Reffen - Skøjteøen
Copenhagen’s industrial harbor becomes a glowing winter island of ice skating, street food and hygge-filled vibes at Reffen – Skøjteøen on Refshaleøen.
Reffen – Skøjteøen transforms Copenhagen’s biggest street-food playground into a winter ice-skating island on Refshaleøen. Set among gritty former shipyard warehouses and colorful food containers, it blends twinkling lights, two outdoor ice rinks, DJs, markets and creative workshops with global street food and steamy drinks. Expect a festive harbor-front atmosphere, raw industrial edges softening into cozy fire pits, and plenty of space to skate, snack and linger with friends or family by the water.
A brief summary to Reffen - Skøjteøen
- Refshalevej 167, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1432, DK
- +4533930760
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Dress in warm, windproof layers and bring gloves that work well on ice; the rinks are fully outdoors on an exposed harborfront and it can feel colder than in the city center.
- Plan to eat on-site rather than beforehand; Reffen’s street-food stalls and bars are a big part of the experience and make for easy shared meals between skating sessions.
- Aim for earlier afternoon slots on weekends if you are visiting with children or prefer a calmer rink, as evenings tend to be livelier with music and themed events.
- Check seasonal information in advance to confirm whether the ice rink is operating, as Skøjteøen only runs from roughly November to early February and mainly on weekends.
- If you are sensitive to noise, bring light earplugs; music, DJ sets and crowd chatter can build around the rinks and food court during peak hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Harbour bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the harbor bus lines that stop at Refshaleøen and walk the short final stretch to Reffen; the boat ride typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on your starting pier and runs at roughly 20‑minute intervals in the main season. A single adult ticket on local public transport usually costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and covers both bus, metro and harbor buses within the city zones.
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City bus from the center
Regular city buses connect the inner city with Refshaleøen, with journey times of around 20–30 minutes from areas such as Copenhagen Central Station or Nørreport, depending on traffic. Standard bus fares are generally 20–30 DKK for an adult single ticket within the core zones, and services tend to be more frequent during the street‑food summer season than in deep winter.
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Cycling from inner Copenhagen
Cycling from neighborhoods like Indre By or Nyhavn to Refshalevej 167 usually takes 15–25 minutes along mostly flat, well‑marked bike routes, often following the harbor. There is no extra cost if you use your own bike; city‑bike rentals and app‑based bikes around the center typically start at about 10–20 DKK for a short ride, increasing with time. Surfaces are paved but can be windy and icy in winter, so ride cautiously in the Skøjteøen season.
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Taxi or rideshare within the city
A taxi from central Copenhagen to Reffen generally takes around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and costs in the range of 120–220 DKK for the car, higher at night or in busy periods. Taxis can drop you close to the entrance area, which is convenient if you are carrying skates, traveling with children, or visiting during colder, windier weather.
Reffen - Skøjteøen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
- Snow
Discover more about Reffen - Skøjteøen
Harbor playground turned winter ice island
Reffen – Skøjteøen unfolds on Refshaleøen, a former shipyard peninsula now reborn as Copenhagen’s most experimental waterfront district. In summer the vast 12,000 m² yard is a riot of containers, murals, food stalls and bars; in winter, part of this urban playground is remade into Skøjteøen, a glowing ice universe tucked between old industrial halls and the harbor. Under strings of lights, shipping containers double as kitchens, bars and creative workshops, while music drifts across the water and the smell of grilled street food mixes with salty sea air. The setting feels both rough and inviting: rusting steel structures and concrete slabs frame views back towards the city skyline, creating a distinctly Copenhagen blend of industrial heritage and easygoing hygge.Two rinks, twinkling lights and cold-weather fun
Skøjteøen centers on two outdoor ice rinks: a larger sheet where confident skaters can glide, dance and race, and a smaller, gentler area reserved for children and beginners. The ice stays open into the evening, so you can skate under the dark Nordic sky as colored lights reflect off the surface. The program often stretches beyond simple laps: themed nights, karaoke on ice, playful “winter Olympics” games and family-friendly activities turn the rink into a seasonal stage. Around the ice you will find pockets of warmth and rest. Benches, heat lamps and bonfires invite you to unwrap your scarf and watch the action, while music from nearby DJ booths and live acts keeps the energy high without overwhelming the relaxed, communal feel.Street food, hot drinks and local creativity
