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Smedetoften - Nordvest’s Creative Square for the Curious and Community-Minded
- nordvestandmore
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Past Tomgårdsvej, Smedetoften has become much more than a quiet residential corner. It’s now a vibrant little square buzzing with creativity, youth energy, and some of the neighborhood’s most exciting food and art.
At the center of it all is Smedetoften Youth Culture House — a space co-designed with local youth, built specifically to meet the needs of young people in the area. Think of it as part community hub, part innovation lab, and part public hangout zone — all rooted in the spirit of Nordvest.
Inside, you’ll find one of the city’s hands-on, youth-oriented workshops: MakerSpace NV, equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters and more. The project is to give young people the space and gear to build, experiment, and bring their ideas to life.
Every Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00, MakerSpace NV hosts NaboSøndag, an open workshop where local residents, families, and creatives can drop in to use the facilities or join special workshops. It’s a welcoming space for anyone curious about making, repairing, or simply connecting with neighbors. Additionally, every first Tuesday of the month, the space also hosts a Repair Café — a place where locals can bring broken appliances, clothes, or gadgets and give them a second life with the help of skilled volunteers. It's free, it’s fun, and it aligns perfectly with the neighborhood’s growing DIY and sustainability ethos.
Beyond the tools and tech, Smedetoften offers communal dining, a homework café, and cozy hangout zones—especially valuable in a neighborhood where many young people live in small apartments. It’s a space to relax, share meals, and build friendships. The outdoor area is designed like a teenager’s room in public space, featuring an open wooden pavilion, ball field, plant beds, and urban furniture. A luminous ring that lights up at sunrise and sunset—co-designed by local youth—has become a recognizable landmark in the area.
The square at Smedetoften is also home to some precious NV landmarks:
Høtoft – A standout wine shop I’ve reviewed before; small but mighty with a thoughtfully curated natural wine selection.
Fiskerizakajaen – A self described "gastronomical playground for food people". It hosts events and is only what could be described as an outstanding and low-key seafood restaurant. Connected to Fiskerikajen, the fish supplier trusted by some of Denmark’s best chefs. Expect high-quality seafood in a relaxed setting.
Gadegalleriet – Just around the corner, you’ll find 16 large-scale murals by local and international artists, turning nearby buildings into a street art gallery. Take a stroll, and don’t forget your camera.
Smedetoften is a perfect example of what makes Nordvest so special — a mix of grassroots creativity, neighborhood spirit, and unexpected cultural gems all within a few steps of each other. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or just someone who appreciates places that put people (and good ideas) first, this is a square worth exploring.
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