Dragør Havn (Dragør Old Harbour)
A historic Danish harbour where cobbled quays, yellow houses and wooden boats meet wide Øresund views and centuries of seafaring life on the edge of Copenhagen.
Dragør Havn is the historic harbour at the heart of this former skipper town on Amager’s southern tip, just south of Copenhagen. Once one of Denmark’s busiest sailing ports, it still feels deeply maritime, with cobbled quays, wooden fishing boats, 18th‑ and 19th‑century warehouses and views across the Øresund towards the bridge to Sweden. Today, museums, yacht berths, seafood restaurants and cosy cafés share the waterfront, making the harbour a charming place to wander, linger and feel centuries of seafaring history.
A brief summary to Dragør havn
- Vestgrønningen 4, Dragør, 2791, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Explore both sides of the harbour: stroll the inner quays to see historic buildings up close, then walk out towards the moles for open views of the Øresund and the bridge.
- Combine a harbour visit with time in Dragør’s old town; slip into the narrow cobbled lanes just behind the quays to appreciate how closely the town and harbour are linked.
- Bring a windproof layer outside the summer months; the flat, open coastline and sea breezes can make it feel cooler along the quays even on sunny days.
- Look for information boards near key buildings to understand their former roles as pilot station, port office, warehouse or quarantine facilities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take bus line 250S towards Dragør and ride to the Dragør terminals near the old town; the journey usually takes 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently throughout the day and accept the same tickets and travel cards used on the metro and trains, with a typical single adult fare in the range of 24–36 DKK within the greater Copenhagen zones. From the bus stops, it is an easy, mostly flat 5–10 minute walk along village streets to reach the harbour area, suitable for most mobility levels.
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Bike from Copenhagen city centre
Cycling from central Copenhagen to Dragør Havn is a popular option in good weather, following signposted bike routes across Amager; the ride is roughly 15–20 km and usually takes 60–90 minutes depending on pace and wind. The route is largely flat and uses a mix of dedicated cycle paths and quieter roads, though exposed stretches near the coast can feel windy. Standard city bikes can be rented widely in Copenhagen, typically from about 100–150 DKK per day. This option is best for confident cyclists comfortable with a longer ride.
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Taxi from Copenhagen or airport
A taxi from central Copenhagen to Dragør Havn generally takes 25–35 minutes outside rush hour, while from Copenhagen Airport the ride is often 10–20 minutes. Fares vary with traffic and time of day; from the city centre expect roughly 300–450 DKK, and from the airport around 150–250 DKK. Taxis can drop passengers close to the harbour, but some quayside areas are pedestrian‑focused, so you may walk a short distance on cobblestones. This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option.
Dragør havn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Dragør havn
Harbour at the heart of a skipper town
Dragør Havn is the working harbour that gave life to Dragør, a historic seafaring town on the edge of the Øresund. For centuries, this was a place of salt‑stiff sails, wooden hulls and shouted orders echoing between warehouses and shipyards. The broad basin you see today once hosted one of Denmark’s largest sailing fleets, with merchant ships and fishing boats jostling for space as they prepared to head out into the strait. Even now, the atmosphere is distinctly maritime. Fishing cutters, pleasure craft and visiting yachts lie side by side, their masts tracing a forest of lines against the sky. Ropes creak, halyards ping on metal, and the smell of brine and tar drifts in from the water. The harbour is more than a pretty backdrop: it remains Dragør’s social and cultural centre, where locals stroll the quays, meet in the boat clubs and watch the shifting light over the sea.From herring fair to royal pilots
The story of Dragør Havn reaches back to the Middle Ages, when the Danish king granted trading privileges here and a huge herring market grew up along the shore. For a time, thousands of merchants, fishermen and sailors converged on the harbour each autumn, loading barrels of salted fish bound for tables across northern Europe. The harbour’s strategic spot on the Øresund later made it vital for shipping routes, and in the 17th century one of Denmark’s first official pilot services was established here to guide vessels safely through the shallow, tricky waters. This pilotage tradition still shapes the harbour’s identity. Historic pilot buildings line parts of the quay, and exhibitions in the nearby pilot museum delve into the demanding work of navigating busy shipping lanes in wind, fog and ice. Around the basin, old port offices, blacksmith workshops and warehouses survive from the era when Dragør’s sailing ships ranked among the largest tonnage in the country, second only to Copenhagen itself.Historic buildings and cobbled quaysides
Walking around Dragør Havn is like moving through a compact, open‑air museum of maritime architecture. Along the water you pass low, yellow‑washed houses, former storehouses and harbour offices with red tile roofs and thick walls built to withstand sea winds. Some buildings once held tar boiling for ship’s rigging, others stored gear and provisions for long voyages, and a few have more sombre histories as quarantine and cholera stations for ships arriving from distant ports. Today many of these structures have found new roles. Cafés and restaurants occupy old warehouses, their terraces spilling onto the quayside in warmer months. Small maritime clubs and societies use former harbour buildings as clubhouses, hanging signal flags and ship models inside. Information boards in and around the harbour explain the function of particular buildings, allowing you to picture the noise and bustle when tall ships dominated the skyline.Views over Øresund and beyond the harbour walls
Stand at the outer mole or near the mouth of the harbour and the scene opens out dramatically. Ahead lies the shimmering Øresund, dotted with passing cargo ships, ferries and sailing boats. On clear days the long sweep of the Øresund Bridge stretches across the horizon, linking Denmark and Sweden in a graceful arc of steel. Closer by, low salt meadows and beaches frame the town, reminding you how closely Dragør is tied to its coastal landscape. A short walk from the harbour brings you to Dragør Fort, built on an artificial island in the early 20th century as part of Copenhagen’s sea defences. From the fort’s ramparts you gain wide views back towards the harbour, over the flat island of Amager and across the busy shipping lanes. The fort, the harbour and the old town together form a coherent maritime landscape that shows how defence, trade and everyday life once intertwined along this coast.Experiencing harbour life today
For visitors, Dragør Havn is a place to slow down and observe. You can watch boats being hauled up for maintenance, see fishermen unload their catch on quiet mornings, or simply sit on a bollard and listen to the gentle slap of water against the quay. In summer, outdoor tables fill with people enjoying fresh fish dishes, ice cream or coffee while sea breezes drift through the alleys leading into the old town. Museums around the harbour tell stories of pilots, fishermen and local artists, while seasonal events and small festivals occasionally spill out onto the quays. At other times it is the everyday rhythm that captivates: children fishing for crabs with a line and bucket, cyclists rolling along the waterfront, and the glow of evening light on yellow facades. Whether you stay for an hour or linger for a full day, the harbour offers an intimate glimpse into Denmark’s long relationship with the sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peberholm
4.9 km
A man-made island where nature reclaimed the landscape—Europe's most successful ecological experiment.