Food is central to the experience. Reffen’s street-food stalls dish up flavors from across the globe – from Nordic comfort food and burgers to Asian noodles and Middle Eastern wraps – many served in compostable packaging with an eye on sustainability. Portions are casual and shareable, ideal for grazing between skating sessions or splitting among a group. To warm up, you can seek out bars and a coffee cave for mulled wine, craft beer from the on-site brewery, hot chocolate or specialty coffee. The wider site also hosts creative workshops, small makers’ stalls, and occasional design or vintage markets, adding an arts-and-crafts dimension that goes beyond eating and skating.Atmosphere across the seasons
Although Skøjteøen is a winter concept, it sits within the broader life of Reffen, which pulses from spring to late autumn with concerts, DJ nights, festivals and family events. That seasonal rhythm shapes the mood: in summer, the same open spaces are packed with sunlit communal tables and harbor swimmers; in winter, they shrink into a cozier, lantern-lit village clustered around the ice. Throughout the colder months, decorations, Christmas touches and the glow from bar windows soften the rawness of the surroundings. Yet the sense of being on the edge of the city remains, with wide-open skies, gulls circling overhead and ships moving across the harbor, reminding you that this is still very much a working waterfront.Planning your visit to Skøjteøen
Skøjteøen typically runs from early November into early February, mainly on weekends, with hours that favor afternoons and evenings. Entry to the area itself is usually free; you pay for food, drinks and any skate hire or special events. The surface is outdoors and fully exposed, so dress for wind and cold and expect the experience to feel distinctly Nordic rather than polished indoor arena. Most visitors spend a couple of hours here, enough time to skate, explore the food court and linger with a drink by the water. It works equally well as a family outing, a low-key date spot or a meeting point before continuing into the city. Even if you do not step onto the ice, the combination of harbor views, industrial character and winter lights makes Skøjteøen a memorable seasonal slice of Copenhagen life.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.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Copenhagen Contemporary
0.3 km
Immersive large-scale installation art in a vast former shipyard hall at the heart of Copenhagen’s raw, waterfront cultural district on Refshaleøen.
The Little Mermaid
0.6 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
0.6 km
Copenhagen's industrial-turned-creative waterfront where shipyard heritage meets cutting-edge culture and world-class cuisine.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.6 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Holmen
0.6 km
Historic naval islands turned calm harbour quarter, where dockyards, academies and the Copenhagen Opera House share wide quays and sweeping city views.
Langelinie Park
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
0.6 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.7 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.7 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
0.7 km
Discover St Alban’s Church, Copenhagen’s only Anglican church, where neo-Gothic architecture and lush parkland meet Danish and British history near the city's harbor.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
0.8 km
A darkly playful harbourfront sculpture that twists Copenhagen’s fairytale mermaid into a sharp, bronze critique of genetics, icons and postmodern life.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.8 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Langelinie
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbourfront promenade, where sea air, green parkland, and iconic sculptures like The Little Mermaid meet at the edge of the Øresund.
Inugsuk
0.8 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Gefion Fountain
0.8 km
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
1.0 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.5 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
1.8 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.
Copenhagenglass
1.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.9 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Zane
1.9 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
1.9 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
2.1 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
2.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
2.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
2.1 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
2.2 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Storm - design art fashion
2.2 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Magasin du Nord
2.2 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
2.2 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.5 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Chevy's
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
Østerbros Perle Pub
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.9 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
ØB
2.0 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Aloha Beach Bar
2.0 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Trianglen 7
2.1 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Brønnum
2.1 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Bar Deco
2.1 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Søernes Ølbar
2.1 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
TATA Cocktail Bar
2.1 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
2.1 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Trykbar
2.1 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
1105
2.2 km
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Industrial
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Viral Moments
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
