Amager Bakke

Imagine a giant high-tech plant where people ski on the roof and climbers scale the walls. This is CopenHill (also known as Amager Bakke) — a unique architectural masterpiece located in Copenhagen. This facility in Denmark has become a symbol of modern ecological thought, combining a waste-to-energy plant and an outdoor activity center under one roof.

CopenHill. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The 85-meter-high building was designed by the world-renowned firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). Its facade is clad in aluminum bricks that create a futuristic appearance and change hue depending on the lighting. Architect Bjarke Ingels calls the project an example of "hedonistic sustainability" — proof that environmental responsibility can bring pleasure and joy to city residents.

In addition to its recreational functions, the complex is a powerful energy hub. Every year, it processes up to 560,000 tons of waste, providing heat and electricity to approximately 150,000 households. It is one of the cleanest facilities of its kind in the world, where virtually pure water vapor is released from the chimney instead of toxic smoke.

To plan your visit and check for updates, you can use the official contact details of the complex.

At CopenHill, there are activities for adventure seekers of all levels. The main highlight is the ski slope with an artificial surface that allows for skiing or snowboarding all year round. Cable and magic carpet lifts transport visitors to the top, along with a glass elevator that offers a look inside the plant's workshops to see the waste processing in action.

For thrill-seekers, the site features the world's highest artificial climbing wall at 85 meters. Its routes mimic the terrain of real rock faces. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can go for a run on the tree-lined track or wander along the hiking trails that wind right across the building's roof.

At the top of the slope sits a panoramic observation deck — the highest point in Denmark, offering breathtaking views of the city rooftops and the sound. After your activities, stop by the après-ski area at the base of the building, which features cafes and restaurants. It is the perfect place to relax and share your impressions of the descent in the heart of this industrial art object.

Getting to this futuristic landmark is quite easy, as it is located on Amager island, practically within the city limits. The exact address is Vindmøllevej 6, 2300 København. Due to its proximity to the historic center, the trip won't take much time.

The most popular and eco-friendly way to get around in this part of the world is by bicycle. Convenient bike paths lead directly to the plant. If you prefer public transport, you can take buses that run regularly toward the Amager industrial zone. You can also take a taxi from the center or from the nearest metro station, which will take about 10–15 minutes.

The history of this ambitious project began on March 4, 2013, when the first stone was laid for the new Amager Bakke plant. It replaced the outdated Amagerværket facility, which had served the city for over 45 years and was one of the oldest in Europe. The design by the architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) won an international competition back in 2011, proposing a bold concept that merged industry with recreation.

The total construction cost reached an impressive 4 billion Danish kroner (approximately 540 million euros). This investment was part of a strategy to transform the Danish capital into the world's first carbon-neutral city by 2025. The plant itself officially opened in 2017, and two years later, its "entertainment" portion—the rooftop ski slope—was completed.

Interestingly, the idea of creating a ski slope on an industrial facility was first conceived by architect Bjarke Ingels in 2002. Nearly two decades later, this concept became a reality, proving that sustainable production can be attractive to both locals and tourists. Today, the plant is managed by Amager Ressourcecenter, owned by five metropolitan municipalities.

When planning a visit to CopenHill, it's worth considering your specific interests. If your goal is simply to admire the futuristic architecture and take a few panoramic photos from the observation deck, 1–1.5 hours will be sufficient. This is enough time to head up, grab a coffee, and take in the surroundings.

For those planning an active experience—skiing, snowboarding, or testing their strength on the climbing wall—it is better to set aside 3 to 4 hours. Account for time for equipment rental, instructions, and relaxing in the après-ski area. In any case, this place deserves a slow pace to enjoy the unusual atmosphere of a "green" metropolis.

The complex is open to visitors daily, though opening hours depend on the day of the week. On weekdays, CopenHill usually begins welcoming guests at noon, while it opens earlier on weekends so everyone can enjoy the outdoor activities.

The schedule is as follows:

• Monday – Friday: 12:00 – 19:00
• Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00
• Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

The area surrounding CopenHill is actively developing and offers many options for active and family leisure. Exploring the surroundings of Amager island will make your day even more eventful, as it hosts several unique sports and entertainment venues.

Below are some interesting sites located nearby: