Dragør Havn
Medieval herring market turned 18th-century shipping powerhouse, now a beautifully preserved harbor village blending maritime heritage with contemporary charm.
Dragør Havn is a beautifully preserved medieval and 18th-19th century harbor in a charming Danish fishing village just 12 km south of Copenhagen. Once Denmark's second-largest shipping town, this active port retains its historic character with cobblestone streets, traditional yellow houses with red roofs, maritime museums, and working fishing boats. The harbor remains the cultural and economic heart of Dragør, blending centuries of seafaring heritage with contemporary cafés, restaurants, and sailing clubs.
A brief summary to Dragør havn
- Vestgrønningen 4, Dragør, 2791, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in late spring through early autumn (May–September) for the most pleasant weather, open museums, and active harbor life. Summer weekends and July attract the most visitors; quieter weekdays offer a more intimate experience.
- Explore the Old Town's narrow cobblestone streets on foot—the maze-like layout rewards wandering. Allow time to discover hidden courtyards, small galleries, and local shops tucked between 18th-century houses.
- Climb to the top of Dragør Fort for sweeping views of Øresund, the Øresund Bridge, Copenhagen Airport, and the Swedish coast. The fort is privately owned but open to the public during daylight hours.
- Visit the Pilot Museum to understand four centuries of maritime navigation history, or explore Dragør Museum in a 1753 house for local heritage exhibits. Both are small but deeply informative.
- Dine or drink at harbor-side restaurants and cafés with views of working fishing boats and the Øresund strait. Many establishments operate year-round, though hours expand significantly in summer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus from Copenhagen
Take bus 250S or 350S from central Copenhagen (departing from Hovedbanegården near Tivoli Gardens or from Christianshavn Station) toward Dragør Skole. Journey time is approximately 30–45 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Alight at Dragør Skole bus stop on Vestgrønningen Street. The harbor and Old Town are a short walk (5–10 minutes) from the bus stop. Buses run regularly throughout the day; service is less frequent on Sundays. Single journey costs approximately 24–36 DKK (3–5 EUR).
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Bicycle from Copenhagen
Rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and cycle south via the Amager route. The journey is approximately 12–15 km and takes 45–60 minutes on flat terrain. Follow signs toward Amager and Dragør. This is a popular route for Copenhagen cyclists and passes through parks and residential areas. Bicycle rental costs approximately 50–100 DKK (7–13 EUR) per day from rental shops throughout Copenhagen.
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Car from Copenhagen
Drive south from Copenhagen toward Amager via Route 2 or local roads. Journey time is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic; allow longer during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM weekdays). Parking is available near the harbor and throughout the Old Town, though spaces fill quickly on summer weekends. Parking is typically free or costs 20–40 DKK (3–5 EUR) per hour in paid zones. The harbor address is Vestgrønningen 4, 2791 Dragør.
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Walking from Store Magleby
If visiting the adjacent Dutch farming village of Store Magleby, Dragør Havn is accessible on foot via a scenic 2–3 km walk through fields and local roads, taking approximately 30–45 minutes. The route is relatively flat but lacks dedicated pedestrian paths in places. Alternatively, take a short bus journey (5–10 minutes) between the two villages.
Dragør havn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Dragør havn
A Harbor Built on Medieval Ambition
Dragør Havn's story begins in 1342, when Danish King Valdemar IV granted trading privileges to Hanseatic merchants, transforming a modest settlement into one of Europe's most significant herring markets. During autumn, when the Øresund herring catch peaked, up to 20,000 traders and merchants descended on Dragør annually, comparable in scale to the famous Champagne fairs of France. The harbor became the kingdom's official trading post and retained its status as 'King's Harbour' for centuries. Archaeological investigations reveal that the medieval settlement extended far beyond today's Old Town, with cultural layers reaching approximately 2 meters in depth beneath the present streets.The Golden Age of Sail and Shipping
The 18th and 19th centuries marked Dragør's zenith as a maritime powerhouse. During the 1700s, Dragør ranked as Denmark's second-largest shipping harbor by tonnage, surpassed only by Copenhagen itself. By the 19th century, it held third place nationally. The buildings visible today—with their distinctive yellow facades, low-pitched red roofs, and narrow cobblestone lanes—were constructed during this prosperous era and represent an exceptionally authentic and homogeneous architectural ensemble. The harbor's layout and streetscape have remained virtually unchanged since 1850, creating a living museum of maritime life during the age of tall ships.Innovation in Navigation and Rescue
Dragør's strategic position in the shallow, treacherous waters of Øresund necessitated specialized maritime expertise. In 1684, one of Europe's first official pilot services was established here by royal resolution, reflecting the critical importance of skilled navigation through the strait's dangerous passages. A local salvage association was simultaneously founded to rescue vessels that ran aground. These institutions represented cutting-edge maritime infrastructure for their time and remain central to the harbor's identity today, with the Pilot Museum documenting four centuries of piloting history.Dutch Influence and Agricultural Heritage
In the 16th century, as herring stocks declined due to overfishing, the Danish crown invited Dutch farmers to settle in the adjacent village of Store Magleby to supply provisions for the royal household. These Dutch settlers brought advanced agricultural techniques and introduced new crops, including carrots, to Denmark. They maintained their own language, legal customs, and cultural traditions for over 300 years, creating a unique cultural enclave within Dragør. This Dutch legacy remains visible in the area's architecture, place names, and the Amager Museum's open-air exhibits of traditional farmhouses and costumes.Transformation and Contemporary Life
Over the past 150 years, Dragør's commercial importance has gradually diminished as larger Copenhagen ports captured regional trade. However, this decline paradoxically preserved the harbor's historic character, preventing the modernization that destroyed comparable medieval towns elsewhere. Today, the port remains active with a small fishing fleet, a functioning pilot station, and a vibrant sailing community. The harbor's old buildings now house maritime and pilot museums, sea-sports clubs, restaurants, and cafés, creating a dynamic blend of heritage preservation and contemporary leisure culture. The cutter Elisabeth K571, displayed at the harbor, commemorates the town's role in the 1943 rescue of Danish Jews fleeing Nazi occupation.A Landscape of Water and History
Dragør Havn sits at the intersection of multiple environments: the active Øresund strait with views toward Sweden, the flat marshes and fields of Amager island, and the historic Old Town's maze of narrow streets. The harbor's breakwaters, wooden piers, and working fishing shanties create authentic maritime atmosphere. Dragør Søbad, a wooden pier bathing platform at the harbor's edge, offers shallow, clear water ideal for summer swimming. South of the harbor, Dragør Fort—built 1910–1915 as part of Copenhagen's sea defenses and now converted into a hotel—commands panoramic views across the strait and toward Copenhagen Airport. The entire setting embodies what UNESCO recognizes as an exceptionally well-preserved 'skipper town,' where the physical environment still clearly reflects the living conditions and cultural organization of a historical maritime community.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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KB3
10.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Baggen
11.0 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Club Mambo
11.0 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
The Union
11.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Lusso
11.2 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.
CristalClubCopenhagen
11.2 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
11.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
Chateau Motel
11.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Zoo
11.3 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.
Module
11.3 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Dorsia
11.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
11.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
11.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mini Bar
11.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirror
11.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
