Reffen Street Food
Reffen—Copenhagen Street Food—is a sprawling, open-air laboratory for global cuisine perched on the edge of the Refshaleøen peninsula, where the salty tang of the Oresund strait meets the charcoal smoke of outdoor grills.
What to expect
Reffen is less of a traditional market and more of an industrial-chic festival grounds constructed entirely from repurposed shipping containers. You will find over 40 food stalls and bars arranged in a crescent overlooking the harbor. The aesthetic is raw: concrete floors, communal wooden picnic tables, flickering string lights, and oversized lounge chairs facing the water. The food quality is high, skewering heavily toward authentic global street food—think Gambian yassa chicken, gourmet Wagyu sliders, Mexican carnitas, and Nordic-inspired small plates. During the summer evenings, the atmosphere shifts from a casual lunch spot to an expansive party scene with DJs and a vibrant, international crowd.
History & significance
Before its transformation in 2018, Refshaleøen was the industrial heart of Copenhagen, home to the massive Burmeister & Wain shipyard. As the industry moved out, the area was reclaimed by creative startups and urban pioneers. Reffen was designed as a "living laboratory," prioritizing sustainability; stalls are required to use compostable serveware, and the market operates a serious zero-waste policy. It stands as a testament to Copenhagen’s ability to pivot from heavy manufacturing to a model of carbon-conscious urban recreation.
Practical tips
- Seasonality: Reffen is a seasonal venue, typically open from late April through September. Check their official website for exact opening dates as they are weather-dependent.
- Operating Hours: It generally opens at 12:00 PM daily. Mid-week afternoons are ideal for a relaxed meal, while Friday and Saturday nights draw large, energetic crowds.
- Queues: Popular stalls can see 20-minute waits during peak dining hours (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM). If you’re in a group, split up to hit different stalls to ensure you eat at the same time.
- Payment: Reffen is effectively cashless; ensure you have a card or Apple/Google Pay ready.
Getting there
The journey is part of the appeal. While you can bike the 15–20 minutes from Nyhavn, the most iconic route is the Harbour Bus (lines 991 or 992). Board at major stops like Nyhavn or the Royal Library and take it to the "Refshaleøen" stop. The fare is included in the standard DOT Public Transport ticket (or City Pass). The boat ride provides a panoramic view of the Opera House and the coastline of the Amager district before docking steps away from the market entrance.
Nearby
- CopenHill (Amager Bakke): A 15-minute walk brings you to the world’s cleanest waste-to-energy plant, which doubles as an artificial ski slope and hiking trail with a rooftop bar offering the best view in the city.
- La Banchina: A short stroll back along the water, this tiny, ultra-relaxed café/wine bar is famously attached to a wooden pier where locals jump into the harbor for a swim; it’s an essential spot for an afternoon Aperol spritz.