CopenHill

CopenHill is one of the most unusual sights in Copenhagen: a waste-to-energy power plant whose sloping roof has been turned into an urban mountain. The plant, also known as Amager Bakke, burns household waste to produce electricity and district heating for the city and opened in 2017. The recreation area on top, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, BIG, includes an artificial ski slope, a hiking trail, a running route, a climbing wall and a rooftop bar and restaurant, and the building was named World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival in 2021.

The ski slope uses a green plastic surface called Neveplast and is open all year, so you can ski or snowboard in Copenhagen even in summer. There are four lifts: three magic carpets on the lower slopes and a plate lift to the steeper top section, which is graded red to black, while the middle and lower sections are blue and green. There is also a freestyle park and an area for children. Ski time and equipment are booked through the CopenHill booking system at least four days in advance, and rental is available on site. Because the surface wears edges faster than snow, the operator advises against bringing brand new skis.

You do not need to ski to enjoy CopenHill. The rooftop, the café, the running route and the hiking trail are free during opening hours, and the lift to the top is free as well. From the summit, roughly 85 metres up, the views stretch across the harbour and the city. The climbing wall on the façade, which CopenHill describes as the tallest in the world, is run by the climbing club Blocs & Walls, and climbers need a multi-pitch certification.

CopenHill suits active travellers, families with older children and anyone with an interest in architecture or sustainable design. Allow an hour or two for the hike and the view, and longer if you ski. Wear sturdy shoes on the trail, which is steep in places, and check the opening hours on the CopenHill website before you go.

The plant is on Vindmøllevej in the industrial harbour area of Amager, a short bike ride from Christianshavn. Refshaleøen, with Reffen street food, is nearby, so the two make a good half-day combination in summer.