Dragør (Dragoer in English), a beautiful small city, is located just 13 Km from central Copenhagen on the island of Amager in Denmark. Once a prosperous seafaring town in the late 19th century, Dragør today is known as the place where the “happiest Danes” live.
If you want to visit the city for a weekend but don’t know the popular places, don’t worry. We’ve listed our favorite places to visit and have a fulfilling day trip from Copenhagen. Let’s jump right in.
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History of Dragør, Denmark
Dragør was founded in the 12th century and was quickly established as a fishing port. It continued to grow as one of the largest fishing fleets in the country, and in the 16th century, the king invited a group of Dutch to settle and produce food. Even today, we can observe obvious traces of Dutch history in the area.
What Does The Name Dragør Mean?
“Drag” refers to drawing (dragging) boats ashore, and the ending “ør” is common in Scandinavian place names, which means a beach covered in sand or gravel.
How To Reach Dragør?
Hop on bus number 250S towards Dragør Stationsplads from Copenhagen city center or take bus number 35 towards Islands Brugge from the airport. It takes about 45 mins by bus and 30 mins by car from the city center. Let us take you through the top 5 sites in Dragør.
Top 5 Sites In Dragør
1. The Old Town
The old town is one of the best-preserved cities in Denmark, with narrow streets and houses that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It has 76 listed properties in addition to the 5 on the harbor, making it the largest concentration of listed properties in a small town in Denmark.
The archaic houses have yellow walls with red roofs, and the streets are made of cobblestone. The classic Danish style design gives you the much-needed countryside vibe.
During July and August, you can find the Hollyhocks or Alcea rosea (Flowering plants) all over the old town, which brings the city to life and adds to its otherwise sober atmosphere. The quaint alleys seem like they have come out straight from a fairy tale, and walking through them will revitalize your energy.
2. Dragør Havn (Harbor)
Besides the old town, the harbor has been one of Denmark’s most important thriving maritime places. It has been the hub of countless maritime activities like herring fishing, shipping, privateering, and piloting. Apart from this, the port is also home to salvaged grounded ships. Dragør Havn was one of Denmark’s largest shipping towns, and its old part has remained largely unchanged since 1850.
Take a stroll along the harbor, where you can find super cozy restaurants to eat in and shops from where you can buy souvenirs. The place is lively during the summer, and you can enjoy authentic street food at various stalls while experiencing live music.
The 16 m tall Pilot Tower is a landmark located close to the old pilot station. It is the tallest building on the harbor, mainly built because the Dragør Fort blocked the pilot’s view of the belt. It is important to note that the pilot tower is closed to visitors, and you cannot climb it.
3. Dragør Museum
Located right in the middle of the harbor in one of the oldest houses from 1753, the Dragør Museum is a vintage building renovated and equipped with modern touchscreens. You can learn about intriguing stories of life at sea and home during the Middle Ages. On the first floor, you will find exhibitions around various themes such as “Dragør – The Skipper Town,” “Home Life,” and “Dragør at War.”
- Timing: Open from the month of May.
- Cost: 50 DKK for adults and free for children.
4. Dragør Fort
Dragør Fort was built between 1910 and 1915 with room for 380 people. The fort is approximately 32,000 square feet, of which about 2,500 are built. It has served several purposes over the years. In 2001, it was purchased by a private investor, and today, it is a private area with a hotel and restaurant. If you climb the slope, you’ll treat yourself to the best view of the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden.
- Timing: No time restrictions as such.
- Cost: Free for all.
Trivia: 27 Km long Amarminoen walking/ cycling route starts at BR Byen and ends at the Dragør Fort entrance. However, a few start their tour from here as well.
5. Mormorstranden (Mormor Beach)
Close to Dragør Fort is the very calm and not-so-crowded Mormor Beach. The water here is clear and ideal for swimming at Pontonerne (The pontoons) or Dragør Søbad (the sea bath). But only the latter offers changing rooms and toilet facilities. If you have time, you can also visit the Køngelundenfortet, about 9 Km from Dragør Fort.
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We found this place to be a quiet and peaceful getaway for a day. If you’re looking for something similar on a lazy weekend, the place is just right for you. When you’re there, absorb the ancient architecture and the subtle culture.
