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The Best Places to Swim in Copenhagen – Harbor Baths, Beaches, and Hidden Spots

Whether you’re a fan of sand between your toes, a true water enthusiast, or a devoted sun worshipper, the Copenhagen area offers countless opportunities for a refreshing dip – with the city skyline as your backdrop. Here’s your ultimate guide to your next city swim.

By Anna Skovby Hansen

Feel the Sand Between Your Toes

  • Photo: Büro Jantzen - Copenhagen Media Center

    Svanemøllen Beach

    Svanemøllen Beach is Østerbro’s local seaside gem – a city-close sandy beach that, especially in summer, attracts families, sunbathers, and swimmers longing for salty water and a beach vibe near town. With a wide stretch of sand and a 130-meter pier extending into the Øresund, it’s perfect for a quick dip or long, lazy days by the water. From your beach towel, you’ll have views of the massive Svanemølle Power Plant and the bustling Tuborg Harbor.

More Sandy Beaches:

Hellerup Beach Park

A child-friendly beach with shallow waters and a bathing jetty. Kids can splash by the shore while adults relax under a sun umbrella.

Charlottenlund Beach Park

Offers both sand and grassy areas – ideal for sunny beach days or an evening picnic.

Hvidovre Beach Park

A popular family destination. A sculptural concrete edge along the shoreline helps prevent flooding and doubles as a place to rest.

Swimming Spots for Summer and Winter

  • Photo: Giuseppe Liverino - Copenhagen Media Center

    Sandkaj

    In Nordhavn, among promenades, cafés, and swimmers, you’ll find a wonderful harbor bath open all year. You can take a dip or enjoy a picnic on the wide, long promenade. Spot striking new buildings like the shimmering Tip of Nordø, at the edge of the quay. Portland Towers – twin silos turned office buildings – form the backdrop for this harbor bath located at Göteborg Square.

Other Year-Round Harbor Baths:

Halfdansgade Bathing Zone

A quiet swimming spot in Islands Brygge – perfect for spontaneous swims anytime.

Richard Boones Vej, Vandtrappen

The longest bathing zone in the city at 100 meters – great for lap swimmers and winter dippers alike.

The Most Instagram-Worthy Dips

  • Photo: Daniel Rasmussen - Copenhagen Media Center

    La Banchina

    A hidden gem on Refshaleøen, La Banchina features a rustic wooden pier and cozy café-restaurant combo. Start the day with sourdough bread and coffee while taking in harbor views. Jump into the water from the small wooden dock, which leads to a defined swimming area. Popular in summer—arrive early! You’ll also spot the turquoise shipping containers known as Urban Rigger, now transformed into student housing on the water.

  • Photo: Thomas Høyrup - Copenhagen Media Center

    Kastrup Sea Bath, Sneglen

    Shaped like a seashell rising from the seabed, the Kastrup Sea Bath stretches 100 meters into the Øresund for cannonballs and dives alike. The circular design includes a wind-protecting outer wall, making it a peaceful place to swim. Its stunning architecture makes it an Instagram favorite.

More Instagram Worhty Harbor Baths:

Helgoland Sea Bath

At the north end of Amager Beach Park, a row of turquoise wooden huts on stilts welcomes swimmers all year.

Havnegade Harbor Bath

A small, centrally located zone – perfect for a quick swim with views of the Inner Harbor Bridge and nearby Nyhavn.

Perfect for the Whole Family

  • Photo: Jacob Lisby - Copenhagen Media Center

    Bellevue Beach

    Just a short S-train ride from Copenhagen, Bellevue Beach in Klampenborg blends classic beach life with iconic Danish modernism. Feel the soft sand while admiring Arne Jacobsen’s lifeguard towers, Bellavista apartments, and Bellevue Theater. Swim, play beach volleyball, or try water sports in this elegant summer spot.

  • Photo: Danielsen Architecture

    Koralbadet

    Set in a protected lagoon, this harbor bath features four pools: one for kids, one for youth, and two for lap swimming and diving. The coral-inspired organic shapes offer a soft, natural feel amid the modern canals of Sluseholmen.

More Family-Friendly Spots:

Fisketorvet Harbor Bath

Outside the shopping mall and beneath The Bicycle Snake, you’ll find three pools – one for kids, one for diving, and one for laps.

Bellahøj Outdoor Pool

A modern outdoor facility with pools for all levels, a diving tower, waterslide, and grassy sun areas.

Bavnehøj Outdoor Pool

A small city oasis with lap lanes and a shallow play pool.

Hidden Swimming Spots

  • Photo: Wichmann + Bendtsen - WERK Arkitekter

    Stubkaj

    Behind Kronløbsøen in Nordhavn lies Stubkaj – one of the district’s more secluded swim zones. Here you can swim in a circular pool surrounded by modern apartment buildings and urban life. A wooden deck runs along the edge, perfect for lounging. From here, you can admire Kronløbsøen’s floating homes inspired by the iconic chalk cliffs of Stevns Klint.

  • Photo: Daniel Rasmussen - Copenhagen Media Center

    Havnevigen

    Havnevigen is a manmade beach nestled in a residential area on Islands Brygge. Lay your towel on the sand and take a dip in the harbor. Some townhouse residents have private diving spots from their homes. Behind them rise three white, oval towers. Amager Fælled nature reserve is also nearby – ideal for combining a beach visit with a nature walk.

More Hidden Gems:

Valby Park Beach

A quiet beach in Valby Park with views of Kalveboderne – perfect for a relaxing escape with gardens and playgrounds nearby.

Byskoven Bathing Zone

In Amager Nature Park, this little treasure has a wooden path leading to a defined swim area with various access levels.

Active Swims and Water Sports

  • Photo: Dansk Arkitektur Center

    Kalvebod Bølge

    Kalvebod Bølge has revitalized Kalvebod Brygge with its undulating wooden promenade and activity zones. Swim year-round in the marked zone or try kayaking – with a slalom course, slide, and kayak rental. If you’re up for more, follow the path toward Vesterbro and link up with the Bicycle Snake, stretching across the harbor.

  • Photo: Julien de Smedt

    Islands Brygge Harbor Bath

    Among Bjarke Ingels’ first projects, this iconic bath launched the idea of swimming in the city. A symbol of Copenhagen’s transformation from industrial port to recreational hub, it features swimming, diving, and children’s pools. Its elongated design and wooden decks resemble a passenger ship’s promenade.

More High-Energy Swimming Spots:

Amager Beach Park

Copenhagen’s largest beach with a lagoon, city park, and water sports.

Søndre Refshalebassin

Great for lane swimming in the harbor – practice your freestyle, breaststroke, or butterfly.

Vestbadet in Brøndby

One of Denmark’s oldest outdoor pools with a 25-meter pool, diving boards, a kid-friendly waterslide, and lots of room to play.

Wading Pools: For the Little Ones

  • Photo: Ty Stange - CMC

    For the Little Ones

    Skydebanehaven

    A popular playground and summer magnet for tiny water lovers, thanks to its open wading pool.

    Hulgårds Plads

    Fun under the trees with traffic-themed play, sandbox, and summer splashes in the wading pool

    Remiseparken

    On Amager, this park offers farm animals, playgrounds, and a sunny-season wading pool.

    Valbyparken

    The nature-themed playground includes climbing towers, bonfire spots, and a summer-hit wading pool for supervised splashing.

Practical Information

Download By og Havns app KBH Havn with maps, water temperatures, and information about swimming options in the harbor.

Find details about staffed harbor baths with lifeguards, opening hours, and available facilities.

View an overview of unstaffed bathing zones that are open year-round.

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