Ørsted Ølbar

Basement hideaway by the park

Ørsted Ølbar sits a few steps below Nørre Farimagsgade, facing the trees and ponds of Ørstedsparken and just a short walk from the heart of central Copenhagen. Descending into the basement, you leave the traffic behind and step into a warmly lit space where candles flicker on worn wooden tables and the ceiling feels low and intimate. The setting has the feel of a classic neighborhood pub, but with a distinctly Danish twist: understated, cozy and unpretentious. The bar’s name nods to the adjacent park and to the Ørsted family, woven into Danish scientific and cultural history. Inside, though, the focus is firmly on contemporary beer culture. Locals drop in after work, small groups gather around board games, and solo visitors lean on the bar, talking hops and malt with the staff. It is the kind of place where time slips by almost unnoticed.

Candlelight, couches and casual charm

The interior is a study in relaxed, slightly rustic comfort. Distressed wood dominates: heavy tables, a long bar and mismatched chairs that look like they have seen countless conversations. Low, warm lighting and table candles create pools of light that make the basement feel welcoming rather than dark. Towards the back, soft couches and lounge corners invite you to sink in and linger over a slower sipper. Despite the central location, the mood is casual and lived-in rather than glossy. You might spot chalkboards listing the current tap line-up, shelves of bottles behind the bar and a scattering of beer posters and memorabilia on the walls. It is easy to settle into a corner, lose track of the outside world and treat the bar as a temporary living room.

Serious beer list, playful attitude

Ørsted Ølbar is best known for its deep and varied beer selection. Expect a sizable number of taps pouring everything from crisp lagers and classic European styles to hop-forward IPAs, robust stouts and the occasional sour or experimental brew. Many are from Danish microbreweries, often including beers badged with the Ørsted name that are brewed specially for the bar. The staff take their beer seriously but keep the atmosphere approachable. If you are unsure what to order, it is common to be offered a small taste before committing, and the team will usually steer you toward something that fits your tastes, whether that means a gentle pilsner or a coffee-laced double IPA. Fridges back up the taps with a curated bottle and can selection, giving you even more to explore over repeat visits.

From quiet afternoons to lively evenings

The feel of Ørsted Ølbar shifts through the day. In the afternoon it can be almost contemplative, with sunlight filtering down from street level and a few people reading or chatting quietly over a single glass. As evening approaches, the volume rises, and the bar fills with after-work meetups, pre-dinner drinks and groups settling in for the night. A well-chosen playlist and low murmur of conversation give the room a gentle buzz without overwhelming it. Sports play a supporting role rather than dominating the space. Screens usually show major football matches or big events, but the bar is not a wall-to-wall sports venue; it remains a place for conversation first, with the game as a backdrop. On non-match nights it feels more like a traditional beer bar, a space where the soundtrack is music and the clink of glasses.

Central Copenhagen local with staying power

Part of Ørsted Ølbar’s appeal is how well it straddles multiple roles. For some, it is a first stop on a longer night out; for others, it is a dependable "local" in the city center, somewhere to return to for a familiar atmosphere and an ever-changing tap list. Its proximity to Ørstedsparken also makes it an easy detour after a stroll through the park or an afternoon exploring nearby neighborhoods. There is no full kitchen, so food plays a minor part in the experience; the focus remains on what is in your glass. That said, the central location makes it easy to combine a visit with nearby restaurants. Whether you arrive solo, as a couple or with friends, the combination of serious beer, warm lighting and unforced charm makes Ørsted Ølbar a reliable place to slow down in the middle of Copenhagen.