Folkehuset Absalon
Colorful former church turned community house where Copenhageners gather for shared dinners, games, yoga, talks and café life on lively Sønder Boulevard.
Folkehuset Absalon is a colorful community house and social dining hub set in a former church on Sønder Boulevard in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district. From early-morning coffee and simple breakfasts to shared long-table dinners, ping-pong tournaments, yoga classes, talks and markets, the space blends café, canteen, bar and cultural venue. Long communal tables, playful interiors and an always-busy weekly program make it a relaxed, sociable spot where locals and visitors mix with ease.
A brief summary to Folkehuset Absalon
- Sønder Blvd. 73, Copenhagen, København V, 1720, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7:30 am-12 am
- Tuesday 7:30 am-12 am
- Wednesday 7:30 am-12 am
- Thursday 7:30 am-12 am
- Friday 7:30 am-2 am
- Saturday 7:30 am-2 am
- Sunday 7:30 am-12 am
Local tips
- Book communal dinner in advance on busy evenings; seating is at fixed times and popular nights often fill up quickly.
- Arrive a little early for dinner to choose your seat and settle in with a drink before food is served to the whole room at once.
- Check the weekly program for bingo, ping-pong, yoga, talks and markets if you want to pair a meal with an activity.
- Bring cashless payment and an open mind; you will likely share tables, dishes and conversations with people you have never met.
- For a quieter experience, try weekday mornings or early afternoons when the hall feels more like a relaxed café than a buzzing canteen.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Folkehuset Absalon location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Folkehuset Absalon
From Parish Church to Everyday Living Room
Folkehuset Absalon occupies a deconsecrated church on leafy Sønder Boulevard, its tall brick façade and tower hinting at the building’s past life as a parish landmark. Inside, the pews are long gone, replaced by sturdy canteen tables, mismatched chairs and splashes of bright color on walls and ceilings. The transformation has kept the generous volume and high windows of the nave, so light pours in over a space that now feels more like a bustling living room than a place of worship. The concept is deliberately informal: Absalon calls itself an extension of your home, somewhere to drop in for breakfast, linger over coffee or simply sit with a laptop among the gentle hum of conversation. Candles on the tables, big noticeboards and hand-written menus reinforce the homely, slightly improvised character, while the open plan keeps everything visually connected.Communal Meals at Long Tables
Food is central to the experience. Throughout the day you can expect unfussy, filling dishes with a home-cooked feel, from porridge or breads in the morning to hearty lunches and evening set menus. At dinner, everyone eats the same simple two-course meal, served at long tables where strangers sit side by side. The focus is on sharing bowls, passing plates and talking to whoever happens to be next to you. The menu changes regularly and often includes vegetarian evenings, with a mix of seasonal vegetables, grains and comforting classics. The price point is intentionally accessible, making it feasible for locals to come often rather than treat it as a special-occasion restaurant. Drinks run from filter coffee and soft drinks to wine and beer from the counter, blurring the line between café and neighborhood bar.Games, Culture and Everyday Activities
Beyond eating and drinking, Absalon’s schedule is packed with low-barrier activities that encourage participation. On any given day there might be yoga or morning stretching, craft workshops, backgammon or chess evenings, film screenings, quizzes or the ever-popular bingo nights. A row of table-tennis tables often appears in the main hall, turning the nave into a playful arena buzzing with laughter and friendly rivalry. Weekends can bring flea markets or record fairs, and there are frequent talks, mini-concerts and niche events that draw a wide cross-section of Copenhageners. The idea is less about polished performances and more about giving people reasons to show up, take part and meet one another in an easy-going environment.A House for All Generations
One of Absalon’s defining traits is its broad appeal. Mornings often see parents with small children, freelancers and older locals sharing the hall, while afternoons bring students, remote workers and friends catching up over coffee. Evenings can be lively with groups, solo diners, families and travelers, all folded into the same communal tables. Children are generally welcomed, and the atmosphere leans informal and relaxed rather than hushed or exclusive. The building retains steps and some level changes from its church days, but much of the main floor is open and spacious, with room to move around between tables, the counter, and game areas.Vesterbro Street Life Outside the Door
Sønder Boulevard itself adds to the charm. The broad, park-like central strip brings greenery to this part of Vesterbro, and in warmer months many guests drift outside with drinks, blurring the boundary between interior community house and neighborhood street life. Large windows and frequently open doors keep the connection strong even in cooler weather. As day turns to night, candles and soft lighting transform the hall into a warm glow visible from the boulevard. The house stays open until late, especially on weekends, so you can end an evening of shared dinner lingering at the bar, joining a board game or simply people-watching from your spot at the table.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Enghaveparken
0.5 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Cykelslangen
0.8 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.
