Reffen – Skøjteøen

Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.

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Reffen - Skøjteøen

Reffen – Skøjteøen transforms Copenhagen’s raw Refshaleøen waterfront into a vibrant mix of global street food, creative workshops and a seasonal ice-skating island. Housed in repurposed shipping containers beside the harbour, it’s Northern Europe’s largest street food market, with around 35 stalls, multiple bars and a buzzy calendar of concerts, markets and cultural events. In winter, the courtyard becomes a glowing ice universe with rinks for all ages, hot drinks and festive lights.

A brief summary to Reffen - Skøjteøen

Refshalevej 167, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1432, DK
+4533930760
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 3 pm-10 pm
Tuesday 3 pm-10 pm
Wednesday 3 pm-10 pm
Thursday 3 pm-10 pm
Friday 3 pm-12 am
Saturday 11 am-12 am
Sunday 11 am-9 pm

Local tips

Arrive early for lunch or in the late afternoon on weekends if you want shorter queues at the most popular food stalls and more choice of seating.
In winter, wear warm, layered clothing and good socks for Skøjteøen; you will be outdoors on the ice and around the harbour breeze for much of your visit.
Bring a payment card or mobile payment; stalls are largely cashless and it is easier to graze from several vendors if you do not rely on cash.
If you plan to sample several dishes, share plates within your group so you can try more stalls without filling up too quickly.
Check the current season’s calendar in advance if you are interested in concerts, markets or themed skating events, as many take place only on specific days.

Getting There

Harbour bus

From central Copenhagen, take the harbour bus lines that serve the Refshaleøen stop; the trip across the harbour typically takes around 10–20 minutes depending on your starting pier. Services usually run every 20–30 minutes in season, with normal city public-transport tickets and passes valid on board. Boats can be busy on sunny weekends and during major events, so allow extra time if you want to catch a specific departure.
City bus

Regular city buses connect inner Copenhagen with the Refshaleøen area, with journey times of roughly 15–25 minutes from central districts depending on traffic. Standard public-transport fares apply, and tickets or travel cards can be used across buses and harbour services. Services are generally frequent in the daytime, though evening and off-season timetables may be more limited, so it is worth checking times before you set out.
Bicycle

Cycling to Reffen – Skøjteøen from central Copenhagen usually takes about 15–20 minutes, following dedicated cycle lanes for most of the way and a final stretch through the former dockyard area. The route is flat but exposed near the harbour, so expect wind, especially in winter. Bike-sharing schemes and rentals are widely available in the city, and cycling remains one of the most flexible ways to arrive and leave at your own pace.
Taxi

A taxi ride from central Copenhagen to Refshalevej 167 typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and any ongoing events in the harbour area. Fares usually fall in the range of 120–220 DKK one way, with higher prices late at night or on holidays. Taxis can drop you close to the entrance, but during very busy summer evenings or large events you may be set down slightly farther away due to local traffic management.

Reffen - Skøjteøen location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Reffen - Skøjteøen

A waterfront playground on Refshaleøen

Reffen – Skøjteøen occupies a former industrial shipyard at Refshalevej 167, turning weathered concrete and corrugated warehouses into a 12,000 m² playground for food, culture and winter fun. The setting feels distinctly maritime: you smell salt on the breeze, hear the creak of moored boats and look straight across to Copenhagen’s skyline over the harbour. Shipping containers stacked and staggered around open yards give everything a raw, improvised feel, softened by pockets of greenery and colourful signs. Refshaleøen’s shipbuilding past is still visible in rusted rails and steel beams, but today the mood is relaxed and informal. Families, groups of friends and solo wanderers spread out across long communal tables, deckchairs in the sand and wooden benches tucked between containers. As daylight slides into evening, strings of bulbs and firepits take over, and the whole area glows like a small village of food stalls and bars at the edge of the city.

Street food from every corner of the globe

Reffen’s core is its street food market, with roughly 35 independent stalls and food trucks serving flavours from every continent. You might move from Pakistani chaat to Mexican tacos, then on to Moroccan tagines, Neapolitan-style pizza, Nordic gourmet hotdogs or delicate Japanese gyoza in a single lap of the yard. Many stalls are compact kitchens squeezed into converted containers, adding to the sense of culinary improvisation and experimentation. The focus is on casual, high-quality dishes served fast, so it is easy for mixed groups to all find something they like and regroup at one of the shared seating areas. Several bars and a coffee corner pour everything from craft beer and natural wine to hot chocolate and speciality coffee. On cooler days, the covered Beer Garden and the big indoor Werkstatt hall offer shelter, meaning you can linger over food and drinks even when the weather is uncooperative.

From industrial hall to cultural hotspot

Beyond eating and drinking, Reffen functions as a seasonal cultural stage. The former machine hall now known as Werkstatt hosts live concerts, club-style nights, markets and exhibitions under its high steel roof. The acoustics and scale of the hall suit everything from electronic sets to brass bands and vintage fairs. Around the yard, small creative workshops and studios showcase crafts such as glass, tattoos and vintage clothing, adding a maker’s edge to the food focus. Outdoor spaces are constantly reconfigured: one weekend the sandy area may hold a mini festival with DJs and pop-up bars, another it might be set up for family-friendly activities or art events. This fluidity is part of Reffen’s character; stalls change from season to season, line-ups evolve and new concepts appear, so each visit can feel slightly different while the overall atmosphere stays recognisably laid-back and social.

