Folkehuset Absalon
Copenhagen’s colourful community house in a former church, where shared dinners, games and culture turn one big hall into the neighbourhood’s living room.
Folkehuset Absalon is a former church turned colourful community house on Sønder Boulevard in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro. From early breakfast and strong coffee to shared dinners at long tables, ping-pong, yoga, lectures and bingo nights, it blends café, canteen, bar and cultural venue under one vaulted roof. Expect a relaxed, social atmosphere where locals, families, students and visitors mix easily across generations and backgrounds.
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
- Reserve a spot for the communal dinner in advance, especially on weekends and vegetarian nights, as places often sell out.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes before dinner starts to choose a good seat, grab a drink at the bar and ease into the lively atmosphere.
- Check the weekly programme for yoga, bingo, markets or workshops if you want to combine a meal with an activity in the same visit.
- If you prefer a quieter visit, come in the morning for coffee and breakfast when the space feels more like a calm neighbourhood café.
- Bring a friend or come alone and be ready to chat; the long-table setup is designed to spark conversations with people you do not know.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating 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
A former church with a new communal soul
Once a neighbourhood church on leafy Sønder Boulevard, Absalon has been reborn as a lively community house that keeps the soaring ceilings and arched windows but swaps pews for long tables, ping-pong tables and splashes of bright colour. The space feels informal and welcoming rather than solemn, with candles, mismatched chairs and simple design details that make it feel like an oversized living room. The building’s transformation reflects a wider Copenhagen tradition of reusing churches and industrial spaces for everyday culture. Here the focus is not on quiet contemplation, but on creating a shared home for the neighbourhood from early morning until late at night.All-day living room: coffee, laptops and board games
From around half past seven, Absalon wakes up as a café. Locals drift in for breakfast, parents park strollers near the windows and freelancers claim a corner with laptops and coffee. The menu is straightforward and affordable, with pastries, simple plates and hot drinks served at the bar rather than formal table service. Board games line the walls, and you are encouraged to pull one down and start playing, whether it is chess, backgammon or a card game. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried; you can read, chat with friends or simply watch the flow of people as the room gently shifts from a quiet morning café into a busier daytime hangout.Shared dinners at long tables
In the evening, Absalon is best known for its communal dinners. A single set menu is cooked for everyone, often simple home-style dishes with a Nordic or international twist, served at long rows of tables. You sit shoulder to shoulder with strangers as well as friends, passing bowls and plates along the table. Some evenings are vegetarian, and there is usually a playful, informal introduction from the host before everyone starts eating at the same time. The meal is less about fine dining and more about conversation, warmth and the pleasure of eating together in a big, friendly room that buzzes with many languages.Daily activities from yoga to bingo
Throughout the week, Absalon hosts an ever-changing programme of activities. Mornings might bring yoga sessions under the high ceiling, while afternoons could feature creative workshops, talks or children’s events that turn the hall into a giant play space. At other times, flea markets and record fairs fill the nave with stalls. Later in the day, the mood can switch to party mode with themed evenings, music, dance events or famously lively bingo nights. The variety means you can drop in on different days and find a new side of the house each time, from calm and reflective to loud and celebratory.Neighbourhood hub for all ages
Absalon describes itself as an extension of your living room, and that philosophy is visible in the diverse crowd it draws. Families with young children, students, pensioners, international visitors and long-time Vesterbro residents share the same space without clear boundaries between generations or social groups. The pricing of food and activities is kept relatively accessible, reinforcing the idea that this is a house for everyone rather than an exclusive venue. Whether you drop in briefly for a coffee or stay from breakfast through to late-night drinks and games, you experience a piece of contemporary Copenhagen life built around community.Colour, sound and a sense of belonging
What makes Folkehuset Absalon stand out is less any single attraction and more the overall feeling of being part of a shared, ongoing story. The clink of plates, bursts of laughter, echoing footsteps on the wooden floor and occasional ping of a table tennis ball all blend together beneath the painted ceiling. As daylight fades and the room glows with warm light, it is easy to forget you are in a former church and simply feel you are in a big, welcoming house. For travellers, it offers an unusually direct way to tap into everyday Copenhagen culture: pull up a chair, introduce yourself to whoever sits beside you and let the house do the rest.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
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Low Impact
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