Refshaleøen, Copenhagen

Refshaleøen is an island and former industrial harbour area in the Copenhagen harbour basin, known as the former site of the Burmeister & Wain shipyard and heavy engineering works. The area has been repurposed since the early 2000s into a mixed cultural and recreational district.

The island was developed as an industrial shipbuilding and engineering precinct associated with Burmeister & Wain and other firms during the 19th and 20th centuries. Heavy industry declined in the late 20th century and the site has gradually been redeveloped for cultural, leisure and light-industrial uses since the 2000s.

Positioned on the northern shore of Copenhagen’s harbour, the island sits east of Christianshavn and is a short bike or ferry ride from the city centre, roughly 2 to 3 km from central Copenhagen. The setting is urban harbourfront with direct water access to the inner harbour and Øresund.

• Getting there: Good access by bike and ferry from central Copenhagen; the area is often busiest on weekends and during summer festivals.
• When to go: Many venues are seasonal or event-based, so check listings before visiting; evening light across the harbour provides strong skyline views.

What to See #

• B&W halls: Former industrial halls and workshops that belonged to the Burmeister & Wain shipyard now host events, studios and small businesses; several of the large steel halls date from the 20th century.
• Docks and quays: The old dry docks and quays form the island's waterfront, used for mooring, events and as promenades with views across Copenhagen harbour.