Skøjteøen: winter lights on the ice

In the darker months, Skøjteøen turns the central yard into a winter island of ice and light. Two ice rinks – a main rink and a smaller one tailored to younger or less confident skaters – are framed by glowing installations, music and the smell of woodsmoke from nearby fires. The harbour air feels sharper, but the combination of movement, hot drinks and food stalls serving steaming comfort dishes keeps the chill at bay. The programme typically includes themed skate nights, informal ice-hockey sessions, karaoke on ice and playful “winter Olympics” activities that invite visitors of all ages to join in. Between sessions, you can warm your hands on a mulled drink, try a rich stew or share something sweet under heat lamps. Markets, workshops and small concerts spill out around the rinks, so even non-skaters find plenty to do while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Practicalities and pace of a visit

Entry to Reffen itself is free, with costs depending on what you choose to eat, drink or book on the ice. It works especially well as a relaxed half-day stop where you can combine a harbour stroll with unhurried grazing from stall to stall. Seating ranges from simple benches to loungey deckchairs, and the flat surfaces and broad walkways make it easy to navigate with prams or wheelchairs, though some areas are gravel or sand. Mobile reception is generally strong, and the site provides restrooms, bins and information boards to help you get your bearings and check what is on. At peak times – sunny summer evenings or December weekends – crowds and queues build around popular stalls, while weekday afternoons in season and earlier time slots are usually calmer. Whenever you come, the mix of harbour views, container architecture and the seasonal switch from sun to ice makes Reffen – Skøjteøen one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive casual hangouts.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Nyholm Central Guardhouse

0.6 km

Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.

Iver Huitfeldt Memorial

0.6 km

A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.

Maritime Monument

0.7 km

Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.

Horn mine

0.9 km

A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.

Our Fallen

0.9 km

A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.

I am Queen Mary

1.1 km

A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.

Larsens Pl.

1.3 km

Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.

Rytterstatuen

1.4 km

A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.

Amalienborg Palace Museum

1.4 km

Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.

Amalienborg Palace

1.4 km

Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.

St. Alexander Nevsky Church

1.4 km

Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.

St. Paul's Church

1.5 km

Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.

Frederik's Church

1.5 km

Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.

The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950

1.6 km

A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.

The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950

Hans Christian Andersen plaque

1.6 km

A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.

Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.

Essential places to dine

Alchemist

0.4 km

A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.

La Banchina

0.5 km

Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.

Veve

1.0 km

A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.

Noma

1.2 km

Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.

Sushi Anaba

1.6 km

Europe's finest omakase counter, where Nordic seafood meets Tokyo precision in an eight-seat sanctuary of culinary excellence.

Kokkeriet

1.6 km

Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.

Aoc

1.7 km

Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.

Restaurant Silo

1.7 km

Contemporary Nordic dining and cocktails on the 17th floor of a converted grain silo, with sweeping harbor and city views across Copenhagen’s evolving Nordhavn waterfront.

Restaurant Rebel

1.7 km

Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.

Dag H

1.8 km

Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.

Khun Juk

1.8 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 Vita

1.8 km

Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.

Restaurant Koefoed

1.9 km

Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.

Skipperkroen

1.9 km

Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.

Cap Horn

1.9 km

Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.

Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.

Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.

The Moose

2.2 km

Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Culture Box

1.7 km

Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.

Mini Bar

2.1 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.

Lusso

2.1 km

A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.

The Zoo

2.2 km

Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.

Operaen

2.3 km

Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.

Mirage

2.7 km

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.

Arch

2.7 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Chateau Motel

2.7 km

Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.

Hive

2.8 km

Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.

Rumors

2.8 km

Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.

Mirror

2.8 km

Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.

La Terraza

2.9 km

Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.

Miami Bar

2.9 km

Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.

Zefside

2.9 km

Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.

Dorsia

3.0 km

Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.

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Reffen – Skøjteøen

A brief summary to Reffen - Skøjteøen

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Harbour bus

City bus

Bicycle

Taxi

Reffen - Skøjteøen location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Reffen - Skøjteøen

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Reffen - Skøjteøen

A waterfront playground on Refshaleøen

Street food from every corner of the globe

From industrial hall to cultural hotspot

Skøjteøen: winter lights on the ice

Practicalities and pace of a visit

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Nyholm Central Guardhouse

Iver Huitfeldt Memorial

Maritime Monument

Horn mine

Our Fallen

I am Queen Mary

Larsens Pl.

Rytterstatuen

Amalienborg Palace Museum

Amalienborg Palace

St. Alexander Nevsky Church

St. Paul's Church

Frederik's Church

The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950

Hans Christian Andersen plaque

Unmissable attractions to see

Copenhagen Contemporary

The Little Mermaid

Refshaleøen, Copenhagen

Kongeskibet Dannebrog

Holmen

Langelinie Park

Langelinieparken

Langelinie Pavillonen

ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael

Segway Cruise Copenhagen

The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard

Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948

Langelinie

Inugsuk

Gefion Fountain

Essential places to dine

Alchemist

La Banchina

Veve

Noma

Sushi Anaba

Kokkeriet

Aoc

Restaurant Silo

Restaurant Rebel

Dag H

Khun Juk

Restaurant Vita

Restaurant Koefoed

Skipperkroen

Cap Horn

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Crown souvenir

Royal Souvenir Shop

Maritime Antiques &

Copenhagenglass

Red Cross Op Shop

Zane

The Wilde Shop

Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories

Viking Souvenirs

Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs

Danish Souvenirs & luggages