CopenHill

CopenHill (also known as Amager Bakke) is a triumph of industrial alchemy, turning a massive waste-to-energy plant into a vertical playground. It is the only place on Earth where you can ski down the roof of an incinerator while looking out over the industrial harbor of Copenhagen.

What to expect — what visitors actually see/do

The crown jewel of CopenHill is the 450-meter-long artificial ski slope, covered in a high-tech, dry-ski material called Neveplast. You don’t need snow to enjoy it; the surface mimics the friction and glide of packed powder. If skiing isn't your speed, there is a winding 490-meter hiking and running trail that zig-zags from the base to the summit.

As you ascend—either by foot or via the two glass-enclosed "magic carpet" ski lifts—you’ll pass through a vertical forest of mountain pines. Reaching the peak at 85 meters, you are greeted with panoramic views of the city’s copper spires and the Øresund Strait connecting Denmark to Sweden. On the side of the building, you’ll find the world’s tallest climbing wall at 80 meters, equipped with various routes for different skill levels. At the summit, there is a café, Rooftop, serving coffee and light meals, providing a unique vantage point to watch the steam rise from the plant’s chimney—which, incidentally, features a patented "smoke ring" emission system that blows a ring for every ton of CO2 offset.

History & significance — brief background

Designed by the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and completed in 2017, CopenHill was built to replace an aging incinerator. The facility is a cornerstone of Copenhagen’s "CPH 2025" climate plan to become the world's first carbon-neutral capital. By burning non-recyclable waste to generate electricity and district heating for 150,000 households, the plant proves that essential infrastructure needn't be hidden away; it can be integrated into the urban fabric as a functional public space.

Practical tips — opening hours norms, tickets, queues, best time of day

Operating Hours: The plant is generally open year-round, but slope and climbing hours fluctuate seasonally. Check the official CopenHill website before travel.
Bookings: You must book ski gear rentals and lift passes online in advance. Slots move quickly on sunny weekend afternoons.
Best Time: Go on a weekday morning to beat the local crowd. For the best photography, aim for the "golden hour" just before sunset when the city lights begin to flicker on across the harbor.
Footwear: If not skiing, bring sturdy trainers. The hiking trail is steep and the wind at the top can be biting, even in summer.

Getting there — neighbourhood, transport

CopenHill is located in the industrial district of Amager, specifically at Vindmøllevej 6. It is easily accessible via the 2A bus, which drops you off within a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, take the Metro to Amagerbro St. and enjoy a 20-minute walk through the local residential streets, or utilize the city’s ubiquitous "Donkey Republic" shared bikes to cycle the harbor path.

Nearby — 2-3 sights or eats within walking distance