Dyreskueplads, Køge
A flexible harbourfront field where Køge’s open sky, sea breeze and industrial silhouettes frame everything from quiet dog walks to large outdoor festivals.
Dyreskueplads in Køge is a flexible green event field on the town’s southern waterfront, used for fairs, cultural happenings and open-air gatherings. Most of the year it is a simple, grassy expanse backed by the industrial silhouettes and new buildings of Søndre Havn, offering space to walk, play and pause by the sea breeze. When festivals, art installations and animal shows roll in, the quiet field transforms into a vivid temporary arena at the edge of the city.
A brief summary to Dyreskueplads
- Køge, 4600, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the local events calendar in advance; during festivals and fairs the otherwise quiet field can be transformed by stages, art installations and food stalls.
- Bring a blanket or portable seating if you plan to linger, as permanent benches and sheltered spots on the field itself are limited.
- Dress for wind and changing weather; the open harbourfront location offers little natural protection from strong breezes or sudden showers.
- If visiting with children or a dog, enjoy the broad grassy space but be mindful of temporary fencing or set‑ups when the site is being prepared for events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walking
From Køge Station, reach Dyreskueplads by walking through the town and towards Søndre Havn; the overall journey typically takes 15–25 minutes on foot at a relaxed pace. The route is flat and paved, suitable for most visitors, though weather on the harbourfront can be windy and exposed. There is no additional transport cost beyond your train ticket to Køge, and the area is accessible year‑round.
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Local bus and short walk
Local buses serving Køge’s southern harbour area provide a convenient option if you prefer to minimize walking. Travel time from the central part of town is usually 10–15 minutes including a brief walk from the nearest stop to the field, depending on the specific line and timetable. A single adult ticket within the local zone typically costs in the range of 12–25 DKK, with reduced fares for children and passes. Services run more frequently on weekdays and daytime; evening and weekend schedules can be thinner, so checking departure times in advance is advisable.
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Bicycle within Køge
Køge is compact and bicycle‑friendly, and Dyreskueplads can be reached from most central neighbourhoods by bike in around 5–15 minutes. The terrain is flat with designated cycle paths on key streets, though the final stretch in the harbour area may mix with light traffic and service vehicles. There is usually informal space to lock a bicycle near the field when no major event is taking place; during larger festivals, temporary bike parking areas are often designated, and access can be briefly redirected while infrastructure is set up or taken down.
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Car or taxi within the Køge area
Arriving by car or taxi from within Køge or nearby suburbs typically takes 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point. During ordinary days, on‑street or harbourfront parking may be available in the wider Søndre Havn district, sometimes with time limits or fees that vary by zone. On major event days, temporary traffic management, higher demand and dedicated event parking areas can extend travel and parking time to 20–30 minutes, and it is common for organisers to recommend arriving early or using public transport to avoid congestion.
Dyreskueplads location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Dyreskueplads
A quiet green field on Køge’s working waterfront
Dyreskueplads is a broad, flat stretch of grass tucked into Køge’s southern harbour district, a calm counterpoint to the silos, warehouses and new housing that frame this once purely industrial shoreline. For most of the year it appears modest: an open municipal field with a few low-key fixtures, simple paths and big sky, more about space than landscaping. Stand here and you feel the proximity of the water even if you cannot always see the waves. Gulls wheel overhead, the air carries a brackish tang, and the horizon is broken by masts, cranes and the outlines of passing ships. The field’s openness is its defining feature, a rare pocket where your eye can travel unimpeded in a town otherwise knitted together by tight streets and compact courtyards.From cattle shows to contemporary happenings
The Danish word “dyrskueplads” literally refers to a fairground for animal shows, and Køge’s field echoes a long national tradition of agricultural exhibitions where farmers once paraded prize cattle, horses and machinery. While the town’s historic shows have shifted over time, the name and function survive in this adaptable strip of harbourfront land, long reserved for large outdoor events. In recent years, the setting has also become a backdrop for modern culture. Temporary art light festivals, open-air performances and seasonal fairs periodically occupy the grass, transforming the otherwise understated field into a glowing canvas of sound, colour and movement. Installations have used projection, soundscapes and illuminated structures to respond to the raw harbour environment, underlining how this is a place defined as much by what happens here as by its permanent fixtures.Everyday uses between the big events
