Amager

What secrets does Amager hold? Amager isn’t just an island. It’s a patchwork of contrasts stitched together by time and human endeavor. Here, the ultra-modern Ørestad development rubs shoulders with the ancient fishing hamlet of Dragør. The roar of jets taking off from Copenhagen Airport echoes across the tranquil wetlands of Kalvebod Fælled. Amager whispers stories of its past, a past as diverse as its landscape. Originally a small island, Amager grew with the ambitions of kings and the toil of Dutch farmers. King Christian II, seeking fresh vegetables for his court, invited Dutch farmers to Amager. They dammed the land, cultivated the fields, and established a thriving community. Their legacy can still be seen in the surviving farmhouses and whispers of Amager Dutch, a language that persisted until the mid-19th century. Amager’s fortunes shifted with Copenhagen’s growth. The island transformed from a rural haven to a working-class district. It even bore the unfortunate nickname “Lorteøen” or “Shit Island,” a reference to its use as a landfill. Yet, the “Amaricans,” as the islanders are known, fiercely defended their home. Their local patriotism became a badge of honor. The construction of the Øresund Bridge brought a new era of development. A highway and railway sliced across the island. Property values soared, and the metro arrived, connecting Amager to the heart of Copenhagen. Today, Amager is a hub of modern architecture. The Ørestad area showcases innovative designs, a testament to the island’s transformation. But the old ways haven’t entirely disappeared. In Dragør, cobblestone streets and brightly colored houses recall a quieter time. The harbor still bustles with fishing boats, a living link to Amager’s maritime heritage. Amager invites you to explore its contradictions. Walk along the sandy shores of Amager Strandpark. Wander through the protected wetlands of Kalvebod Fælled, a natural oasis teeming with wildlife. Visit the National Aquarium Denmark, or Den Blå Planet, and marvel at the wonders of the marine world. Amager is more than just an island. It is a story waiting to be discovered.