How long does it take to walk through Nordhavn?

A standard self-guided walk through the main highlights of Nordhavn takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The distance is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) on flat, easy terrain, allowing plenty of time for photos and a coffee break by the water.

What is the 'Five-Minute City' in Copenhagen?

The 'Five-Minute City' is an urban planning concept implemented in Nordhavn where residents can reach all their daily needs—public transport, shops, daycare, and green space—within a five-minute walk. This design reduces the need for cars and promotes a sustainable, localized lifestyle.

Can I swim in the harbor at Nordhavn?

Yes, you can swim at the Sandkaj Badezone, which is a designated swimming area with clean, tested harbor water. It is a popular spot for both summer swimming and winter dipping, featuring a wooden boardwalk with easy ladder access to the water.

How do I get to Nordhavn from Copenhagen city center?

The easiest way to reach Nordhavn is by taking the M4 Metro line or the S-train (Lines A, B, C, or E) to Nordhavn Station. The journey from Copenhagen Central Station takes approximately 8-10 minutes.

Is the Konditaget Lüders rooftop free to visit?

Yes, the rooftop of the Lüders parking garage, known as Konditaget Lüders, is a public park and is free to enter. It features fitness equipment, a playground, and excellent views of the harbor and the sea.

What are the Portland Towers?

The Portland Towers are two former cement silos in Nordhavn that have been converted into eco-friendly office buildings. They are notable for their 'donut' shaped office floors attached to the outside of the original industrial structures, reaching 59 meters in height.

Are there places to eat in Nordhavn?

Nordhavn has a growing food scene, especially along the Sandkaj boardwalk. You can find everything from casual cafes and bakeries to high-end dining at Restaurant Silo, which is located on the 17th floor of a converted grain silo.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the future of urban planning with this self-guided walking route through Nordhavn, Copenhagen’s most ambitious sustainable district. Once a gritty industrial harbor, Nordhavn is undergoing a massive transformation into a carbon-neutral neighborhood known as the 'Five-Minute City.' This neighborhood stroll focuses on how innovative architecture and eco-conscious design can create a livable, vibrant community. As you explore independently, you will witness how old industrial relics like grain silos have been reimagined into luxury housing and public spaces. If you are looking for a unique walking tour Copenhagen offers, this journey through the North Harbor provides a stark, fascinating contrast to the cobblestone streets of the old town. The route highlights the district's commitment to the 'Five-Minute City' concept, where everything a resident needs—from public transport to groceries and green spaces—is within a short walk. You will see the iconic Portland Towers, two former cement silos that now serve as ultra-modern office spaces, and the stunning Silo building, which features a distinctive faceted facade. Beyond the modern architecture enthusiasts' highlights, this walking route takes you to the water's edge at Sandkaj, where locals jump into the clean harbor waves regardless of the season. You will also discover Konditaget Lüders, a parking garage that doubles as an urban playground and gym, offering panoramic views of the Oresund Strait. This neighborhood is a living laboratory for sustainable living, making it an essential part of any walking tour Copenhagen itinerary for those interested in the cities of tomorrow. Discover at your own pace how Copenhagen is leading the way in green urbanism, while enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the cutting-edge aesthetics of the harbor front. Unlike a traditional guided tour Copenhagen visitors might expect, this self-guided adventure allows you to linger at the waterfront or spend extra time photographing the bold geometric shapes of the new buildings. Begin your self-guided adventure at Nordhavn Station and see why this district is heralded as a global model for the future. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The Silo: A stunning transformation of a grain elevator into residential art

Konditaget Lüders: A rooftop playground and gym atop a parking garage

Portland Towers: Innovative office spaces housed in former cement silos

Sandkaj Harbor Bath: The heart of waterfront living and urban swimming

The 'Five-Minute City' concept in action across the district

Panoramic views of the Oresund Strait and the harbor

Tour Stops (6)

