Residents protest homeless encampment near metro station

Neighbours have expressed frustration over a homeless encampment of tents set up near Havneholmen Metro station in Copenhagen, prompting debate on social media.

Anette Kjersgaard, who lives close to the station, posted on Facebook describing a group of foreign nationals living in a makeshift camp behind the station.

“We can’t just let people camp anywhere,” Kjersgaard said. “It’s not pleasant, and it’s unhygienic—there are no toilets.”

Copenhagen city council relaxed outdoor overnight rules last year, allowing sleeping in parks without risk of fines. However, the council has clarified that this does not extend to metro stations.

In a written response, the city’s climate, environment and technical affairs mayor Line Barfod (Green Left) was unavailable for comment due to vacation but confirmed that the relaxed rules do not permit pitching tents.