perhaps less prominent than the food scene, adds another dimension to the area's offerings. [^Description]
During the summer, swimming in the clean waters of Sandkaj Harbour is a popular activity, showcasing Copenhagen's commitment to urban water quality. The area's transformation from a working shipyard to a leisure and entertainment hub highlights its adaptability and appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit