Maybe it all comes down to one thing: recycling.
Copenhagen offers a thriving culture of recycling – from flea markets and online marketplaces to expensive vintage stores. Even well-known fashion magazine Vogue has declared Copenhagen as one of the leading cities in second-hand and vintage fashion.
Danes love second-hand like never before – and it has become a particularly big part of the Danish youth culture. 18-30-year-olds are the Danish champions when it comes to buying and selling used products. They buy second-hand to protect their wallet, protect the climate and not least to protect their image.
From emergency aid to high fashion
Has Copenhagen always been in love with second-hand? Not quite. In fact, the love for second-hand didn’t begin in Copenhagen at all, but in Jutland. In Denmark’s second-largest city – Aarhus.
It was here that a pastor and his wife founded Denmark’s first second-hand shop in 1972. “Folkekirkens Nødhjælps Genbrugsbutik” (DanchurchAid’s second-hand shop ) The concept quickly became a huge success, and second-hand shops soon began opening in every corner of the country.
Back then, most Danes bought second-hand out of necessity – not as a fashion statement. Up until the turn of the millennium, second-hand shopping was mainly driven by financial or environmental concerns. But in the 00’s, vintage suddenly became fashionable and second-hand clothing became a way to show your identity.
Today, there are more than 1000 second-hand shops all over Denmark. Second-hand shopping means many things today. It can be a clothing style and a call for climate action. But it has also become its own universe, home to a special second-hand community and unique shopping experiences.
Vintage and second-hand shops
You don’t have to look far to find them. A trip down Strøget will take you past several vintage shops. They offer a wide selection of luxury brands and unique retro clothes. Copenhagen’s vintage shops are widely known for having a curated selection with an emphasis on quality and design.
Head to the trendy districts of Copenhagen, Vesterbro and Nørrebro, and you’ll find a wide range of vintage and second-hand shops selling everything from clothing to furniture and accessories. These neighbourhoods are known for their creative and laid-back approach to fashion, making them ideal spots to hunt for unique second-hand treasures.
If you want to experience the fashion rush of Copenhagen’s vintage and second-hand, be sure to explore shops like: Prag, Magnolia, Crush, Veras Vintage, Chamoi, Reseller and Wasteland.
Charity shops
Copenhagen has many shops that sell donated items and give the profits to charity. Here you can find clothes, furniture, kitchenware and even electronics. Unlike vintage shops, the items in charity shops aren’t selected to match a particular style or trend, so the selection is quite varied. Yet, it’s here you’ll often find unique and very cheap second-hand items, many of which hold great cultural value in Denmark.
Try to stop by shops like Danmission Genbrug, Røde Kors or Kirkens Korshær. You might be surprised by the second-hand treasures waiting for you.
Flea markets
From early spring to late autumn, a bunch of flea markets appear across Copenhagen. Many of the flea markets are in parks or public squares. You are met by a cosy atmosphere as you browse the many booths. It’s a package deal – find second-hand gems and enjoy the local community as well.
Some of the most well-known flea markets are Det Grønne Loppemarked at Nørrebro, Loppetorvet at Frederiksberg, Veras Market under Buen (Bispeengbuen) and Københavns Loppetorv at Israels Plads. Each flea market has its own style, and some even host special theme days. Depending on the flea market, you will be able to find everything from antique furniture to books and high-quality second-hand clothing.
Reolmarkeder – shelf rental markets
Reolmarkeder (shelf rental markets) are a unique Scandinavian concept. They are markets where you rent a booth to display and sell your second-hand clothes and items. Staff from the market manage the sales, so you don’t need to be there in person to sell your things.
Not only are reolmarkeder marketplaces, but they’ve also become social hubs where people can share their love and interest for antique goods, vintage clothing and second-hand finds.
You’ll find reolmarkeder across Copenhagen. Some of particularly well-known ones are Lopgun at Vesterbro and Kabomani at Frederiksberg and Amager.
Online marketplaces
Even though Copenhagen offers many amazing second-hand treasure hunts in physical shops and markets, most Danish second-hand transactions take place online. Here, you can easily buy and sell used items while gaining access to a huge market. Danes often use platforms such as Den Blå Avis, Instagram, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace.
Pick up free second-hand treasures
Did you know that you can also find free second-hand items in Copenhagen? Yes, it’s true, and it won’t cost you a krone. Copenhagen has many recycling centres where you can drop off and pick up second-hand goods completely free of charge – and sustainably, too.
There are five large recycling centres in Copenhagen and twelve collection points – which are smaller recycling spots located centrally in the city. All residents of Copenhagen are welcome to use these stations – and you might just be very surprised by the hidden gems you’ll find here. Furniture, tableware, clothes, books – it’s like going on a shopping spree without spending any money.
If you’re going all-in on second-hand, several of the collection points let you borrow a trolley to help transport items to and from your home.
Read more and discover free second-hand treasures on the City of Copenhagen’s homepage here (in Danish).
So, are you ready to fall in love with second-hand like the rest of Copenhagen?
Whether you're looking to protect your wallet, protect the climate or simply to protect your image here are six tips on how to make the most of living in a city that loves second-hand.
