Nordhavn: A neighbourhood guide

Photo: Lukas Bukoven

Area guide: Architectural Nordhavn

Nordhavn is the modern and innovative face of Copenhagen. The former industrial port is being transformed into a new waterfront neighbourhood with contemporary Scandinavian architecture, creative design and architecture studios and a close connection to the water.

The development is based on the five-minute city principle, referring to the time it takes to walk 400 metres. The aim is to create short distances between homes, workplaces, shops and public transport, making it easier to get around the neighbourhood on foot, by bike or by metro And the best part? It's only a 15 min metro ride from City Centre.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, explore our full guide to what to see and do in Nordhavn. And once you’ve finished exploring the neighbourhood, there’s plenty more of Copenhagen to discover, and you can find more inspiration in our neighbourhood guide.

Photo: Lukas Bukoven

The Århusgade district

If you arrive by metro or S-train at Nordhavn Station, you’ll step straight into the Århusgade district, the heart of Nordhavn. From here, wander through the neighbourhood’s streets and discover the mix of old industrial buildings and contemporary architecture that characterises the area.

Make your way towards Göteborg Plads and continue down to Sandkaj, where the neighbourhood opens up towards the water. Here, cafés, restaurants and life along the harbour bring another side of Nordhavn to its architectural surroundings.

Photo: Armin Tehrani, Værnis Studio

Creativity, hospitality, and human interaction combined

Audo House is a part of "The Red City" area, and stands out architecturally as one of the oldest buildings in Nordhavn. Now the building houses a unique community-building concept that unites a café, restaurant, concept shop, event facilities, showroom, and residence.

Photo: Büro Jantzen

Indulge in the habour life

Sandkajen Brygge is a much-loved spot for sun-lounging and bathing in the harbour. The promenade begs for a dip and a glass of rosé wine in the summer sun, or a coffee to-go in the golden autumn light. In winter you'll see fresh Copenhageners in bathrobes ready a cold plunge.

Photo: Daniel Rasmussen

Burn off energy or watch the sunset on top of the roof

Konditaget Lüders is urban planning in its coolest form. On top of a carpark you'll find one-of-a-kind activity park, with a fantastic view of Copenhagen form above. The roof is also the perfect place for children to use as a playground while you enjoy the view.

A showcase of modern architecture and design

Nordhavn is one of Northern Europe’s largest urban development projects. The district has become a hotspot for contemporary architecture and design, new public spaces and innovative approaches to city planning. To discover more, check out our guide to architecture and design in Nordhavn.

Portland Towers Nordhavn | Daniel Rasmussen

Photo: Daniel Rasmussen

Explore Nordhavn's impressive Architecture and design

With marvels like The Silo and Portland Towers alongside the UN City, this relatively small area is big on jaw-dropping architecture. New design studios and entrepeneurs are moving into the premises, while Danish design giants have been residing out here for ages.

Photo: Lukas Bukanov

The full Nordhavn experience

With its own life and a very special touch it's like exploring a city within a city. There's a lot to see and do in Nordhavn, and we've made some suggestions on how to get the full Nordhavn experience.

Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj

Take a dip at Sandkaj

In Nordhavn, the waterfront isn’t just something to look at. At Sandkaj, the promenade becomes a popular place to spend time by the water and go for a swim in the harbour. The official bathing zone is open year-round, with platforms leading into the water, a small jumping platform and two 60-metre swimming lanes.

In summer, Sandkaj is staffed by lifeguards from 1 June to 31 August between 10am and 6pm, while the bathing zone itself is open daily from 6am to 10pm throughout the year.

Where to eat and drink

Nordhavn’s food scene has grown alongside the neighbourhood itself, with cafés, bakeries, restaurants and bars dotted around the waterfront and Århusgade district. Whether you’re looking for coffee and pastries, a casual lunch or somewhere to settle in for dinner, there are plenty of places to make a food stop part of your visit.

Photo: Martin Auchenberg

Have dinner in the sky

If you fancy good views and you dig a good meal, then why not hit this combo at Restaurant Silo. Crazy views from the 17th floor together with either a gourmet tasting menu, or a more "down to earth" (pun intended) a la carte menu in the bar, is just the perfect marriage.

Photo: Marc Skafte-Vaabengaard

Have some coffee and the best croissants in Nordhavn

At Andersen & Maillard there are two main attractions; Exceptionally good coffee, roasted on location, and inexplicably great baked goods by Milton Abel, a pastry chef that used to roam the kitchens of Noma and Amass.

Photo: Giuseppe Liverino

Places you shouldnt miss in Nordhavn

Nordhavn is a bit of a gem for unique places to eat. Whether you're in the mood for Michelin-starred sushi, a cup of coffee in a combined café and bike repair shop or vegan ice cream in countless variations, Nordhavn got you.

How to get to Nordhavn

Getting to Nordhavn from central Copenhagen is easy. Take the M4 metro directly to Nordhavn Station, which brings you straight to the Århusgade district. Nordhavn is also served by S-trains, making public transport an easy starting point for exploring the neighbourhood on foot. If you have a Copenhagen Card, travel by metro and S-train is included.

Use the Journey Planner to find the quickest route from wherever you’re starting in Copenhagen.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is Nordhavn a good place to stay in Copenhagen?

Yes. Nordhavn is a good option if you want to stay close to the waterfront and modern architecture while still having easy access to central Copenhagen. The M4 metro connects Nordhavn directly with the city centre.

What is the nicest part of Copenhagen?

That depends on what you’re looking for. Nordhavn is particularly worth considering if you’re interested in contemporary architecture, urban development and life by the water. For a broader overview, explore our guide to Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods.

How do you get to Nordhavn from central Copenhagen?

The M4 metro is an easy way to reach Nordhavn from central Copenhagen, with stops including Kongens Nytorv and Rådhuspladsen before reaching Nordhavn Station. Once you arrive, you step directly into the Århusgade district.

Can you swim in Nordhavn?

Yes. Sandkaj is an official harbour bathing zone in Nordhavn and is open from 6am to 10pm all year round. Swimming is permitted within the designated bathing area, and lifeguards are on duty from 1 June to 31 August between 10am and 6pm.

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