Ballen Fisk
Relaxed harborfront fish shop and seafood eatery on Samsø, serving fresh catch, smoked specialties and classic Danish fish dishes beside Ballen Harbour.
Set on the quay of Ballen Harbour on Samsø, Ballen Fisk is both a relaxed seafood eatery and a fishmonger, known for fresh local catches, smoked specialties and informal harborfront dining. Guests order at the counter, then settle on the sunny terrace or indoors with views of bobbing boats, savoring classics like fish cakes, fish ‘n’ chips and cold platters built around what has come in from the Kattegat that day.
A brief summary to Ballen Fisk
- Havnevej 3, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4523116414
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-8 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 10 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Arrive slightly before typical meal times in high summer to find a good spot on the terrace with direct views over Ballen Harbour.
- Browse the fish counter first; many dishes mirror what is on display, and you can pick up smoked fish or salads to enjoy later.
- Bring a warm layer even on sunny days, as the harbourfront can feel cool and breezy once you settle in for a long meal outdoors.
- If anyone in your group does not eat seafood, check the menu before committing, as non-fish choices can be limited.
- Consider sharing a mixed fish platter to sample several smoked and fresh specialties in one order.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Ballen Fisk location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
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Any Weather
Discover more about Ballen Fisk
Harborfront Seafood Hub on Samsø
Ballen Fisk sits right on the waterfront of Ballen Harbour, one of Samsø’s liveliest little ports. Fishing boats, pleasure craft and ferries glide in and out only a few metres from the terrace, creating a constant backdrop of movement and soft harbour sounds. The building itself is low-key and functional rather than grand, echoing its roots as a local fish shop that gradually expanded into a casual restaurant. Stepping inside, you meet chilled counters piled with fillets, whole fish and house-smoked specialties. The feeling is more working fishmonger than polished brasserie, and that is part of its charm: you are very close to the source of what ends up on your plate. Chalkboards list the day’s offerings, often adjusted to match the morning’s catch and the smokehouse output.From Fish Shop to Informal Eatery
Ballen Fisk combines two roles under one roof. On one side, locals and self-catering visitors pick up fresh and smoked fish, salads and sauces to take back to cottages and boats. On the other, an easygoing dining area and broad terrace serve ready-made meals throughout the day. The line between shop and kitchen is thin; many dishes start with products from the counter. The concept is deliberately unfussy. You order at the counter, find a seat, and food is brought out on trays or simple plates. Wood tables, maritime details and big windows keep the focus on the harbour views rather than on décor. In good weather the outdoor seating dominates, with parasols and blankets making it possible to linger long into cool evenings.Menu Built Around the Catch
The menu centres on Nordic-style seafood, with variations across the season. Expect fish cakes, fish ‘n’ chips, smoked salmon and other smoked fish served with potato salad, remoulade and rye bread, along with generous cold platters mixing several specialties. On peak days, there may be simple warm dishes such as pan-fried fillets or seafood salads that change with supply. Sides are straightforward but comforting: rustic bread, potatoes, salads with local greens and classic sauces. The emphasis is on freshness and portion size rather than complex presentation. Non-fish options are limited, making this a place that leans heavily toward seafood lovers. Children often gravitate to the crisp fish ‘n’ chips or smaller portions from the main menu.Atmosphere by the Danish Seaside
The mood at Ballen Fisk is casual and summery, especially during the island’s busy holiday months when yachts line the harbour wall. Conversation drifts across tables in Danish, German and English, while the clatter of cutlery mixes with the sounds of rigging tapping against masts. It feels as natural to arrive in walking clothes as in sailing gear. Indoors, the atmosphere is cosy and practical, good for windy or chilly days when the Kattegat weather turns. Large windows keep the sense of place alive, framing views of the quay. There is no strict dress code or formality; it works equally well for a quick lunch break between island explorations or a relaxed early evening meal before a stroll along the water.Part of Island Life on Samsø
Ballen Fisk also fits into a wider Samsø experience, where local food and coastal landscapes are central themes. The island is known for its agriculture and climate-friendly initiatives, and fresh seafood from nearby waters complements that story. Many visitors fold a stop here into a day exploring beaches, farm stands and small villages. Because opening hours concentrate on the season when harbour life is at its peak, the restaurant naturally follows the rhythm of summer holidays and mild-weather weekends. At quieter times it becomes more of a convenient fish shop for residents and off-season visitors. At any point in the year, though, its core identity remains the same: simple seafood, harbour views and a direct line from local boats to your plate.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The small Summer Hotel
0.2 km
Experience authentic Danish seaside charm at The Small Summer Hotel in Ballen, Samsø, offering cozy accommodations and a perfect base for exploring the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Ballen Strandpark - Ferielejligheder og feriehus
0.5 km
Experience coastal bliss at Ballen Strandpark on Samsø: stunning sea views, direct beach access, and charming apartments near Ballen harbor, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
Samsø Sogn
3.7 km
A modest whitewashed parish in Tranebjerg where Samsø’s island history, everyday rituals and quiet faith meet along bustling Langgade.
Hotel Vadstrup1771
4.8 km
Experience the tranquil charm of Hotel Vadstrup1771, a perfect retreat in the heart of Samsø, blending comfort with local culinary delights.
Ilsemade Helligkilde
7.2 km
A Bronze Age sacred spring where fresh water flows from an ancient hollow oak, connecting modern visitors to 3,000 years of spiritual tradition.
The Kanhave Canal
10.3 km
A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
14.6 km
Experience fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning harbor views at Restaurant Mårup Havn, a culinary gem on the scenic island of Samsø, Denmark.
Oasen Samsø
16.1 km
Discover tranquility and island charm at Oasen Samsø, a unique retreat offering comfortable accommodations, natural beauty, and a rich cultural experience on Denmark's sustainable island.
Mindesten - Morten Madsen
18.5 km
A modest memorial stone set in Samsø’s quiet countryside, offering a brief, reflective pause amid open fields, island sky and centuries of local history.
Landmarket Horsedalen
23.2 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
27.6 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Danhostel Kalundborg
31.3 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.
Our Lady Church
31.5 km
A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.
The eltest city hall
31.6 km
A modest medieval town hall in Kalundborg’s Højbyen, where centuries of local power, trade and everyday life still echo in cobbled streets and weathered walls.
Kalundborg Slot
31.8 km
An invisible castle at the centre of Kalundborg, where streets, stories and subtle traces reveal the outline of a vanished medieval stronghold.
Unmissable attractions to see
Festivalpladsen
1.8 km
Open-air festival grounds at the edge of forest and fields, where quiet island scenery transforms into a cozy Danish music celebration each summer.
Tidselkorridoren
1.8 km
A winding botanical art corridor celebrating Samsø's wildflowers and native plants.
Brundby Stubmølle
2.1 km
One of Denmark’s oldest post mills, Brundby Stubmølle pairs centuries-old milling history with wide Samsø views from a peaceful hill just above the village.
Dansebjerg
2.5 km
Creative hilltop retreat on Samsø with wide Kattegat views, flexible communal spaces and a calm, homely atmosphere made for groups, workshops and slow island days.
Samsø Island Distillery
3.4 km
Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.
Samsø Museum
3.5 km
Distributed cultural museum exploring 16,000 years of Samsø's landscape, heritage, and human connection to nature.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
4.0 km
High‑speed falcons, soaring eagles and silent owls in a one‑hour open‑air show that brings the ancient art of falconry to life on the island of Samsø.
Stakladen Besser
5.1 km
A rustic island barn transformed into a light-filled gallery, with weekly changing art and craft exhibitions in the heart of Besser on Samsø.
Besser Udsigtstårn
5.2 km
A modest island lookout tower on the ruins of an old mill, offering wide Samsø panoramas, quiet rural atmosphere and glimpses of distant Kalundborg on clear days.
The Morgan Garage
5.3 km
A tiny village workshop turned Morgan treasure-trove, blending hand-built British sports cars, quirky automobilia and Samsø’s quietly green island backdrop.
Samsø Egnsarkiv
5.7 km
Samsø's historical archive preserving centuries of island records and family heritage.
Husmandsstedet Fredensdal
6.5 km
An intimate Samsø smallholder’s farm where thatched roofs, animals and kitchen gardens bring Denmark’s rural past to life in a single charming homestead.
Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
6.8 km
Nordic luxury meets coastal serenity on Samsø's quietest shore, where exceptional food and genuine hospitality define every moment.
Samsø Badehotel
6.8 km
Luxury seaside retreat blending Danish bathhouse tradition with contemporary comfort and celebrated cuisine.
Yduns Have ApS
6.9 km
Organic farm, self-serve shop and rustic cabins on Samsø’s quiet east side, where you taste the island’s vegetables right where they’re grown.
Essential places to dine
Ballen Fisk
0.0 km
Relaxed harborfront fish shop and seafood eatery on Samsø, serving fresh catch, smoked specialties and classic Danish fish dishes beside Ballen Harbour.
Restaurant Dokken
0.0 km
Harbourfront restaurant in Ballen blending Samsø’s maritime shipyard heritage, local Danish classics and lively summer terrace vibes right on the water’s edge.
Røgeriet
0.1 km
Harbourside smokehouse on Samsø serving freshly smoked fish and Danish seafood classics with local island produce and wide views over Ballen’s lively marina.
Samsø Værftet
0.1 km
Easy-going wharfside restaurant, coffee bar and cocktail hangout on Ballen’s harbourfront, blending seaside leisure, local flavour and Samsø’s laid-back island energy.
Den Gamle Butik
0.1 km
Cozy harbor dining with award-winning local beef, island potatoes, and an exceptional wine cellar on Samsø.
Pizzeria Maya
0.1 km
Cozy island pizzeria in Ballen serving creative stone‑baked pizzas, pastas and wine in a relaxed, harbor‑side setting on Denmark’s vegetable‑rich Samsø.
Restaurant Skipperly I/S
0.1 km
Island harbor dining where local ingredients and Nordic tradition meet genuine warmth and refined technique.
I Haven Bistro
0.2 km
Cosy Samsø bistro in Ballen’s holiday heart, serving relaxed, seasonal comfort food a short stroll from the harbour and sandy beaches.
Ballen Badehotel
0.2 km
Classic Danish seaside hotel on Samsø, blending nostalgic bath-hotel charm, local gastronomy and harbor life just steps from the marina and beach.
Don Juan Restaurant & Pizzaria
0.2 km
Relaxed Italian comfort food and takeaway favourite in Tranebjerg, serving stone‑baked pizzas, pastas, meat and fish dishes after long Samsø days outdoors.
Molevitten
0.3 km
Lively Samsø hangout in Ballen mixing local-produce dinners, a friendly bar and live music, where islanders and visitors share long evenings by the harbour.
Syv Ni 13 på Strandlyst
1.1 km
Seasonal social dining in a Nordic seaside hotel, where Samsø’s vegetables, local seafood and thoughtful pairings shape an intimate island evening.
rumogrooms.dk - Hotel og Madhus Rumogrooms
2.4 km
Bright Nordic rooms and a seasonal madhus in a quiet Samsø village, blending minimalist design, local flavours and island calm in an intimate hotel setting.
Den Gule Parasol
3.3 km
Sunny, laid-back café-restaurant in Tranebjerg serving tapas, sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a relaxed lunch stop amid Samsø’s village life.
Carlo's Corner
3.4 km
Cosy Samsø wine shop and smørrebrød hideaway where generous open sandwiches, characterful bottles and relaxed village charm meet on Langgade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.2 km
Cozy island thrift store on Samsø where secondhand finds, local volunteers and a quiet sense of purpose turn everyday shopping into low-key, sustainable giving.
Svane
0.2 km
A calm, Scandinavian-style multibrand boutique in Ballen, where curated fashion and cozy homewares meet Samsø’s laid-back harbour atmosphere.
