Refshaleøen
Copenhagen's industrial-turned-creative waterfront where shipyard heritage meets cutting-edge culture and world-class cuisine.
Refshaleøen is Copenhagen's transformed industrial waterfront island, once home to the legendary B&W shipyard and now a thriving creative hub. This former industrial wasteland has evolved into a vibrant destination featuring world-class restaurants including Michelin-starred venues, street food markets, contemporary art galleries, craft breweries, and cultural events. Located just 15 minutes by bike from central Copenhagen, the island seamlessly blends raw industrial heritage with cutting-edge urban development, offering visitors an authentic glimpse of Copenhagen's innovative spirit.
A brief summary to Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
- Copenhagen Municipality, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 2 to 6 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit Reffen street food market during summer months for the most vibrant atmosphere and diverse food vendors. The market operates seasonally and captures the island's communal spirit.
- Rent a bicycle from central Copenhagen to reach Refshaleøen—the 15-minute ride is scenic and allows you to explore the harbor approach. Bike rentals are widely available throughout the city.
- Book restaurant reservations in advance, especially for Michelin-starred venues like Noma and Alchemist, which attract international diners and have limited seating.
- Explore the island on foot to discover hidden creative studios, street art, and smaller cafés tucked between industrial buildings. The raw aesthetic rewards spontaneous wandering.
- Check the events calendar on refshaleoen.dk before visiting to catch festivals, concerts, and cultural happenings that animate the island throughout the year.
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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Bicycle from Central Copenhagen
Rent a bicycle in central Copenhagen and cycle to Refshaleøen via the harbor route. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and follows scenic waterfront paths. Bike rental shops are abundant throughout the city center, with daily rates typically between 60–100 DKK. This is the most popular and flexible option for visitors.
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Harbor Bus (Carbon-Neutral)
Take the harbor bus service from central Copenhagen directly to Refshaleøen. Journey time is approximately 20–25 minutes depending on stops. The service operates year-round with increased frequency during summer months. Single tickets cost around 24 DKK, and the buses are fully accessible with seating and weather protection.
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Public Bus Service
Multiple bus routes serve Refshaleøen from central Copenhagen, with journey times of 20–30 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. Bus 2A and other regional services connect the island to the city center. A single ticket costs 24 DKK, and buses run frequently throughout the day.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, local alternatives) are available from anywhere in Copenhagen. Journey time from central Copenhagen is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay 150–250 DKK for a standard taxi ride, with prices varying by time of day and demand.
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
From Shipyard to Creative Oasis
Refshaleøen was once home to B&W, one of the world's largest shipyards, where thousands of workers built vessels for the oceans. The industrial landscape has been preserved with impressive brick buildings and maritime architecture that serve as a time capsule of Copenhagen's industrial past. Rather than demolishing this heritage, the city reimagined the space as a living cultural district where the raw, authentic character of the old shipyard forms the backdrop for contemporary creativity. Today, the island stands as a testament to adaptive urban renewal, where history and innovation coexist in harmony.A Culinary Destination of International Renown
Refshaleøen has become one of Denmark's most celebrated food destinations. The island hosts Michelin-starred restaurants including Noma and Alchemist, alongside innovative establishments like Amass and Restaurant Aure. Beyond fine dining, the street food market Reffen operates throughout the summer, offering diverse cuisines in a vibrant communal setting. Craft beverage culture thrives here with Mikkeller Baghaven, a renowned beer bar and microbrewery, complemented by a distillery and some of Copenhagen's finest bakeries. The culinary scene reflects the island's ethos of experimentation and entrepreneurial spirit.Arts, Culture, and Community Spaces
Creativity permeates every corner of Refshaleøen. Copenhagen Contemporary, an international contemporary art center, showcases installation art from established and emerging artists in a spectacular setting. The island hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, drawing both locals and tourists. Set designers, architects, and artists maintain studios here, contributing to the unique creative atmosphere. Beyond commercial ventures, the community has built distinctive spaces including a sauna club, an urban farm, and various collaborative projects that embody the pioneering spirit of the residents.Recreation and Active Experiences
Refshaleøen caters to diverse recreational interests. CopenHill, a futuristic ski slope and recreational hill built atop a resource handling facility, offers year-round activities with panoramic views. The island features extreme sports facilities including climbing centers and indoor paintball arenas, alongside more relaxed pursuits like waterfront swimming and outdoor hot tubs. Sports halls and climbing gyms serve both casual visitors and serious athletes. The waterfront location provides direct access to the harbor, making swimming and water activities integral to the island experience.Accessibility and Urban Integration
Despite its peripheral location on the harbor, Refshaleøen remains easily accessible from central Copenhagen. A 15-minute bike ride connects the island to Nyhavn and the city center, making it an integral part of the urban fabric while maintaining its distinct identity. Carbon-neutral harbor buses provide an alternative to cycling, while regular bus services ensure connectivity. The island's position between Amager and the harbor creates a unique geography that feels removed from the city yet remains thoroughly connected to it.Living Laboratories and Innovation
