Reffen – Skøjteøen
Northern Europe's largest street food market transforms into a winter ice-skating universe with global flavors and waterfront views.
Northern Europe's largest street food market set in a repurposed industrial shipyard on Refshaleøen waterfront. Over 35 food stalls, 10 bars, and creative workshops serve global cuisines in colorful shipping containers. Winter transforms the space into Skøjteøen, an atmospheric outdoor ice-skating venue with hot drinks and festive markets. Free entry year-round; food and drinks purchased separately.
A brief summary to Reffen - Skøjteøen
- Refshalevej 167, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1432, DK
- +4533930760
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Budget
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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
- Arrive early on weekends to secure outdoor seating with the best harbor views, especially during sunny afternoons when the market fills quickly.
- Bring a reusable cup or plate—many food vendors offer eco-discounts if you provide your own containers, reducing waste and supporting sustainability.
- Food vendors rotate seasonally, so return visits often reward you with new cuisines and treats not available on previous visits.
- During ice skating season (November–February), rent skates on-site and bring gloves for comfort; visit public restrooms before peak meal times to avoid queues.
- Bring water or sunscreen on hot days as shade is limited; the waterfront location offers no natural shelter from direct sun.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take bus 2A from Copenhagen Central Station (near Tivoli entrance) to the final stop at Refshaleøen. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run approximately every 10 minutes throughout the day. The bus stop is a short 5-minute walk from Reffen's entrance. Cost is approximately 24 DKK for a single ticket within Copenhagen's zone system.
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Bicycle
Cycling along the waterfront is the most popular approach, taking approximately 20 minutes from central Copenhagen (Nyhavn area). Follow the harbor-side cycle paths northward toward Refshaleøen. Ample free bike parking is available outside Reffen. This option offers scenic views and avoids traffic congestion.
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Harbour Bus
Water taxis (routes 991 and 992) depart from central Copenhagen's harbor stops and run approximately every 20 minutes to the Refshaleøen stop, a short walk from Reffen. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes. Single tickets cost approximately 40 DKK. This scenic option provides unique waterfront perspectives.
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Car
Drive directly to Reffen's entrance on Refshalevej. Paid parking is available on-site; check signage for current rates and regulations. No designated disabled parking zones are marked, though accessible parking may be available—contact Reffen directly for specific accessibility needs. Parking is managed by external operators, not Reffen.
Reffen - Skøjteøen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Reffen - Skøjteøen
From Industrial Shipyard to Cultural Waterfront Hub
Reffen emerged in 2018 from a neglected industrial site on Refshaleøen, transforming a dusty harbor lot surrounded by abandoned B&W shipyard workshops into Northern Europe's largest street food market. Today, the 12,000 square-meter venue sprawls across the waterfront with colorful shipping containers, reclaimed machinery, and open-air gathering spaces. The transformation preserved the raw industrial character while injecting vibrant energy—old machine halls now host concerts and exhibitions, while the harbor views remain a defining feature of the experience.A Global Food Destination with Local Roots
Approximately 35 rotating food stalls showcase cuisines from across the world, from Thai and Mexican to Nordic and fusion concepts. The stalls operate within repurposed shipping containers painted in bold colors, creating an instantly recognizable aesthetic. Around 10 bars serve craft beers, wines, cocktails, and hot beverages, while a dedicated coffee shop operates throughout the season. Beyond food, creative workshops, a tattoo studio, glass studio, and vintage clothing vendors add layers of discovery. The on-site Reffen Brewery produces its own beers and offers tastings and tours during the season.Seasonal Transformations and Year-Round Programming
Reffen operates on a seasonal calendar. From March through September, the market opens daily with extended hours, hosting live concerts, art festivals, DJ sets, drag nights, and creative workshops. The calendar fills with cultural events, from beer festivals in autumn to Halloween celebrations. From November through February, the space transforms into Skøjteøen—an outdoor ice-skating universe featuring two rinks (one for general skating, one for children), surrounded by street food stalls, hot drinks, craft markets, and a packed winter event schedule including karaoke on ice, Christmas markets, and live music performances.Atmosphere and Social Spaces
The venue thrives on communal gathering. Deckchairs, picnic tables, and bonfire areas create informal seating throughout the grounds. Werkstatt, a converted high-ceilinged machine hall, serves as the largest indoor space, functioning as a dining area, concert venue, and event space regardless of weather. The waterfront setting provides unobstructed harbor views, particularly striking during sunset hours. The raw industrial aesthetic—exposed brick, metal structures, container architecture—contrasts with the lively, colorful energy of food stalls and crowds, creating a distinctive Copenhagen character that feels both gritty and celebratory.Accessibility and Practical Considerations
Entry to Reffen is free; costs apply only to food and beverages purchased. The venue accommodates various mobility options: cycling is popular with dedicated bike parking, bus service runs frequently via route 2A from Copenhagen Central Station, harbor buses provide scenic water access, and car parking is available on-site (paid). Walking from central Copenhagen takes 25–30 minutes from Nyhavn. During peak hours—particularly weekend afternoons and evenings—the market becomes crowded, with queues at popular food stalls. Limited shade exists on hot days, and public restrooms can experience queues during peak meal times. The outdoor setting means weather significantly impacts comfort, though Werkstatt provides shelter.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
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Casual
- Scenic
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Industrial
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
- TikTok-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
