Restaurant Dokken, Ballen Harbour, Samsø
Harbourfront restaurant in Ballen blending Samsø’s maritime shipyard heritage, local Danish classics and lively summer terrace vibes right on the water’s edge.
Restaurant Dokken is a characterful harbourfront restaurant in Ballen on Samsø, set in a former shipyard right on the water’s edge. Inside, a real fishing cutter, “Lone”, forms the dramatic centrepiece of the dining room, while a large terrace offers wide views over the marina and sea. Expect classic Danish cuisine prepared with local island produce, from fresh fish to traditional meat dishes, in a relaxed, maritime atmosphere that seamlessly shifts from laid-back lunches to lively summer evenings.
A brief summary to Restaurant Dokken
- Strandvejen 83, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
- +4586591072
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance during summer and weekends, especially if you want a spot on the harbourfront terrace around sunset.
- Ask about seasonal dishes featuring Samsø vegetables and local fish, which often showcase the island’s freshest produce.
- If you prefer a quieter meal, choose an earlier lunch or early dinner sitting before the harbour nightlife and bar scene pick up.
- Bring an extra layer for outdoor seating; even on warm days, the sea breeze at Ballen Harbour can feel cool later in the evening.
- Inside, take a moment to admire the full-size fishing cutter “Lone”, a reminder of the building’s days as a working shipyard.
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
Restaurant Dokken 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
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Restaurant Dokken
Harbourfront Dining at the Heart of Ballen
Restaurant Dokken occupies a prime position on the busy waterfront of Ballen Harbour, one of Samsø’s most atmospheric coastal villages. The building once housed a local shipyard, and the restaurant still feels deeply tied to the sea, with the clink of masts and the scent of salt water never far away. From the terrace, you look directly onto the marina, where pleasure boats, fishing vessels and island ferries set the rhythm of daily life. The setting makes Dokken as much a vantage point as a place to eat. On clear days, the low Danish light glints off the water, and in the evening the harbour slowly transforms into a soft glow of mast lights and lanterns. Whether you come for lunch in the midday sun or stay through a long summer twilight, the sense of being anchored in the island’s maritime culture is unmistakable.A Former Shipyard with a Fishing Cutter Indoors
Dokken’s personality is shaped by its unusual building history. For generations, this was a working shipyard where local fishing boats were built and repaired. That story is written into the walls and timbers, and the restaurant leans into this heritage rather than hiding it. The most striking detail is a genuine fishing cutter, “Lone”, installed as a full-size feature inside the restaurant, a playful reminder of the site’s working past. Interiors mix robust, rustic elements with warm, welcoming touches: weathered wood, maritime artefacts and soft lighting that keeps the atmosphere casual rather than formal. Seating is arranged to offer glimpses of the harbour through large windows, while the cutter serves as a focal point that guests inevitably photograph and explore with their eyes between courses.Classic Danish Flavours with Samsø Ingredients
The kitchen at Restaurant Dokken focuses on classic Danish dishes, many of them rooted in coastal cooking and homely comfort food. Fresh fish and seafood are mainstays, often served simply to let the quality of the ingredients stand out. Traditional plates such as open-faced fish dishes and crispy pork with parsley sauce reflect a firmly Danish palate, served in generous portions suited to long, sociable meals. Samsø’s reputation for vegetables and local produce plays a clear supporting role. Seasonal greens, island potatoes and herbs find their way onto the plate, grounding the menu in its immediate surroundings. The overall feel is hearty and familiar rather than experimental, with an emphasis on solid craftsmanship in the kitchen and flavours that match the breezy, coastal setting.Terrace Life and Long Summer Evenings
On warm days, much of the restaurant’s life spills onto the large outdoor terrace. Here you can sit with a glass of chilled white wine or a local beer, watching children fish for crabs along the quay and sailors tending to their boats. The terrace benefits from long hours of sunlight in summer, making it a popular place to linger over lunch or to settle in for an unhurried dinner as the sky slowly changes colour. As daylight fades, lights from the harbour reflect in the water and the restaurant’s ambience turns softer and more intimate. The combination of sea air, the murmur of conversations and the creak of moored boats creates a relaxed, holiday feel that is distinctly Samsø. It is a setting that works equally well for couples, families and small groups of friends.From Cozy Restaurant to Lively Nightspot
In high season, Dokken adds another layer to its identity when the so-called "Diskotek Dokken" comes to life. Music drifts from the cutter "Lone", which doubles as a playful DJ booth, and the bar steps up its pace with cocktails and cold draft beer. The transition from dinner service to late-evening gathering point is seamless, turning the harbourfront into a cheerful social hub. Even if you are only here for a meal, this dual personality is part of the experience. The restaurant manages to feel relaxed and unpretentious while still delivering a sense of occasion, especially on bright summer nights when the harbour stays lively until late. For many visitors, a visit to Dokken becomes intertwined with their broader memories of long evenings spent by the water on Samsø.A Relaxed Taste of Samsø’s Island Character
Beyond food and setting, what defines Restaurant Dokken is its role as a local meeting place. Islanders and holidaymakers share the same tables and views, bridging the worlds of everyday life and vacation escape. The maritime décor, the open terrace, the shipyard history and the easy-going service style together create a snapshot of Samsø’s character: practical, sea-focused, and quietly proud of its traditions. Whether you drop in for a single meal or make it a recurring stop during a stay in Ballen, Dokken offers a straightforward way to connect with the island through flavour and atmosphere. It is neither fine dining nor a simple café, but a harbour restaurant that embraces its setting and history, inviting you to slow down and let the pace of Samsø set the tone for your time at the table.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The small Summer Hotel
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Ballen Strandpark - Ferielejligheder og feriehus
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Samsø Sogn
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Hotel Vadstrup1771
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Ilsemade Helligkilde
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The Kanhave Canal
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A 1,300-year-old Viking shortcut carved across an island to control Denmark's seas.
Restaurant Mårup Havn
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Oasen Samsø
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Mindesten - Morten Madsen
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Landmarket Horsedalen
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Befrielsessten i Kallerup
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Danhostel Kalundborg
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Our Lady Church
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The eltest city hall
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Kalundborg Slot
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Unmissable attractions to see
Festivalpladsen
1.7 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
1.9 km
A winding botanical art corridor celebrating Samsø's wildflowers and native plants.
Brundby Stubmølle
2.0 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
3.3 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
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Samsø Badehotel Ilse Made
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Samsø Badehotel
6.7 km
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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
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.
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.
Samsø Værftet
0.0 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.
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.
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.
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.
Restaurant Skipperly I/S
0.2 km
Island harbor dining where local ingredients and Nordic tradition meet genuine warmth and refined technique.
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
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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
3.3 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
2.1 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
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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
3.3 km
Scandinavia's trusted home goods destination bringing quality kitchenware, tableware, and interior design to Denmark's charming island.
Tøjhuset
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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
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
rullen
1.7 km
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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
41.3 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Juviklubben
32.1 km
Intimate Kalundborg live music hub and youth club, where generations meet for close-up concerts, casual bar nights and a laid-back, community-driven vibe.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
35.2 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
Luksusmassage Århus
45.7 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Lounge 8000
46.0 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
GBAR
46.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
46.1 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
46.1 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Bar Smil Aarhus
46.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife at Bar Smil Aarhus, a must-visit night club and bar offering an unforgettable experience in Denmark's cultural hub.
Bernhardt Natklub
46.3 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
46.4 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
46.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- 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
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Business Friendly
