Reffen – Skøjteøen
Waterfront street food, glowing ice rinks and urban harbour vibes come together at Copenhagen’s creative winter playground on Refshaleøen.
Reffen – Skøjteøen is Copenhagen’s playful winter twist on its famed waterfront street food market, set in the raw industrial surroundings of Refshaleøen. As temperatures drop, this sprawling container village by the harbour transforms into an atmospheric ice-skating island, combining twinkling lights, outdoor rinks and cozy firepits with global street food, hot drinks and creative markets. It is an easy-going, social spot where locals and visitors skate, snack and linger by the water long after dark.
A brief summary to Reffen - Skøjteøen
- Refshalevej 167, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1432, DK
- +4533930760
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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
- Dress in warm, layered clothing and bring gloves or mittens for skating; the harbour winds can feel significantly colder than in the city centre.
- Arrive earlier in the afternoon on weekends to secure seating with harbour views and to avoid the longest queues at the most popular food stalls.
- If you plan to skate, budget extra time for fitting and returning rental skates, especially during peak winter events when many visitors use the rinks.
- Consider sharing dishes across several stalls rather than ordering full meals from just one vendor to sample more of the global flavours on offer.
- Check current seasonal opening hours for both Reffen and Skøjteøen before you go, as schedules and available stalls can vary between summer and winter.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Reffen - Skøjteøen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Reffen - Skøjteøen
Harbourfront Playground on an Industrial Island
Reffen – Skøjteøen sits on Refshaleøen, a former shipyard area that has evolved into one of Copenhagen’s most creative quarters. Old workshops, rusty cranes and wide concrete yards frame the market, creating a gritty, cinematic backdrop for the colourful shipping containers that house dozens of food stalls and bars. The harbour is never far away: wherever you stand you can glimpse water, boats and long views back towards the city skyline. The scale is impressive. Across thousands of square metres you find open courtyards, covered seating nooks and wide wooden decks that double as sun terraces in summer and lantern-lit promenades in winter. Despite its size, the layout feels informal and improvised, with stacked containers, hand-painted signs and quirky art pieces giving the whole place a relaxed, festival-like character.Street Food, Craft Drinks and Creative Corners
Food is the heart of Reffen all year. Around the market you can graze from a changing line-up of stalls serving everything from Korean fried chicken and ramen to Neapolitan-style pizza, tacos, Middle Eastern mezze and Danish comfort food. The concept emphasises small independent vendors and a start-up spirit, so menus tend to be bold, affordable and designed for sharing at communal tables. Bars and a small on-site brewery complete the picture, pouring local beers, natural wines and playful cocktails alongside hot chocolate and steaming mulled drinks in the colder months. Between the food and drink hubs, small creative workshops, studios and vintage corners showcase local makers, adding browsing opportunities between meals. Music drifts from speakers or live stages, with DJ sets, concerts and cultural events programmed heavily during the main season.When Reffen Becomes the Skating Island
In late autumn and winter, the Skøjteøen universe appears and the focus shifts to ice and lights. One large rink is set aside for confident skaters, while a separate smaller rink gives children and beginners a gentler space to practice. Rental counters provide skates in a range of sizes, and the staff can help with fitting and basic advice for newcomers. As dusk falls, the rinks glow under strings of bulbs and coloured spotlights. Music sets the tempo as people circle the ice, pause to warm their hands around cups of gløgg or coffee, and drift back and forth between skating and snacking. Seasonal events – from karaoke on ice and themed “winter games” to markets and workshops – keep the energy high on weekends, turning the area into a festive village by the water.Atmosphere, Seasons and Practical Details
Reffen operates mainly as an open-air venue, so the experience changes with the weather. On bright summer days the decks and sandy corners fill with people in deckchairs looking out over the harbour; in winter, fire pits, blankets and covered areas help keep things comfortable even when the air is sharp. The Skøjteøen setup typically runs on weekends, aligning with winter opening hours so the rinks and food stalls feel busy but not overcrowded. Facilities are practical for longer stays. There are public restrooms, clearly marked waste and recycling points, a mix of covered and open seating, and information boards highlighting seasonal events and site maps. Entry to the market area is generally free, with costs limited to what you eat, drink or spend on skate rental. Card payments are widely accepted and mobile reception is strong, making it easy to coordinate with friends or look up stall menus and event listings.Who Enjoys Reffen – Skøjteøen
Reffen – Skøjteøen attracts a broad crowd: families with children drawn by the smaller rink and creative activities; couples seeking a scenic, slightly offbeat date night; and groups of friends combining skating with a casual food tour. Solo visitors also find it an easy place to explore, thanks to communal seating and a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. The terrain is mostly flat and paved, though it remains an outdoor, warehouse-style environment, so sturdy footwear and warm layers are useful in the colder months. With its blend of urban edge and harbour views, the site also appeals to photographers and content creators, who come for sunset backdrops, container colours and action shots on the ice. Whether you stay for a quick spin on the rink or linger for hours over multiple small plates, the experience feels distinctly Copenhagen: creative, informal and closely tied to the water.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- 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
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