Krudhuset
9.0 km
Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
Havneholmen 33
10.2 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
10.3 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
10.3 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Circle Bridge
10.4 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Cykelslangen
10.4 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Danish Architecture Centre
10.6 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
10.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Havnegade Promenaden
10.6 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Havnepromenade
10.6 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Inderhavnsbroen
10.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
The Stable Boy's House
10.6 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
The War Museum
10.7 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Børsen
10.7 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Unmissable attractions to see
Amager
4.7 km
Copenhagen’s all‑in‑one island: wild grasslands, long sandy beaches, bold architecture and easygoing waterfront life, all just minutes from the historic city centre.
Den Blå Planet
5.0 km
Northern Europe's largest aquarium where sharks swim overhead and sea otters steal your heart.
Bjarke Cirkelsten af Thomas Dambo
5.5 km
A kneeling wooden troll guarding a mystical stone circle in the Danish forest.
Amager Beachpark
6.9 km
Copenhagen's 4.6 km urban beach with lagoons, artificial island, and Øresund Bridge views.
Saltholm
6.9 km
A low, wind-brushed island sanctuary in the Øresund, where shallow seas, open meadows and protected birdlife create wild coastal nature on Copenhagen’s doorstep.
Field's
7.3 km
Scandinavia-scale shopping, dining and entertainment under one sleek roof in Copenhagen’s modern Ørestad district, from fashion and design to cinema, trampolines and a vast hypermarket.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
7.4 km
A vast, light-filled shopping town under one roof in Copenhagen’s Ørestad district, mixing fashion, daily essentials, dining and shelter from the Danish weather.
Kongelundsfortet
7.7 km
A First World War coastal fort turned green refuge, where concrete ramparts, bird-filled meadows and wide sea views create a relaxed slice of Copenhagen’s defence history.
Bella Center Copenhagen
7.7 km
Copenhagen’s powerhouse convention and exhibition centre, combining vast flexible halls, sleek Nordic design and direct metro access in the modern Ørestad district.
Amager Beach Park
7.8 km
Copenhagen’s long, sandy front porch on the Øresund, where dunes, lagoons and a city promenade turn everyday life into a seaside escape.
St. Anne's Church
7.9 km
Elegant red-brick Catholic church on Amager, blending early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture with a calm, light-filled interior and living parish life.
DR Koncerthuset
8.9 km
Copenhagen’s bold blue concert house, where world-class acoustics, striking Jean Nouvel architecture and Denmark’s national ensembles meet under one dramatic roof.
Amager Fælled
8.9 km
Semi-wild meadows and wetlands brushing against Copenhagen’s skyline, Amager Fælled is the city’s closest taste of open Danish nature.
Kalvebod Fælled
9.4 km
A vast reclaimed seabed turned wild urban commons, where big skies, grazing herds, rich birdlife and long trails create a rare sense of wilderness beside Copenhagen.
Øresund Bridge
9.9 km
Discover Denmark’s Viking maritime past with authentic ships, reconstructed vessels, hands-on workshops, and stunning fjord views at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Vandvid
9.8 km
Organic, seasonal Nordic cooking served on a gently rocking houseboat in Sydhavnen, where harbor life, simple design and water views frame every meal.
Restaurant Lola
9.9 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Kadeau
10.2 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Cafe Wilder
10.3 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
The Harbour
10.4 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
No. 2
10.4 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Kanalen
10.4 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Restaurant Barr
10.5 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
MASH Penthouse
10.5 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Noma
10.6 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Noi
10.7 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Je t'aime
10.8 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Kanal-Caféen
10.8 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Khun Juk
10.8 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Restaurant Karla
10.9 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
10.4 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Copenhagenglass
10.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
10.9 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Tivoli Gift Shop
11.0 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Magasin du Nord
11.0 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Danish Souvenirs
11.1 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
11.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Zane
11.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Viking Souvenirs
11.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
11.1 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
11.1 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Læderstræde
11.1 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Urban Outfitters
11.1 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
11.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Audrey Vintage
11.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
8.8 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
9.2 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
10.3 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Pier5 Bar
10.4 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Marble Bar
10.8 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Jolene Bar
10.8 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
TATA Cocktail Bar
10.8 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
10.9 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
11.0 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Brønnum
11.0 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Ved Stranden
11.0 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
The Rooftop Bar
11.0 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
K-Bar
11.0 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Zefside
11.0 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
11.0 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
