Amager Island
Copenhagen’s all‑in‑one island: wild grasslands, long sandy beaches, bold architecture and easygoing waterfront life, all just minutes from the historic city centre.
Amager is Copenhagen’s urban island: a seamless blend of wild coastal nature, long sandy beaches, protected wetlands and sharp contemporary architecture. Linked directly to the city centre yet with its own strong identity, it stretches from buzzing waterfront neighbourhoods and canals to the sweeping grasslands of Kalvebod Fælled and the landmark Amager Strandpark. Here you can swim, cycle, birdwatch, ski on a power plant roof, or dive into Denmark’s big-city beach culture in a single day.
A brief summary to Amager
- DK
- Duration: 3 to 10 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Pack a light windproof layer, even in summer; Amager’s open beaches and grasslands can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than the city streets.
- For a varied day, combine a walk or bike ride in Kalvebod Fælled with a late-afternoon swim at Amager Strandpark and stay to watch the soft evening light over the Øresund.
- If you plan to walk long distances in Naturpark Amager, bring water and snacks; facilities are scattered and stretches of the reserve feel very remote despite the urban setting.
- Swim only at marked bathing areas along the coast and harbour; currents and boat traffic can be strong outside designated zones.
- Cycling is the most flexible way to experience the island’s mix of city and nature, but keep to bike paths in busy sections and yield to pedestrians on shared trails.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M2 or M3 metro lines toward Amager East or West; depending on your chosen stop on the island, the journey typically takes 10–20 minutes. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day and evening. A standard 2–3 zone ticket usually costs about 24–36 DKK one way, and stations are equipped with lifts, making this option suitable for travellers with luggage or limited mobility.
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Cycling from the city centre
Cycling from the historic centre to Amager via one of the harbour bridges usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on your exact destination and pace. The route follows separated bike lanes almost the entire way, but it can be busy during rush hours with commuting cyclists. There is no direct cost beyond bike rental, which commonly ranges from around 120–200 DKK per day from city bike shops.
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City bus services
Several city bus lines connect central Copenhagen to different parts of Amager, with typical travel times of 20–35 minutes. Buses are useful for reaching residential streets and sections of the island that sit between metro corridors, though they run less frequently late at night and on some weekends. Tickets cost roughly the same as metro rides, and you can use the same zone-based tickets or travel cards.
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Taxi from inner Copenhagen
A taxi ride from the inner city to central Amager locations usually takes 10–20 minutes in light traffic and can extend during peak commuting times. Fares typically fall in the 150–250 DKK range depending on distance and time of day. Taxis are a comfortable choice if you are carrying beach gear or travelling in a small group, but they do not have access to some car‑free waterfront paths and park interiors.
Amager location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Any Weather
Discover more about Amager
Island Where Copenhagen Meets the Sea
Amager sits in the Øresund just off Copenhagen’s eastern shoreline, an island that feels both distinctly its own and fully part of the capital. Old fishing settlements, post-war housing, sleek new districts and wide-open reclaimed landscapes all share the same low, sea-washed ground. Five bridges and the metro knit Amager into the rest of the city, but the island’s edges are defined by dunes, reed beds and long horizons over the sound. The island’s character is shaped by the water on all sides: breezy, slightly salty air, gulls overhead and constant views of Sweden, the Øresund Bridge and container ships sliding past. It is one of Denmark’s most densely populated islands, yet just a short ride from the city centre you can be walking on empty paths in tall grass, with only the wind and birds for company.Urban Beach Life at Amager Strandpark
On the northeast coast, Amager Strandpark offers Copenhagen’s signature city beach: a two‑kilometre strip of pale sand running along a sheltered lagoon, backed by dunes, lawns and bike paths. In summer the water fills with swimmers, paddleboarders and windsurfers, while volleyball courts, kiosks and ice-cream stands create an easy holiday mood a few metro stops from the historic core. At the southern end of the beach, the sculptural Kastrup Sea Bath, nicknamed “the snail”, curves out over the water in warm-toned wood. Here you can sunbathe on terraced decks, jump from diving platforms into clear, bracing water and watch planes cross the sky as they approach the nearby airport. Even on cooler days, the strand is popular for brisk walks, kite flying and watching the light change over the sound.Wild Grasslands and Nature Reserve Horizons
