“Imagine ships rising from the depths of these very halls.” That’s what it felt like at B&W Hallerne. Today, we stand before a testament to Copenhagen’s industrial past. This is the B&W Hallerne, a former shipbuilding complex. It now serves as a venue for culture and entertainment.
The B&W Hallerne was built in the early 1960s by Burmeister & Wain. These halls were the heart of their shipbuilding operations until 1996. Imagine the clang of metal and the roar of machinery. Giant container ships and coasters took shape within these walls. Sections were built here and assembled in the nearby dock. From there, they sailed out into the Øresund sea.
The two halls are massive. Hall S2, the largest, stretches 150 meters long. It’s 50 meters wide and soars to a height of 75 meters. That’s roughly the same as a twenty-story building.
Burmeister & Wain was a significant player in Denmark’s industrial history. By the 1930s, it had grown into the country’s largest workplace. Almost 8,000 people were employed here. Shipbuilding became a major source of foreign revenue. It was a cornerstone of Denmark’s development as a modern industrial nation.
The complex adapted to new production methods over time. Around World War II, they began building ships in sections. These sections were then assembled in the large halls. This was a shift from earlier shipbuilding techniques.
B&W Hallerne gained international attention in 2014. The Danish public broadcaster DR chose it to host the Eurovision Song Contest. Section Hall 2 was transformed into a music venue. It could hold 11,000 spectators. The surrounding area became “Eurovision Island.” It hosted additional services and events related to the contest.
Today, B&W Hallerne is also home to Urban Ranger Camp. This camp utilizes the height of Hall S2 for high-roping activities. The Urban High Roping track is the highest indoor track in the world. It sits 50 meters under the roof.
The B&W Hallerne is shared with other activities too. You might find the Copenhagen Paintball Arena here. The Royal Danish Theatre also has a backdrop workshop in the complex. This mix of activities creates a thrilling venue.
The B&W Hallerne stands as a raw and unique location. It has witnessed decades of industrial innovation and cultural events. It reflects Copenhagen’s ability to repurpose its industrial heritage. The B&W Hallerne is a place where the past and present collide. It is a testament to the city’s ever-evolving spirit.