Outside major happenings, Dyreskueplads functions as a simple city park. Locals cut across the field on daily errands, walk dogs along its edges or pause on the grass for a brief escape from the built-up waterfront. Children can run freely on the wide, unobstructed lawn, and casual games are easy to set up when the space is not reserved. There is little ornamental planting; instead, the appeal lies in informality. You may find patches of wildflowers at the margins, the texture of trampled grass where a stage once stood, or improvised desire paths etched by regular walkers. The lack of dense planting allows the wind to sweep across unhindered, making the space feel noticeably cooler on warm days and bracing when the weather turns.Part of a changing Søndre Havn district
Dyreskueplads sits within Søndre Havn, an area where traditional harbour functions are gradually giving way to new housing, cultural venues and promenades. This transition lends the field a certain in-between character: it remains a practical, somewhat raw piece of land, yet it is also increasingly framed by modern architecture and public-realm improvements. As the district evolves, the field acts as a breathing space between dense residential blocks and the working quays. Its open surface is vital during large events, when crowds spread out across the grass with views to cranes and container stacks, but it also softens the urban profile for everyday users, providing a reminder that this waterfront is still partly shaped by tides, weather and seasons.Experiencing light, sky and weather
Because there are few tall trees or structures within Dyreskueplads itself, the sky becomes a main attraction. On bright days, the light can be almost theatrical as clouds move quickly inland from Køge Bay, casting sweeping shadows across the grass. At sunrise and sunset the low angle of the sun silhouettes harbour machinery, creating unexpectedly photogenic compositions for visitors with a camera. Wind is a near-constant companion here. Flags snap sharply during events, sound carries clearly across the open ground, and canvas, banners and stages are often engineered to withstand brisk conditions. Even in poor weather, the field has a certain drama, with lashing rain or mist transforming it into a more introspective landscape, better appreciated on a short, contemplative stroll than a long stay.Practical character and simple facilities
Facilities at Dyreskueplads are intentionally basic so the field can be reconfigured for everything from fairs to concerts. Permanent structures are limited, with temporary installations supplying additional toilets, food stands and shelters when big gatherings take place. On ordinary days, you might find only minimal seating and a few functional fixtures, so many visitors bring their own blankets or make use of nearby harbourfront amenities. This pared-back approach keeps the focus on flexibility. Rather than a manicured park, Dyreskueplads is best understood as Køge’s open canvas: sometimes empty, sometimes bustling, but always shaped by its maritime surroundings and the ever-changing programme of outdoor life that the town chooses to stage on this patch of grass.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Comwell Køge Strand
0.2 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
0.6 km
Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
0.6 km
Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.
Befrielsessten i Køge
0.8 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Køge Torv
0.9 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Køge St.
0.9 km
Experience Skagen’s iconic Det Grå Fyr, an elegant lighthouse offering breathtaking views, unique birdwatching, and local culture at Denmark’s northernmost edge.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
1.0 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Visit
1.1 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Vallø Slotskro
5.6 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Køge Nord
5.6 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Roskildekrukkerne
22.1 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
22.1 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
22.5 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Ledreborg Castle
23.0 km
Denmark's most harmonious 18th-century palace, where 250 years of aristocratic life remain beautifully preserved.
Viking Ship Museum
23.4 km
Beautiful sandy beach blending city and sea, with grassy dunes, safe swimming, and a friendly promenade—Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ closest seaside escape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Køge Miniby
0.1 km
Step into Køge’s past at 1:10 scale, where hand-built model houses, harbour scenes and church spires recreate the market town of 1865 in a tranquil seaside garden.
Tidsrummet
0.3 km
A compact harbourfront playground in Køge where maritime character, industrial backdrops and inventive landscape design create a free, atmospheric urban pause.
Drikkevandpost - Havnen
0.6 km
Solgårdsparken in Køge is a riverside retreat featuring woodlands, lawns, playgrounds, public art, and event spaces—an ideal escape for families and nature lovers.
Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv
0.9 km
Køge’s documentary memory bank, where quiet shelves of papers, photos and maps reveal centuries of local life to anyone ready to start researching.
Vandkunsten - Stationspladsen
0.9 km
A sculptural fountain anchoring Køge’s station square, where moving water, stone and light turn a busy transport hub into an inviting urban meeting place.