Nordhavn Station

Start exploring with Zigway at Nordhavn Station, the gateway to Copenhagen's most futuristic district. This area was once the heart of the city's industrial shipping, but today it represents the 'Five-Minute City'—an urban planning ideal where all daily needs are reachable within minutes. Notice the red tiles and modern design of the metro station, which connects this new district to the city center in under ten minutes. As you begin your neighborhood stroll, look out for the elevated metro tracks, which serve as a visual spine for the development. The architecture here is designed to be dense yet livable, prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists over cars. This is the starting point of a transformation that will eventually house 40,000 residents. Explore independently and notice how the old train tracks have been integrated into new pathways.

Portland Towers Corporate Offices

Look up at the Portland Towers, a prime example of adaptive reuse in Nordhavn. These two 59-meter-tall towers were originally built in 1979 as cement silos. Instead of tearing them down, architects attached office 'donuts' to the exterior of the concrete structures, creating high-end workspace with incredible views. This design allowed the industrial heritage of the harbor to remain visible while serving a modern purpose. The towers were the first in Denmark to receive a LEED Gold certification for sustainability. The way the glass facades wrap around the rough concrete silos symbolizes the transition of Nordhavn from a place of heavy industry to a hub for the green economy. This is a landmark of sustainable urban renewal.

Badezone Sandkaj

Welcome to Sandkaj, the vibrant waterfront boardwalk that serves as Nordhavn's public living room. In Copenhagen, the harbor water is clean enough to swim in, and this 'badezone' or bathing zone is a favorite spot for locals. The wooden boardwalk is designed with stepped seating, encouraging people to sit, relax, and enjoy the sun. Observe how the residential buildings here face the water directly, creating a seamless link between private homes and public leisure space. Sustainable urban living isn't just about energy efficiency; it's about quality of life and access to nature. Whether it is a sunny summer day or a crisp winter morning, you are likely to see hardy Danes taking a dip in the Baltic waters.

Konditaget Lüders

Prepare to see a parking garage like no other. Konditaget Lüders, also known as 'The Red Roof,' is a multi-story car park that features a 2,400-square-meter public playground and fitness area on its roof. Accessible via a grand external staircase, this space sits 24 meters above sea level. It is a brilliant solution to the problem of urban density: why use a roof only for solar panels when it can also be a park? The red 'thread' of the railings guides you up to cross-fit equipment, trampolines, and swings. From the top, you get a 360-degree view of the harbor and the Swedish coast. It is a testament to how creative architecture can turn functional infrastructure into a community asset.

Restaurant Silo

Standing before you is 'The Silo,' perhaps the most famous building in Nordhavn. Designed by COBE architects, this was once a massive grain elevator. The architects transformed it by wrapping the original concrete structure in a 'galvanized' steel facade, which protects the interior while giving it a bold, industrial-chic look. The large windows were carved out of the thick concrete walls to create unique apartments. At the top, a glass-walled restaurant offers diners a view over the city. This building is a flagship for the district, proving that even the most utilitarian structures can be reborn as luxury landmarks. It serves as a reminder of the harbor's history as a storage hub for the city's food supplies.

Orientkaj

The final stop on our walking route is Orientkaj, the newest part of the Nordhavn expansion. This area is characterized by its 'white city' aesthetic, with buildings often clad in light-colored tiles or brick to reflect the maritime light. The Orientkaj Metro station is an architectural gem in itself, designed to resemble a glass lantern hanging over the quay. From here, you can see the ongoing construction as Nordhavn continues to grow out into the sea on reclaimed land. The district is built on a foundation of soil excavated during the construction of the city's metro lines, a perfect loop of circular urban development. Your self-guided adventure ends here, where the city meets the open water of the Oresund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Nordhavn is highly worth visiting for anyone interested in modern architecture and sustainable urban design. It offers a unique look at how Copenhagen is repurposing its industrial past into a high-tech, eco-friendly future, featuring world-class landmarks like The Silo and Konditaget Lüders.