Saltholm Island
A low, wind-swept Øresund island of meadows, marsh and birdlife, Saltholm offers a rare taste of near-urban wilderness just off Copenhagen’s coastline.
Saltholm is a low, windswept island in the Øresund strait east of Amager, almost within sight of Copenhagen yet feeling utterly remote. This 16 km² nature reserve is a vital bird sanctuary of chalk meadows, salt marsh and shallow tidal flats, with strict access rules that keep it wild and largely untouched. Expect big skies, grazing livestock, sea breezes and wide, empty horizons rather than facilities or crowds—Saltholm is all about solitude, birdlife and raw coastal landscape.
A brief summary to Saltholm
- Kastrup, DK
- Duration: 3 to 8 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Carry binoculars and a telephoto lens if you are interested in birds, as many key species feed and rest on distant mudflats and shallow waters.
- Wear waterproof boots or sturdy shoes you do not mind getting muddy; ground conditions range from firm turf to boggy salt marsh, especially after rain.
- Respect seasonal access rules and closed zones for breeding birds; check current restrictions before travelling and obey all on-site signs and barriers.
- Bring sufficient water, snacks and weather-appropriate layers, as there are no shops and limited shelter once you leave the small harbour area.
- Plan your visit around daylight hours and boat schedules, as after-dark navigation in the shallow waters around Saltholm is not advisable.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Seasonal boat from Copenhagen area
In summer and on selected spring and autumn days, small charter and excursion boats operate from harbours near Copenhagen, such as Kastrup or central city quays, to Saltholm. The trip typically takes 45–75 minutes each way, depending on departure point and vessel speed. Expect relatively shallow approaches and basic landing facilities, so access may be weather-dependent. Seats are limited and advance booking is usually required. Return fares for half- or full-day outings generally fall in the range of 250–450 DKK per adult, with reduced prices for children.
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Private boat from local marinas
Experienced boaters can reach Saltholm using a private sailboat or motorboat from marinas around Amager or other local harbours. Crossing time from Kastrup or nearby marinas is often 30–60 minutes in good conditions, but navigation is complicated by very shallow waters and sandbanks, so detailed charts and attention to tides are essential. Fuel and mooring fees vary by home marina, but typical short-stay costs are in the order of 100–250 DKK. This option is not recommended for beginners or in poor visibility or strong winds.
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Organised nature or birdwatching trip
Local associations and nature guides periodically arrange escorted visits to Saltholm focused on birdlife and the island’s ecology. These outings usually start from harbours in the Copenhagen region, include boat transport and guiding, and last a half or full day. Travel time on the water is similar to other boat options, around 45–75 minutes each way. Group sizes are often small to limit impact on the reserve. Total participation fees, covering transport and guiding, typically range between 400 and 800 DKK per person.
Saltholm location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Saltholm
Wind-shaped island on Copenhagen’s horizon
Saltholm is a flat, sea-grazed island lying in the Øresund strait between Denmark and Sweden, just east of Amager yet separated from the city by a wide belt of shallow water and salt marsh. Stretching roughly 7 km by 3 km, with its highest point only a couple of metres above sea level, the island feels more like an oversized sandbank than a conventional landmass. From its grassy edge you see the Øresund Bridge and the air traffic of Copenhagen Airport in the distance, but on the ground the mood is quiet, wind-swept and surprisingly wild. Much of Saltholm is composed of chalk meadows, coastal marsh and open grassland. The vegetation is low and hardy, adapted to salt spray and winter storms, which leaves the horizon impressively open. Trees are scarce and clustered mainly in the north and southwest, so the light falls unbroken across the island, changing constantly with clouds and weather. Underfoot, ground can shift quickly from firm turf to soggy marsh, reminding you that this is a landscape shaped by tides as much as by seasons.Living sanctuary for birds and coastal wildlife
Saltholm is protected as a nature reserve and designated as an internationally important bird area, and that status defines almost every aspect of the experience. The surrounding shallows are rich in mussels, eelgrass, snails and small crustaceans, forming the feeding base for huge numbers of waterfowl and waders. In summer, thousands of geese graze the meadows, while colonies of eiders, terns and other seabirds nest in the quieter corners of the island. Access to large parts of Saltholm is tightly restricted to protect breeding birds. The southern salt marsh is off-limits all year, and additional central zones close during the nesting season, leaving only the northernmost part freely accessible. This zoning creates a layered sense of remoteness: even when you stand at the allowed boundary, you are looking into areas given over almost entirely to wildlife. The calls of birds, the hiss of wind in the grass and the slap of water at the shore become the soundtrack to a visit.From medieval gift to wartime frontier
Despite its sparse appearance today, Saltholm has a long and surprisingly varied human history. The island was first recorded in the 13th century as a royal gift to the bishop of Roskilde, and for centuries it provided limestone used to build Copenhagen and other towns. Traces of old quarry pits and stone workings still linger in the landscape if you know where to look, subtle reminders that this quiet island once fuelled urban growth on the mainland. Its isolated position in the Øresund also gave Saltholm strategic importance. During outbreaks of plague and cholera in the 18th and early 19th centuries, it served as a quarantine station where travellers had to stay before entering Copenhagen. Later, its waters became part of the defensive shield around the capital, complemented by nearby sea forts built on artificial islands. In the 20th century planners even considered Saltholm as the site for a new international airport and fixed link, a vision ultimately abandoned to spare the fragile environment.Today’s rhythm of grazing, tides and silence
Modern Saltholm has no conventional town or dense settlement, only scattered farm buildings and seasonal activity tied to grazing and nature management. The island is privately owned through a local association, and livestock still play a vital role in keeping the meadows open for birds. You may encounter cattle or sheep moving slowly across the grasslands, adding a pastoral note to what is otherwise a distinctly maritime setting. The sense of time here is dictated by tides, weather and migration rather than by clocks. Mist can roll in from the sea, erasing Sweden from view; clear days open vast panoramas of coastlines, bridges and distant city skylines. Under strong east winds the very low relief of the island becomes evident, as waves press higher across the shallows and the boundary between land and water blurs. It is a place where you remain conscious of how thin the ground is between you and the sea.Experiencing a near-urban wilderness
Visiting Saltholm is less about ticking off sights and more about entering a specific mood. Paths are few and unmarked, facilities minimal, and there is little in the way of shelter beyond simple buildings at the harbour area. You walk on grass and soft ground, pausing to scan the shoreline for birds or to watch flocks of geese rise in sudden waves. Photography focuses on big skies, textures of grass and mudflats, and the striking juxtaposition of wild foreground with the engineering lines of the Øresund Bridge in the distance. Because access is controlled and seasonal, every visit feels a little like a privilege. The island offers a rare chance to experience near-urban wilderness: standing in open wind within sight of one of northern Europe’s busiest transport corridors, yet hearing only gulls, distant surf and perhaps the lowing of cattle. For travellers who enjoy quiet coastal landscapes, birdwatching and subtle history etched into terrain, Saltholm reveals its character slowly but memorably.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peberholm
3.9 km
A man-made island where nature reclaimed the landscape—Europe's most successful ecological experiment.
Krudhuset
9.4 km
Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
10.5 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
11.4 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.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
11.6 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.
Havnepromenade
11.6 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
The Kissing Stairs
11.6 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Havnegade Promenaden
11.6 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Larsens Pl.
11.7 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
I am Queen Mary
11.7 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
11.7 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Knippelsbro
11.7 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Nyhavn
11.7 km
Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront: pastel townhouses, maritime history, and lively canal-side dining.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
11.8 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
11.8 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Den Blå Planet
6.5 km
Northern Europe's largest aquarium where sharks swim overhead and sea otters steal your heart.
Dragør havn
6.9 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 Beachpark
7.3 km
Copenhagen's 4.6 km urban beach with lagoons, artificial island, and Øresund Bridge views.
Øresund Bridge
7.8 km
Discover Denmark’s Viking maritime past with authentic ships, reconstructed vessels, hands-on workshops, and stunning fjord views at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.
Amager Beach Park
8.1 km
Copenhagen’s long, sandy front porch on the Øresund, where dunes, lagoons and a city promenade turn everyday life into a seaside escape.
St. Anne's Church
9.7 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.
Amager
10.0 km
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.
Operaen
11.0 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
DR Koncerthuset
11.0 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.
Lille Mølle
11.0 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
11.1 km
Copenhagen's industrial-turned-creative waterfront where shipyard heritage meets cutting-edge culture and world-class cuisine.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
11.1 km
A towering recycled-wood troll at Christiania’s entrance, Green George blends street art, sustainability and playful storytelling in the heart of Copenhagen.
Holmen
11.1 km
Historic naval islands turned calm harbour quarter, where dockyards, academies and the Copenhagen Opera House share wide quays and sweeping city views.
Christiania
11.1 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Church of Our Saviour
11.2 km
Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Essential places to dine
Noma
10.8 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Lola
11.1 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.
La Banchina
11.2 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
11.3 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
Restaurant Barr
11.3 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.
Restaurant Kanalen
11.4 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.
Cafe Wilder
11.4 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
11.5 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.
Khun Juk
11.6 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.
No. 2
11.8 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Skipperkroen
11.8 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
11.8 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
à terre
11.9 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Nyhavns Færgekro
11.9 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.
Aoc
12.0 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
11.7 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
11.7 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.
The Crown souvenir
11.9 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Zane
12.0 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Royal Souvenir Shop
12.0 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.
Magasin du Nord
12.1 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
12.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
12.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
The Wilde Shop
12.1 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
12.1 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
12.1 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Urban Outfitters
12.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Danish Souvenirs
12.3 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
ILLUM
12.3 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Storm - design art fashion
12.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
9.8 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
10.7 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
11.4 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
11.9 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
12.0 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
12.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Balthazar
12.2 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.
Bar Deco
12.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Ved Stranden
12.2 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
12.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
1105
12.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Pier5 Bar
12.3 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Black Swan
12.3 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.
The Dubliner
12.4 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Bird and The Churchkey
12.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
12.2 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.
Mini Bar
12.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
12.4 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.
Culture Box
12.4 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Club Mambo
12.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
12.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
12.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
12.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
12.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
12.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
12.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
12.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
12.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
12.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Module
13.0 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Nature Escape
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Low Impact
- Wildlife Habitat
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Seasonal Only
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