Havneholmen 33
1.0 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Elefantporten
1.2 km
Four monumental granite elephants carry a historic brewery tower on their backs, blending whimsy, symbolism and industrial heritage in the heart of Carlsberg Byen.
Copenhagen Central Station
1.2 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
1.3 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Frihedsstøtten
1.3 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
1.4 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Storm P. Museum
1.5 km
Delve into the world of Danish humor and satirical art at the Storm P. Museum, where whimsical cartoons, eccentric inventions, and cultural history come alive in Frederiksberg.
CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
1.6 km
Scandinavia's largest cemetery: a 54-hectare landscape of history, architecture, and remembrance in Copenhagen.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
1.6 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Søndermarken
1.7 km
Historic parklands in Frederiksberg with grand avenues, romantic woodlands, royal pavilions, and subterranean secrets—an urban oasis blending nature and history.
Museum of Copenhagen
1.7 km
Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Lur Blowers
1.7 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Frederiksberg Palace
1.7 km
Frederiksberg Palace: majestic Baroque castle on Frederiksberg Hill, surrounded by elegant gardens, royal history, and panoramic views in the heart of Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fermentoren
0.5 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, where innovative architecture meets interactive storytelling and rich seafaring history.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
0.6 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Istedgade
0.6 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Freddys Bar
0.7 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Mikkeller Bar
0.9 km
Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.
Øksnehallen
0.9 km
Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.
Værnedamsvej
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s “Little Paris”: a short, atmospheric street where historic food shops, French-inflected cafés and design boutiques create an intimate, everyday city buzz.
Det Ny Teater
0.9 km
Historic Belle Époque playhouse turned musical powerhouse, Det Ny Teater blends gilded grandeur, modern stagecraft and big‑scale productions in the heart of Copenhagen.
Falkonerbrønden
0.9 km
A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Frederiksberg Allé
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s historic royal boulevard, where linden trees, theatres and elegant facades lead from city bustle to the green calm of Frederiksberg Gardens.
Planetarium
1.1 km
Immerse yourself in razor‑sharp journeys through the cosmos beneath Europe’s largest tilted dome at Copenhagen’s lakeside Planetarium, a family‑friendly hub of space science.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
1.2 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
The Hill House Museum
1.2 km
Step into a preserved Danish Golden Age home where intimate rooms, a romantic garden and literary memories of Hans Christian Andersen bring 19th‑century Frederiksberg to life.
Model train display
1.2 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
1.3 km
Step into the original 1847 Carlsberg brewery for immersive beer history, interactive exhibits, courtyard drinks and encounters with the brewery’s iconic draught horses.
Essential places to dine
Bevi Bevi
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Je t'aime
0.5 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.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
0.6 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Fleisch
0.7 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Paté Paté
0.7 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Restaurant Spuntino
0.8 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Madklubben Vesterbro
0.8 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Delphine
0.9 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Cofoco
0.9 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
The Harbour
0.9 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
Ristorante Buono
0.9 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
MASH Penthouse
1.0 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.
Maple Casual Dining
1.0 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
Frederik the VI
1.0 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Smagsløget
1.0 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Funky Junky
0.5 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
0.8 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.8 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
Artikel København
0.9 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
1.3 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Tivoli Gift Shop
1.4 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Souvenir Gift Shop
1.4 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Wonderful Souvenirs
1.7 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
1.8 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
1.8 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
København K
1.8 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.9 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Souvenir Shop
1.9 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Wasteland
1.9 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
1.9 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Riesen Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
0.6 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
0.6 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
1656 Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
JOJO
0.7 km
Colourful neighbourhood cocktail bar in Vesterbro, serving freshly crafted drinks on tap in a relaxed, sociable setting that suits pre-drinks, dates and casual nights.
Jolene Bar
0.7 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
0.7 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Märkbar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
Lidkoeb
0.8 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Spunk
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
Curfew
1.0 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Amigo Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
CUBE bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Jernbanecafeen
1.1 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
bird
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KB3
0.5 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
The Union
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Baggen
0.7 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
CristalClubCopenhagen
0.9 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
0.9 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Never Mind
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
1.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Module
1.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Haven - Events
1.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Club Mambo
1.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Dorsia
1.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Moon Club
1.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
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
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly