Reffen Street Food Copenhagen: The Complete Guide to Refshaleøen
Copenhagen: Food Tour (Walking)
What is Reffen and is it worth visiting?
Reffen is Copenhagen's premier open-air street food market on the island of Refshaleøen — roughly 50 vendor containers serving food and drink from 80–130 DKK per dish, set on a waterfront site with picnic tables and a relaxed atmosphere. It is worth visiting between April and October for genuine food quality, low-key Copenhagen harbour vibes, and prices that are significantly lower than tourist-area restaurants. Getting there takes 20–25 minutes from the city centre.
What Reffen actually is
Reffen is a seasonal, open-air street food market on Refshaleøen — a former industrial island in Copenhagen’s outer harbour, about 2.5 km northeast of Nyhavn. Around 50 vendor units, housed in shipping containers or purpose-built kiosks, serve food and drink from a waterfront site with picnic tables, outdoor seating and harbour views.
It is not a traditional market or a tourist attraction with food on the side. Reffen is a purpose-built creative food space that Copenhagen treats as its outdoor eating room from spring through autumn. The vibe is deliberately relaxed — picnic tables, communal seating, no dress code, dogs allowed, children everywhere on weekend afternoons.
The food is genuinely international and genuinely good. You will find smash burgers alongside South Indian dosas, Ethiopian injera next to Mexican tacos, Japanese ramen next to Danish hot dogs. The quality is consistently higher than the price would suggest.
What makes Reffen distinct from Torvehallerne is the combination of price point, informality, outdoor setting, and the journey there — Refshaleøen has a post-industrial creative atmosphere (design studios, the CopenHill ski slope on the power station, workshops) that is different from anywhere else in Copenhagen.
The market is not accessible via GetYourGuide tours directly, but the Copenhagen food tour gives a broader context of the city’s food culture before you explore Reffen independently.
Getting to Reffen
Refshaleøen is not walkable from central Copenhagen in a practical sense — it takes 20–25 minutes via public transport or bicycle. This is the main consideration; it is not inconvenient, but it requires a specific journey rather than passing by.
Bus (recommended for most visitors)
Bus 9A runs from Kongens Nytorv (near Nyhavn and Metro) along the harbour front to Refshaleøen. Journey time: approximately 20 minutes from Kongens Nytorv. Stop: Refshaleøen / Reffen is clearly marked. Frequency: every 8–12 minutes on weekdays.
Fare: Standard Copenhagen public transport ticket — 26 DKK for a single zone ticket, valid for connections. Get it on the DOT/Mobilbilletter app or at the station.
Harbour ferry (Havnebussen)
The harbour bus (line 991 or 992 depending on season) runs along the inner harbour and can stop near Refshaleøen. Check the current route on the Movia app — harbour bus routes change seasonally. Journey from Nyhavn: approximately 15 minutes. Same ticket as the bus.
Practical note: The harbour ferry is more scenic and a pleasant way to arrive, but less frequent than the bus. Check departure times before relying on it.
Cycling
Copenhagen’s cycling infrastructure extends to Refshaleøen. From the city centre, the harbour-front cycling route takes 20–25 minutes. This is one of the more pleasant cycling options in the city — flat, well-marked, harbour views for most of the ride.
Taxi or ride-share
A taxi from central Copenhagen costs 120–180 DKK. Worth considering for an evening return trip if you do not want to navigate public transport late.
The food at Reffen
What to expect
Around 50 vendors serve food from shipping containers and kiosks. The vendor roster changes each season — Reffen operates a rotating selection rather than permanent stalls. This means the specific vendors below may or may not be present during your visit, but the food categories are consistently represented.
Price range: Most dishes 80–130 DKK. Premium items (lobster rolls, complex dishes) up to 160–180 DKK. Beer 60–90 DKK. Cocktails 80–120 DKK.
Cuisine types consistently represented
Burgers and American-style: High-quality smash burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and loaded fries are perennial Reffen staples. Expect 100–130 DKK for a good burger.
South and Southeast Asian: Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and Sri Lankan food appears reliably every season. Portions are generous; most dishes 80–120 DKK.
Middle Eastern and North African: Falafel, shawarma, hummus, tagine variations. One of the stronger categories at Reffen — the quality consistently exceeds similar offerings in the city centre.
Pizza and Italian: At least one solid pizza vendor. Neapolitan-style, 90–120 DKK per pizza.
Mexican and Central American: Tacos, burritos, and variations. Generally good; 80–100 DKK for a taco plate.
Japanese and Korean: Ramen, bao, Korean fried chicken. These tend to be the longest queues — come early for the most popular stalls.
Nordic and Danish: Reffen always has at least a few vendors doing Danish-inflected street food — open-faced sandwiches, fish of the day, local seasonal produce. 90–130 DKK.
Desserts: Waffles, ice cream, crepes, and seasonal dessert specials. 50–80 DKK.
Beer and drinks
Reffen has a dedicated bar area with Danish craft beer on tap — expect Mikkeller, To Øl, Brus, and smaller local producers. A half-litre of craft beer: 70–90 DKK. Wine by the glass: 80–120 DKK. Natural wine options appear in most seasons.
Non-alcoholic options: fresh juice, lemonade, kombucha. Most vendors offer water.
When to visit
Best time of day
Lunch (12:00–14:00) on weekdays: Quietest, shortest queues, best vendor availability. Tables easy to find. Atmosphere is more laid-back.
Late afternoon (15:00–17:00) on weekdays: Still relatively calm, sun is often on the harbour-facing tables, good atmosphere.
Weekend afternoons (12:00–16:00): More crowded, queues at popular stalls, but more atmosphere and buzz. Bring patience for the most popular vendors.
Weekend evenings (18:00–22:00): More bar-like atmosphere, louder, often live music. Still great for food but less about the market browsing and more about a social evening.
Best time of year
June, July, early August: Best weather, longest evenings, maximum atmosphere. Also the most crowded weekends.
May and September: Slightly cooler but less crowded, cheaper transport and accommodation, still excellent market.
Late April and October: Can be cold; outdoor eating becomes challenging. Many stalls operate reduced hours or close early.
Reffen vs Torvehallerne: which to visit
This is the most common question for visitors. The honest comparison:
| | Reffen | Torvehallerne | |---|---|---| | Location | Refshaleøen (20–25 min from centre) | Israels Plads (2 min from Nørreport) | | Season | April–October only | Year-round | | Setting | Outdoor, harbour, industrial | Covered glass halls, central | | Cuisine | International, diverse | Danish and Nordic focused | | Smørrebrød | Some vendors, not the main draw | Excellent at Hallernes Smørrebrød | | Price | 80–130 DKK per dish | 80–140 DKK per dish | | Atmosphere | Casual, outdoor, youthful | More formal, local daily market | | Families | Very good (outdoor) | Good (covered, easier with strollers) | | Evening | Great (open until 22:00/23:00) | Closes 19:00 weekdays |
Go to Torvehallerne if: You want Danish food specifically, you are visiting in winter, you have limited time, or you want a covered setting.
Go to Reffen if: It is a warm day, you want more food variety, you want to combine eating with the Refshaleøen atmosphere, or you want a leisurely afternoon rather than a quick lunch.
If you have three or more days, visit both.
Refshaleøen beyond Reffen
The island has more to offer than the market:
CopenHill (Amager Bakke): The waste-to-energy power plant with a ski slope on its roof. You can ski, snowboard or hike the plant’s exterior year-round. The view from the top is exceptional — one of the best in Copenhagen. Ski pass including rental gear bookable directly; the hike to the top viewing platform is free.
Kayak Republic: Kayak and SUP rental on the harbour front, adjacent to Reffen. Rentals available by the hour. A good way to see the harbour from water level.
Creative studios and workshops: Refshaleøen is home to a significant creative cluster — architecture firms, design studios, production companies. The industrial architecture and street art are worth a slow walk.
Practical details
Address: Refshalevej 167, 1432 Copenhagen
Website: reffen.dk (check for current season dates and vendor lists)
Hours (typical): Monday–Thursday 11:00–22:00; Friday–Saturday 11:00–23:00; Sunday 11:00–21:00. These vary by season — always verify.
Payment: All vendors accept card. Some also take MobilePay (Danish payment app). Cash is rarely needed but some vendors still accept it.
Dogs: Welcome on leads.
Accessibility: The site is flat and generally accessible, though the ground is gravel in some areas.
No entry fee. Walk in, browse, eat.
Frequently asked questions about Reffen street food
When is Reffen open?
Reffen is seasonal — typically open from late March or April through October, approximately 11:00–22:00 on weekdays and later on weekends. Always check reffen.dk for exact dates and any temporary closures.
How do I get to Reffen from central Copenhagen?
Bus 9A from Kongens Nytorv (approximately 20 minutes), or the harbour ferry (Havnebussen) from Nyhavn (approximately 15 minutes, check current routes). Cycling takes 20–25 minutes via the harbour front path. A taxi costs 120–180 DKK.
How much does food cost at Reffen?
Most dishes: 80–130 DKK. Beer: 60–90 DKK. A full meal with drink: 160–220 DKK per person. Significantly cheaper than most Copenhagen restaurants with comparable quality.
Is Reffen good for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes — the international vendor selection means multiple plant-based options across several cuisines. Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian stalls typically have the most vegetarian variety.
Can I bring children to Reffen?
Yes. Family-friendly with outdoor space, picnic tables, and food variety for different ages. Calmer on weekday afternoons; livelier (and louder) on weekend evenings.
Is Reffen worth the journey from the city centre?
If it is warm and you have at least half a day: yes. The combination of food quality, harbour atmosphere, and price point is not replicated anywhere in the city centre. If you have only one or two days in Copenhagen, Torvehallerne is more convenient for a similar budget meal.
Is Reffen only for eating, or is there more to do on Refshaleøen?
The island has more than Reffen: CopenHill (ski slope on the power plant roof), kayak rental at Kayak Republic, street art and creative studios, and harbour views. Plan 2–3 hours for eating and exploring.
Frequently asked questions — Reffen Street Food Copenhagen: The Complete Guide to Refshaleøen
When is Reffen open?
Reffen is seasonal — typically open from late March or April through October. Hours are approximately 11:00–22:00 on weekdays and 11:00–23:00 on weekends. The market is closed in winter. Always check the Reffen website (reffen.dk) for the exact season dates and any temporary closures.How do I get to Reffen from central Copenhagen?
By bus: take bus 9A to Refshaleøen (approximately 20 minutes from Kongens Nytorv or Nyhavn). By harbour ferry (Havnebussen): line 992 runs from Nyhavn or Nordre Toldbod, approximately 15 minutes. Cycling: 20–25 minutes from the city centre via the harbour front path. Reffen is not walkable from central Copenhagen in a reasonable time.How much does food cost at Reffen?
Most dishes cost 80–130 DKK per plate. Beer: 60–90 DKK. Wine or cocktails: 80–120 DKK. A full meal with a drink runs 160–220 DKK per person — significantly cheaper than most Copenhagen restaurants and good quality.Is Reffen good for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes — the diversity of international vendors means plant-based options are abundant. Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian, and various fusion stalls typically offer multiple vegetarian and vegan dishes. This is one of the easier places in Copenhagen for plant-based eating.Can I bring children to Reffen?
Yes. Reffen is family-friendly — the outdoor setting, picnic tables, and range of food options work well for children. It can get crowded and loud on weekend evenings when it has more of a bar atmosphere; weekend afternoons or weekday visits are calmer.Is Reffen just for food or are there other things there?
Primarily food and drink, but Refshaleøen has other attractions nearby: CopenHill (the ski slope on the power plant), a skateboard park, and the harbour waterfront for views. Some evenings have live music at Reffen. The whole island has a creative, post-industrial atmosphere that is worth exploring beyond just eating.Is Reffen worth the journey from the city centre?
If you have at least half a day in Copenhagen and it is warm enough to eat outdoors, yes. The 20–25 minute journey is a genuine consideration, but the atmosphere, the waterfront setting, and the food variety are not replicated anywhere in the city centre. If you have only one or two days, Torvehallerne is more convenient for a similar budget-quality meal.
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