Køge Museum
0.9 km
Time‑travel through Køge’s past inside a 17th‑century merchant’s house where Viking treasures, buried secrets and a tranquil courtyard meet in one intimate museum.
Køge syd mole
0.9 km
Wind, waves and wide horizons on Køge’s southern breakwater, where a simple harbour mole becomes a front-row seat to the ever-changing mood of Køge Bay.
Drikkevandpost - Torvet 14
0.9 km
A small but essential drinking water fountain on Køge’s historic Torvet, offering free, clean tap water and a brief pause amid cobblestones and town life.
Brønden på Køge Torv
1.0 km
A German-inspired historic well on Køge’s grand market square, where everyday water, medieval trade and modern town life quietly flow together.
the old house
1.0 km
One of Denmark’s oldest dated half‑timbered houses, this 1527 gem in Køge’s old town now hosts a cosy children’s library and atmospheric vaulted cellar.
Køge Church
1.1 km
Explore Køge Church: a landmark of Danish Gothic architecture with Renaissance treasures, vibrant frescoes, and a pivotal role in the historic heart of Køge.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
1.1 km
Discover Køge Church—a late medieval architectural gem, celebrated for its stunning murals, ornate interiors, and centuries of local history in the old town center.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
1.1 km
Denmark’s dedicated museum for art in public spaces, revealing the sketches, models and stories behind monuments, murals and urban artworks in the heart of Køge.
Køge Fælles Jord
1.2 km
A 2.5‑hectare regenerative community garden and tiny‑house lab on Køge’s southern edge, where soil, biodiversity and low‑impact living are explored together.
Lovparken
1.3 km
Experience Køge’s centuries-old Sankt Nicolai Kirke—a showcase of Nordic Gothic architecture, unique artworks, and vibrant local history in the town center.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Kulhuset
0.4 km
Harbourfront steakhouse in Køge where you grill your own cuts at custom tables, pairing hearty meat dishes with marina views and a relaxed social vibe.
Pakhuset Braunstein
0.5 km
Waterfront Danish taphouse in Køge’s harbor, pouring Braunstein craft beers alongside casual food in a light‑filled, architect‑designed social space by the quay.
Limone
0.6 km
Harbourfront Italian cooking in Køge, where candlelit tables and marina views meet generous pastas, grilled meats and classic desserts in a warm, relaxed setting.
Bossa Nova
0.6 km
Cozy harborfront restaurant in Køge blending relaxed bossa nova vibes, generous seafood and steaks, candlelit interiors and marina views ideal for slow, lingering meals.
Rib House Køge
0.6 km
Casual harborfront steakhouse in Køge serving hearty ribs, grills and buffets in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings by the waterfront.
Skippers Dreng
0.6 km
Casual harbourfront brasserie and bar in Køge, blending Danish comfort food, steaks and brunch with long, relaxed evenings by the waterfront.
Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine Restaurant & Take Away
0.6 km
Authentic Thai cuisine with generous portions on Køge harbour—casual, friendly, and excellent value.
Jenners Dockside
0.6 km
Harborfront Danish dining in a yellow half-timbered house, combining smørrebrød, smoked seafood and sunny terrace views over Køge’s atmospheric old quay.
Siesta Prime Grill
0.7 km
Casual grill house in the centre of Køge serving hearty Mediterranean‑inspired comfort food, ideal for laid‑back lunches, relaxed dinners and social evenings.
Sandwich Cafeen
0.7 km
Hearty, freshly made sandwiches in the heart of Køge’s old town, ideal for a quick, tasty stop between historic streets and harbour strolls.
Bone's Køge
0.8 km
Family-friendly American BBQ in the heart of Køge, serving generous ribs, burgers and salad bar in a cosy, saloon-inspired setting ideal for relaxed group meals.
Hugo's kælder
0.8 km
Atmospheric beer cellar and jazz bar in historic Køge, known for craft brews, live music, and a sociable garden—where local heritage meets Danish hygge.
Restaurant Il Gallo
0.8 km
Authentic Italian cuisine and fine wines in Køge's charming pedestrian quarter since 1997.
Halifax Burgers Køge
0.8 km
Casual, contemporary burger hangout on Køge’s cultural square, serving customisable patties, vegan options and drinks with both indoor cosiness and sunny terraces.