Swing to the southwest and the mood shifts completely in Naturpark Amager and Kalvebod Fælled, a vast, largely flat nature reserve created on reclaimed land. Paths loop through open meadows, wetlands and stands of trees where grazing cattle, horses and deer share the landscape with cyclists and walkers. In the right light the area has an almost savannah feel: big skies, low vegetation and long sightlines. Closer to the coast, birdwatching towers overlook shallow lagoons and mudflats that attract migratory birds. The terrain is easy and largely level, making long walks accessible to most, though wind can be a constant companion. Shelters, simple picnic spots and scattered viewing points invite you to linger, and the absence of traffic noise makes it a rare pocket of quiet so close to a European capital.Architecture, Aquariums and City Energy
Between these natural edges, Amager’s built-up areas showcase some of Copenhagen’s most striking modern architecture. In Ørestad, bold housing complexes such as the figure‑of‑eight‑shaped 8Tallet spill down towards the wetlands, while canals, boardwalks and angular offices line straight boulevards. Along the harbour at Islands Brygge and Amager’s inner waterfront you find green quaysides and the famous harbour baths, where locals swim in seawater basins right between apartment blocks and office towers. Near the eastern shore stands the National Aquarium Denmark, Den Blå Planet, its swirling, low profile echoing a whirlpool beside the sea. To the northwest rises CopenHill on Amager Bakke, the waste‑to‑energy plant whose roof doubles as an all‑season ski slope and urban hiking hill, underscoring the island’s mix of sustainability, playfulness and experimental design.Everyday Island Life and How to Experience It
Amager’s residential districts range from cosy older streets to glass‑fronted waterfront flats, with local cafés, bakeries and casual restaurants scattered throughout. Field’s, one of Scandinavia’s largest shopping centres, adds a major retail hub, while venues like Amager Bio bring live music and culture to the island after dark. Everyday life here is very much defined by the bicycle: dedicated lanes make it easy to move between beach, park and city in a single outing. For visitors, the appeal lies in the variety. You can spend a morning walking in a nature reserve, swim at an urban beach after lunch, then end the day looking back at the city skyline from a harbourfront boardwalk. Amager is less about one single landmark and more about the experience of a modern Nordic island where architecture, green space and water weave together into Copenhagen’s most versatile backyard.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Havneholmen 33
6.3 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Cykelslangen
6.4 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.
Krudhuset
6.7 km
Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
Circle Bridge
7.0 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
7.0 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
The Stable Boy's House
7.1 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
7.1 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.
Knippelsbro
7.2 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
7.2 km
Explore the rich art and history at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a cultural gem in Copenhagen featuring masterpieces from ancient to modern times.
The War Museum
7.2 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
7.2 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Christianshavns Kanal
7.2 km
Baroque grandeur and natural beauty meet at Denmark's Ledreborg Park, home to stately gardens, forested trails, cultural events, and peaceful countryside escapes.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
7.2 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Frederiksholms Kanal
7.3 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter—a picturesque maze of cobblestone streets, vibrant cafés, indie boutiques, art galleries, and an unmistakable creative spirit.
Børsen
7.3 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Unmissable attractions to see
Field's
2.8 km
Scandinavia-scale shopping, dining and entertainment under one sleek roof in Copenhagen’s modern Ørestad district, from fashion and design to cinema, trampolines and a vast hypermarket.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
2.9 km
A vast, light-filled shopping town under one roof in Copenhagen’s Ørestad district, mixing fashion, daily essentials, dining and shelter from the Danish weather.
Bella Center Copenhagen
3.5 km
Copenhagen’s powerhouse convention and exhibition centre, combining vast flexible halls, sleek Nordic design and direct metro access in the modern Ørestad district.
Den Blå Planet
4.4 km
Northern Europe's largest aquarium where sharks swim overhead and sea otters steal your heart.
