Copenhagen’s Reffen district: the temple of street food, the alternative place to be

Where is the Reffen district located? How do I get there from downtown Copenhagen? Are food trucks open all year round?

The Reffen district is home to around 50 open-air street-food stalls along the waterfront, featuring a wide variety of stalls offering international specialties, from traditional Danish cuisine to Mexican, Thai and much more. In a relaxed and creative atmosphere, visitors can sample tasty food while enjoying a lively atmosphere and cultural events.

We answer all your questions in this article, and give you our ideal itinerary for exploring the Christiania district, far from the traditional tourist circuits.

Where is Reffen’s street food?

Reffen Copenhagen: The Essence of Street Food

Reffen is above all Copenhagen‘s alternative, underground soul. Located on a former industrial estate, this open-air market brings together a multitude of food trucks and stalls offering specialities from all over the world.

It’s here, far from prestigious museums like the National Museum of Denmark or classic tours like Rosenborg Castle, that you can really grasp what makes the city so modern and unique. Reffen is the result of a fusion between Danish culinary tradition and a total openness to foreign influences, making it an essential stop-off point for anyone wishing to discover the city of Copenhagen off the beaten track.

Reffen’s history is also an example of the city’s ability to reinvent itself: this former port area is now a vibrant living space, a place where artists, chefs and artisans come together to offer the best of street culture. Visitors can enjoy lively days here, while admiring the view of the port and the boats passing by not far from the Indre By district.

Explore Reffen’s culinary diversity

One of Reffen’s great strengths is the incredible diversity of cuisines on offer. Of course, you can’t come here without tasting some reinterpreted Danish classics, like the famous smørrebrød with new flavors and ingredients. But it’s also an opportunity to explore exotic flavors: why not try a stone-baked pizza, a spicy Thai curry, or Argentinian empanadas?

To guide you, here are a few recommendations:

• Revisited Danish specialties: not to be missed, especially the gourmet “Nordic Hotdog”, which offers hot dogs revisited with quality local ingredients.
• International stands: you can visit the “Tacos Chucho” stand for delicious Mexican tacos, or the “Bangkok Street Kitchen” stand , specializing in authentic Thai cuisine.
• A brewery called Mikkeller Baghaven, which is an extension of the famous Danish craft beer brand Mikkeller. It offers a variety of craft beers, including barrel-aged beers and special creations.
  

In the evening, when the lights come up and the street artists start performing, Reffen’s atmosphere becomes magical, reminiscent of the fairytale atmosphere at Tivoli amusement park.

Atmosphere and Experience at Reffen

Reffen isn’t just street food, it’s a real social experience. In addition to the culinary stalls, there’s a host of activities: impromptu concerts, cultural events, or even workshops where visitors can try their hand at handicrafts. On weekends, the place is transformed, with families and friends coming to spend the day, enjoying an open-air picnic.

Reffen reflects the atmosphere of the neighboring Christiania district, where independent spirit and creativity reign supreme. You can find the program of events on the official website.

And if you’re visiting Copenhagen in the rain, you’ll be pleased to know that many areas are covered and offer a cosy atmosphere.

How do I get to Reffen?

There are several options for getting to Reffen.

• Boat bus : this is the most picturesque way to get around, stop at “Refshaleøen”, same price as a metro ticket. For a fun ride, take the boat near the Little Mermaid Statue opposite.
• By bike, another pleasant way to discover Copenhagen’s neighborhoods from Nyhavn: about 4km.
• Metro The nearest metro stop to Reffen is “Christianshavn” (lines M1 and M2), from where it’s a 20-minute walk or bus ride to the site.

👉 A Copenhagen Card or City Pass service provides easy access to public transport, convenient for visitors wishing to explore other parts of the city after their visit.

Other places to eat in Copenhagen

Markets like Torvehallerne, located in the Indre By district, are a perfect alternative to continue your exploration of the capital’s culinary delights.

The Nyhavn district, with its many restaurants and bars along the canal, is another place to extend the experience, enjoying a few tapas on a sunny terrace, or sipping a drink while admiring the restored old boats.

Is Reffen worth it?

Of course, here’s why Reffen is worth it:

• Impressive culinary diversity: Over 50 stands offering cuisines from all over the world, allowing you to sample local and international dishes all in one place.
• Vibrant, creative atmosphere: Street artists, live music and a bohemian atmosphere capture the alternative spirit of Copenhagen.
• Magnificent view of the harbor: Set on the water’s edge, Reffen offers a superb view of Copenhagen harbor, perfect for relaxing in the open air.
• Accessibility by transport: Easily accessible by bike, bus or even boat, adding a touch of charm to the experience.
• A friendly space with relaxation areas, children’s activities and shared tables to encourage socializing.
• Sustainable and eco-responsible option: Many stands make a point of using local and sustainable ingredients, in line with Copenhagen’s ecological values.

These elements make Reffen an unmissable experience for anyone visiting the Danish capital in search of unique flavors and an authentic atmosphere.

Reffen is an experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of Copenhagen: creative, friendly and always on the move. This market is much more than a place to eat, it’s an immersion in contemporary Danish culture, enriched by influences from the four corners of the globe. When you come to Reffen, you’ll discover much more than just a market: it’s a real immersion in local life, a feast for the senses that perfectly complements a visit to the city’s great monuments, from Amalienborg Palace to Rosenborg Castle.

For those looking for a place to stay in Copenhagen? Copenhagen hotels offer a wide range of options, from charming boutique hotels to floating accommodations.