Restaurant Christiansminde
0.8 km
Traditional Danish and Chinese-inspired comfort cooking in a 19th-century building on Brogade, offering generous portions and a relaxed, old-town Køge atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
My Apartment Køge
0.8 km
A cosy, apartment-inspired fashion boutique in central Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, home-like shopping atmosphere.
Den Blå Dør
0.8 km
A cosy blue-doored boutique in Køge’s old town, blending Scandinavian interiors, fashion and small everyday luxuries in a colourful, carefully curated setting.
Miss O
0.8 km
Contemporary women's fashion in a hidden courtyard boutique at the heart of Køge's historic shopping district.
Zizzi - Køge
0.8 km
Modern Scandinavian plus size fashion in the heart of historic Køge, offering curve-friendly styles, relaxed fitting rooms and personal styling help on Brogade.
Pioneer V/søren Marsner Hansen
0.8 km
Owner-led menswear boutique in Køge’s historic center, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired clothing and a calm, personal shopping experience.
Kings & Queens Køge
0.8 km
Curated contemporary fashion for young adults in central Køge's vibrant shopping district.
køge butikker brogade
0.8 km
A cosy antiques haven on historic Brogade, where pewter, brass and pre‑1900 treasures from South Zealand fill creaking rooms with stories from another era.
VILA
0.8 km
A light-filled Scandinavian fashion boutique in Køge’s old town, blending feminine everyday styles with relaxed, modern Nordic design.
NORMAL Køge, Strædet
0.9 km
A bright, maze-like discount shop in Køge’s Strædet centre, where everyday branded essentials and quirky finds turn a simple errand into a low-cost mini treasure hunt.
JACK & JONES
0.9 km
Straightforward Scandinavian menswear in Køge’s Strædet shopping street, with a strong focus on denim, casual basics and easy everyday style.
Strædet Køge
0.9 km
Open-air shopping street in the heart of Køge, blending modern Scandinavian retail, cafés and everyday services with the charm of a historic Danish market town.
La Belle
0.9 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Køge's charming old town.
Rokkjær-Køge
0.9 km
A contemporary Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Køge’s historic market square, blending modern style, local brands and a building marked by centuries of town history.
Krybben V/helle Frost
0.9 km
Atmospheric women’s fashion boutique in a historic Køge courtyard, blending Scandinavian style, leather and fur pieces, and curated accessories right on Torvet.
Cosmetics La Boutique
0.9 km
Køge's premier destination for curated fragrances, skincare, and beauty accessories.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old Irish Pub
0.6 km
Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
Ibsens Pub & Vinbar
0.6 km
Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.
Vinbaren Køge
0.7 km
Intimate wine bar in Køge’s old town, serving well-chosen bottles, tapas-style plates and plenty of Danish hygge from relaxed afternoons to late-night last pours.
Den høje stue
1.0 km
Cosy sportspub on Køge’s historic Torvet, pairing classic bar vibes with big-screen matches and relaxed small‑town atmosphere late into the evening.
RICHTERs Ølstue
1.1 km
Characterful beer hall in Køge’s historic centre, pouring quality specialty brews and serving hearty Danish smørrebrød in a warm, wood-accented pub setting.
Café Asti
1.1 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.
Bodega Slap A
1.1 km
Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.
Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen
1.4 km
Unpretentious local bodega and community hangout in Køge’s Ellemarken district, serving inexpensive drinks, sports on TV and a relaxed slice of everyday Danish life.
Grillen
1.5 km
Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.
MC 19 Køge
6.3 km
Unpretentious roadside bar on the edge of Lille Skensved, blending motorcycle-club spirit with classic Danish pub hospitality and a relaxed, locals-first atmosphere.
Bykroen
19.9 km
Cozy local bar and live music hangout on Haslev’s main street, offering simple drinks, late-weekend nights and an authentic small-town Danish atmosphere.
Charlie Chaplin
20.8 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Vinbaren Muicon
20.9 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
20.9 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Roskilde Bodega
22.0 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Bloom Nightclub
0.5 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
The Flame
0.5 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
0.5 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Tropicana DC
19.7 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Klubhuset
19.8 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Dansebar Roskilde
22.0 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
22.0 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Danseriet
22.4 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Haven - Events
33.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
KB3
33.4 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
The Union
33.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Baggen
33.6 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
33.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
CristalClubCopenhagen
33.8 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
33.8 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