MoltkeDesign
2.2 km
Design-forward village boutique and intimate three-room B&B in Brundby, blending Scandinavian style, local art and relaxed Samsø island living under one roof.
Eskehus Samsø
2.3 km
Island design boutique and gallery on Samsø, blending BY BJORKSTRAND fashion, sustainable interiors, ceramics and botanical art in a charming village house.
Huge Market on the island
2.3 km
A cavernous Samsø flea and antique market where vintage furniture, island curios and second-hand treasures gather under one relaxed, rummage-friendly roof.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
3.1 km
Cosy Samsø charity op shop where island life, reuse and social responsibility meet in a volunteer-run treasure trove of second-hand finds.
Hobbyboden Scrapworld – Din onlline hobby butik indenfor scrapbooking, kort og mixed media
3.1 km
A cozy island outlet of a major Danish scrapbooking webshop, packed with papers, stamps and mixed-media supplies for creative travelers on Samsø.
Buur - Items & Clothing - Coffee
3.3 km
A cosy Samsø hybrid of Scandinavian fashion, design objects and aromatic coffee, Buur turns a simple village storefront into an inviting island living room.
SuperBrugsen
3.3 km
The practical heart of Tranebjerg and Samsø’s go-to supermarket for fresh local produce, Danish staples, and everyday essentials throughout your island stay.
Ny Form Samsø
3.3 km
Sporty, island-ready clothing and gear for all ages, keeping you comfortable in Samsø’s breezy coastal weather from village streets to windswept beaches.
Imerco
3.4 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Tøjhuset
3.4 km
Cosy Samsø clothing boutique offering friendly, personal service and a practical yet stylish mix of clothes, shoes and accessories in Tranebjerg’s main street.
El-Salg Bissø ApS
3.4 km
Island electronics expertise with white goods, appliances, and personal tech backed by professional service.
Samsø Grej
3.5 km
Compact island hunting and fishing shop in Tranebjerg, ideal for gearing up and getting local advice before exploring Samsø’s coasts and countryside.
P II Samsø, kunst - antik - design, Langgade 38, 8305 Samsø
3.6 km
Eclectic art, antiques and Danish design in a cosy summer shop on Samsø, where decades of collecting meet the easygoing rhythm of island village life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
rullen
1.8 km
Casual festival bar in the heart of Samsø Festival, where cold drinks, sea air and relaxed island vibes create a warm pause between concerts.
Garagen
1.9 km
Laid-back island bar in the woods of Strandskoven, blending rustic charm, simple drinks and live music with the easy coastal rhythm of Samsø.
Vinkapellet Samsø
2.1 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
Ræven
3.6 km
Rural Samsø bar and eatery with relaxed island vibes, simple hearty fare, and late-week pub energy in a low-key farmhouse-style setting.
Samsø Bryghus
17.3 km
Organic farm brewery and countryside café on Samsø, serving house beers and field‑fresh dishes in a relaxed courtyard of converted farm buildings.
Kalundborg Jazzclub
31.8 km
Intimate volunteer-run blues and jazz club in central Kalundborg, keeping a 1960s live music legacy alive with close-up concerts and warm community spirit.
Cafe Lillebælt
31.9 km
Cozy Kalundborg café-bar blending everyday Danish hygge, simple comfort food and drinks, and a neighborhood atmosphere a short stroll from the harbor.
Kontoret
31.9 km
Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
King's Pub
32.0 km
Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Slotskældergården
32.2 km
Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
32.3 km
Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
32.3 km
Casual pool and sports bar on Kalundborg’s Kordilgade, mixing easygoing drinks, live games on screen and friendly competition around the pool tables.
Delfinen Bodega
41.2 km
Unpolished village pub in rural Eskebjerg, where cold beers, card games, and casual conversation capture the essence of classic Danish bodega culture.
Umage Ølbar
42.0 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
42.0 km
Former oyster and bubbles bar on Ebeltoft’s old fishing harbour, where luxury shellfish, sparkling wine and maritime history came together in a relaxed coastal setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Cultural Heritage
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly