Copenhagen’s Reffen Food Market:
Where Sustainable Street Food Becomes a Travel Ritual
You know that feeling when a city smells like possibility? Frying spices, fresh coffee, and something new sizzling on a grill? That’s Reffen. Tucked on Refshaleøen’s reclaimed harbourside, this massive street-food market has become a must-do stop on any Copenhagen travel itinerary. It’s raw, colourful, and every shipping container stall feels like a miniature embassy of flavour. (Reffen)
Why Reffen matters for Copenhagen travel lovers (and ethical travellers)
Reffen is not just a food market , it’s a cultural ecosystem. Built from upcycled shipping containers and scattered across an industrial waterfront that’s been reimagined for creative life, Reffen is a place where food startups, musicians, artists and sustainable-design activations meet the curious traveler. Visiting Reffen is a lesson in how cities can reuse space, support small entrepreneurs, and create community through food and culture. (Visit Copenhagen, Reffen)
Where to find Reffen. The practical map for Copenhagen explorers
Reffen sits on Refshalevej at Refshaleøen, a former shipyard turned creative hub on Copenhagen’s northeastern harbour. The market is framed by water on several sides and is easy to reach by bike, bus, or a short ferry ride from central Copenhagen. It’s also built into the island’s industrial character. A deliberate reuse of space that keeps the city’s shipping-yard past visible and vibrant. (Reffen, Visit Copenhagen)
When to go & what’s open (quick facts for your travel plan)
Food stalls: Mon–Sun 11:30–21:00.
Bars: Mon–Thu 11:00–23:00; Fri–Sat 11:00–01:00; Sun 11:00–23:00.
Coffee shop: opens from 10:30 daily.
Admission to Reffen is free for most events and general entry; some special concerts or ticketed events may have fees. (Check the Reffen calendar before you go.) (Reffen)
Top tips, how to treat Reffen like a local (a short list)
Go hungry and go early (or late) — hit the late afternoon for calmer lines and beautiful light over the water.
Bring friends (or make them there) — stalls specialize in small plates and tasting combinations are the best way to explore.
Dress for the weather — Refshaleøen is exposed; bring a light jacket even in summer evenings.
Think sustainably — many vendors use local produce and recycled materials; bring a reusable bottle and check vendors for composting or recycling bins.
Plan transport — cycling from central Copenhagen is fast and scenic; ferries and buses also connect the island to the city.
A brief history: How Reffen rewired Copenhagen’s food scene
Reffen grew from the same creative impulse that produced other Copenhagen street-food initiatives. The market launched on Refshaleøen and quickly branded itself as a place for entrepreneurial food concepts and cultural events. Today it’s described by its own organizers as the largest street-food market in Northern Europe, a statement echoed by local travel guides and cultural profiles. Reffen invited a new generation of food entrepreneurs into shipping-container kitchens and made the island a year-round hub for food, music and creative programming. (Reffen, Wikipedia)
Why Reffen is an example of sustainable travel in Copenhagen
If you care about traveling responsibly, Reffen is worth studying. The market’s design embraces reuse. With containers repurposed into kitchens and bars, reclaimed materials for seating and landscaping, and a stated focus on reducing food waste and energy consumption. Danish tourism organizations highlight Reffen as one of the city’s sustainable food initiatives, and you’ll see that ethos in practices and events that promote circular design and local sourcing. For ethical travelers, that combination of creative reuse, local entrepreneurship, and food-centric culture is a big part of the market’s appeal. (VisitDenmark, Reffen)
How to spend your day at Reffen (a suggested travel itinerary)
10:30–11:30 — Start with coffee and a walk along the harbour; watch chefs prepping in their containers.
11:30–13:00 — Early lunch at a stall specializing in seasonal, locally sourced dishes. Try to sample one dish from a stall you’ve never heard of.
13:00–15:00 — Explore the artisan shops, street art, and nearby skate park; catch a pop-up workshop or market event.
15:00–17:00 — Take a harbor walk or a short ferry back to the city for museum time, or linger at Reffen for live music.
Evening — Dine at a couple of stalls and settle in at a bar for sunset views over Copenhagen’s skyline.
FAQ — Fast answers for travelers heading to Reffen
Q: Is Reffen family-friendly?
A: Yes — Reffen’s open space, daytime events, and variety of food options make it suitable for families. There are also occasional kid-focused events on the island. (Reffen)
Q: Do vendors accept cards?
A: Most stalls and bars accept cards — but small vendors can vary; it’s a good idea to have a card or mobile payment option available. (Check specific stall pages if you’re unsure.) (Reffen)
Q: Is everything in English?
A: Copenhagen is very visitor-friendly and many vendors speak English. Still, a friendly “tak” (thank you) goes a long way.
Local flavors & stalls to watch (a short foodfinder)
Reffen brings global flavors to Copenhagen’s harbour. Everything from Vietnamese noodles and Argentinian grills to Nordic-smoked specialties. Because the selection of food concepts rotates and new startups arrive regularly, part of the fun is discovering emerging concepts and talking to the people behind them. If you like trying new food in a socially responsible setting, this is a travel stop that rewards curiosity. (Reffen)
What would you pick first? A Nordic open-sandwich reinvented at a container stall, or a bold plate of spice-forward global street food? Share what you'd try on your next Copenhagen trip!