Øens Have (Refshaleøen Urban Farm)
Copenhagen, Denmark · Operator: Øens Have (team behind ØsterGro, Denmark's first rooftop farm)
Overview
A vacant plot in Copenhagen's former industrial district of Refshaleøen transformed into one of Scandinavia's largest urban farms. Integrating fields, bees and chickens with a restaurant, it models regenerative agriculture and food experiences in the city, carrying forward the ØsterGro legacy of connecting people and nature through farming and food.
Citizen participation
An urban farm launched in 2019 in the former shipyard district of Refshaleøen by the team behind ØsterGro, Denmark's first rooftop farm. Weekly volunteer days every Tuesday let anyone join the farm work and share a communal lunch, while tours, classes and workshops teach citizens about organic farming and food cycles.
Operating model
A social business centred on a farm-to-table restaurant and events (dinners, weddings and meetings in handcrafted yurts). Produce from the farm supplies the restaurant, certified organic since 2023, with volunteers and education programs supporting operations.
Impact
Shows the potential of agricultural use on former industrial land awaiting redevelopment and features in Danish and international media as a hub of Copenhagen's sustainable food culture. Its volunteer days also serve as a gateway to local participation for newcomers and young people.
Land tenure
Leases former shipyard land owned by the Refshaleøen property company, in a district earmarked for future redevelopment.
Crops
- vegetables
- herbs
- berries
- edible-flowers
- eggs
- honey
Scale
3,000 m² — About 3,000 m² on the former B&W shipyard canteen plot on Refshaleøen; described as the largest urban farm in Scandinavia, with vegetable fields, berries, edible flowers, bees and chickens
In the media(2)
Web articles and features that cover this case.
Sources(1)
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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