Dragør Harbour has both a fishing and a leisure section. Today the leisure section is considerably larger than the fishing section of the harbour, as many sailing in Øresund and around Denmark make a stop in Dragør.
Fishing boats went out to catch the herring which were very abundant in Øresund in past centuries. However, Øresund did not allow all fishermen to return to the harbour - many lives were lost in the waves. The observation tower was used by the pilots that assisted and still assist ships today in getting past the Drogden low water area close to Dragør. Today Dragør is a much safer and quieter place.