Wondering where to find a place with history and good food? Right here, on Volden in Christianshavn, lies Ravelinen, a cozy and traditional Danish restaurant. Its location is unique between Christianshavn and Amager. You can enjoy a stunning view with a delicious and authentic Danish meal.
Ravelinen means “angled outwork between two bastions” in French. In modern Danish, it’s a protruding fortification between two of Christianshavn’s rampart bastions. The building that houses Ravelinen dates back to 1728. It was once one of the city’s entry points. Guards controlled passage into Copenhagen here. Since 1942, it has been a restaurant.
The staff at Ravelinen have mastered their craft over the years. The food consists of well-known and classic Danish dishes. They are made authentically from scratch. The atmosphere at Ravelinen is relaxed. The service is excellent. Guests always feel welcome and well taken care of.
From the restaurant, enjoy the beautiful view of the water surrounding Christianshavn. During summer, you can eat outside in the cozy backyard. Ravelinen is an excellent place for a traditional Danish lunch. Think open-faced sandwiches with ice-cold beer and Danish snaps.
Ravelinen is not just a restaurant. It’s also a type of fortification. A ravelin is a triangular outwork in front of a fortress’s inner walls. It sits outside a castle opposite a curtain wall. Ravelins divide assault forces. Guns inside could fire on attacking troops. This impeded besiegers from breaching the curtain wall. The side facing the inner fort had a low wall. This prevented shelter for attackers if they took it. Ravelins often had ramps for moving troops and artillery.
The first ravelin appeared in Sarzanello, Italy, in 1497. Early ravelins were brick. Later, in the Netherlands, they were earthen to absorb cannonballs better. The Italian origins led to the term “trace Italienne”.
Vauban, a French engineer, used ravelins extensively in his designs for Louis XIV. His ideas were still in use in 1761 in Gibraltar. Ravelinen here in Copenhagen offers a taste of history. It combines culinary tradition with a unique defensive structure. Stop by and savor both.