Bjarke Cirkelsten af Thomas Dambo
4.6 km
A kneeling wooden troll guarding a mystical stone circle in the Danish forest.
Dragør havn
4.7 km
Historic Dragør Havn blends centuries of maritime heritage with a working waterfront, cosy quayside cafés and wide Øresund views just south of Copenhagen.
Amager Fælled
4.9 km
Semi-wild meadows and wetlands brushing against Copenhagen’s skyline, Amager Fælled is the city’s closest taste of open Danish nature.
St. Anne's Church
4.9 km
Elegant red-brick Catholic church on Amager, blending early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture with a calm, light-filled interior and living parish life.
Kalvebod Fælled
5.1 km
A vast reclaimed seabed turned wild urban commons, where big skies, grazing herds, rich birdlife and long trails create a rare sense of wilderness beside Copenhagen.
DR Koncerthuset
5.3 km
Copenhagen’s bold blue concert house, where world-class acoustics, striking Jean Nouvel architecture and Denmark’s national ensembles meet under one dramatic roof.
Amager Beachpark
5.6 km
Copenhagen's 4.6 km urban beach with lagoons, artificial island, and Øresund Bridge views.
Valby Beach
5.8 km
Modest urban shoreline where Valby Park’s lawns meet the calm waters of Kalveboderne, offering low-key swimming, picnics and everyday Copenhagen harbour life.
Kongelundsfortet
5.9 km
A First World War coastal fort turned green refuge, where concrete ramparts, bird-filled meadows and wide sea views create a relaxed slice of Copenhagen’s defence history.
Amager Beach Park
6.1 km
Copenhagen’s long, sandy front porch on the Øresund, where dunes, lagoons and a city promenade turn everyday life into a seaside escape.
Islands Brygge
6.3 km
Copenhagen’s former industrial quay reborn as a sun-soaked harbourfront of swimming decks, lawns and laid-back city life along the inner waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Vandvid
5.3 km
Organic, seasonal Nordic cooking served on a gently rocking houseboat in Sydhavnen, where harbor life, simple design and water views frame every meal.
The Harbour
6.4 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
MASH Penthouse
6.7 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.
Je t'aime
6.8 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.
Restaurant Lola
6.8 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Kadeau
6.9 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
7.0 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.
No. 2
7.0 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Cafe Wilder
7.1 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Fleisch
7.1 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
7.1 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 Noi
7.1 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Bevi Bevi
7.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Kanalen
7.2 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Restaurant Karla
7.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
6.4 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Funky Junky
7.3 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Tivoli Gift Shop
7.3 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
7.6 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
7.6 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
7.6 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.
Wonderful Souvenirs
7.6 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
7.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Viking Souvenirs
7.7 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.
Læderstræde
7.7 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
7.7 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
7.7 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Souvenir Shop
7.7 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
7.7 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Magasin du Nord
7.7 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lassie Bar
6.0 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Whammy Bar
6.1 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Pier5 Bar
6.7 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Jolene Bar
6.9 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
7.0 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Eiffel bar
7.1 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Marble Bar
7.1 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Freddys Bar
7.2 km
A cozy, low-lit Vesterbro brown bar where cheap beer, classic jukebox tunes and walls packed with memorabilia create an easygoing slice of everyday Copenhagen.
1656 Cocktail Bar
7.2 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.
Spunk
7.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
Jernbanecafeen
7.3 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
7.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Riesen Bar
7.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
The Rooftop Bar
7.4 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Mikkeller Bar
7.4 km
Explore Mikkeller Bar in Vesterbro, Copenhagen, a haven for craft beer lovers with a diverse selection and welcoming atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KB3
6.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Baggen
7.0 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
The Union
7.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
7.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
CristalClubCopenhagen
7.3 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Club Mambo
7.4 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
7.5 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.
Module
7.6 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Never Mind
7.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
7.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Dorsia
7.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Chateau Motel
7.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
7.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Miami Bar
7.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
7.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Wildlife Habitat
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
- Remote
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