Refshaleøen functions as more than a tourist destination—it is a living laboratory for urban innovation. CPH Village Refshaleøen exemplifies this approach, with 164 residents inhabiting shipping containers repurposed as sustainable housing. The island hosts creative office communities and small businesses that experiment with alternative ways of living and working. This blend of residential, commercial, and cultural uses creates an authentic neighborhood atmosphere where entrepreneurship and community engagement drive continuous evolution.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.8 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
1.1 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
1.2 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
1.4 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.
I am Queen Mary
1.4 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Our Fallen
1.4 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
1.4 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Larsens Pl.
1.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Rytterstatuen
1.8 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
1.8 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
1.8 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
1.9 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Frederik's Church
1.9 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
The Kissing Stairs
1.9 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Ofelia Plads
1.9 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Unmissable attractions to see
Copenhagen Contemporary
0.2 km
Immersive large-scale installation art in a vast former shipyard hall at the heart of Copenhagen’s raw, waterfront cultural district on Refshaleøen.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.6 km
Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.
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.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
1.0 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.
The Little Mermaid
1.1 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Langelinie Park
1.1 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
1.1 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.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
1.2 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Langelinie Pavillonen
1.2 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Trekroner Fort
1.2 km
Historic sea fortress on an artificial island at Copenhagen’s harbour mouth, blending coastal views, cool casemate tunnels and centuries of naval history.
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
1.2 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.
Gefion Fountain
1.3 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.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.3 km
A darkly playful harbourfront sculpture that twists Copenhagen’s fairytale mermaid into a sharp, bronze critique of genetics, icons and postmodern life.
Langelinie
1.3 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.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
1.3 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Essential places to dine
Alchemist
0.2 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
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.
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.
Veve
1.5 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Sushi Anaba
2.0 km
Europe's finest omakase counter, where Nordic seafood meets Tokyo precision in an eight-seat sanctuary of culinary excellence.
Aoc
2.1 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Silo
2.1 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.
Kokkeriet
2.1 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Barr
2.1 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Khun Juk
2.1 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 Rebel
2.2 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.
Skipperkroen
2.2 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
2.2 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Restaurant Vita
2.2 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Nyhavns Færgekro
2.2 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
1.5 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
1.9 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 &
2.1 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
2.1 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
2.3 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
2.3 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Red Cross Op Shop
2.4 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Viking Souvenirs
2.5 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
2.5 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
2.5 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Magasin du Nord
2.5 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
2.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
2.5 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Storm - design art fashion
2.6 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.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
2.6 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
2.0 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
2.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
Brønnum
2.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
2.4 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
TATA Cocktail Bar
2.5 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Bar Deco
2.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Østerbros Perle Pub
2.5 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
2.5 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Balthazar
2.5 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.
ØB
2.6 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
1105
2.6 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
2.6 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.
Trianglen 7
2.6 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Eiffel bar
2.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Moose
2.6 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
2.2 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Operaen
2.4 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Mini Bar
2.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
2.5 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
2.6 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
3.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirage
3.1 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
3.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Hive
3.2 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
3.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
3.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Zefside
3.2 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Miami Bar
3.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
3.3 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
3.4 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
