Just three years ago, CNN named Copenhagen the best city in the world for swimming, thanks to its city beaches and seafront waterfront.
With crystal clear water and minimal salt content, a dip on a hot summer day is always highly recommended.
But be warned: you can not just jump in anywhere: New rules allow the authorities to fine you for swimming in non-designated areas – especially in the Port of Copenhagen.
All types of stains
For the full beach experience, head to Amager Beach Park, a quick subway ride away where a 2km long artificial island has created one of the country’s best beaches along with a lagoon perfect for a paddle.
Or why not try the newly opened beach at Valbyparken, a beautiful park to get lost in.
Closer to the center, the harbor baths at Islands Brygge and Fisketorvet are just two more good alternatives. Read on for our selection of the best.
Islands Brygge Havnebad
Islands Brygge 7, Cph S; open 06: 00-22: 00, lifeguards on duty 10: 00-18: 00; free adm
Islands Brygge Harbor Bath – designed by the famous Danish architect Bjarke Ingels – has now become a crucial part of Copenhagen’s waterfront. Located just below the Langebro bridge, bathers can take a strict leap into the depths of the harbor, while being surrounded by the vibrant cityscape. There are also harbor baths at Fisketorvet and Sluseholmen. All three have lifeguards and are free to use.
Amager Strandpark
Amager Strand Stien, Cph S; open 24 hours a day, lifeguards 10: 00-18: 00; free adm; amager-strand.dk
Just 5 km from the city center and easily accessible by metro, Amager Strandpark is rammed in summer. From its sandy beaches you will be treated with a breathtaking view of the wind farm and the Øresund Bridge, which connects Denmark and Sweden.
Bellevue Beach
Strandvejen 340, Hellerup; open 24 hours a day, lifeguards 10: 00-18: 00; free adm; bellevuestrandbad.dk
If you have a little more time and want to experience a little suburb, then Klampenborgs Bellevue Strand – about 10 km from the center of Copenhagen – is the place to go. The beach has several piers to jump from as well as awake lifeguards and freshwater showers. While you are there, you can quickly visit the Bellevue Theater – designed by Arne Jacobsen.
Svanemølle Strand
Strandpromenaden 36, Cph Ø; open 24 hours a day, lifeguards 10: 00-18: 00; free adm
Svanemølle Beach’s shallow slope makes it perfect for families, while a 130 meter long pier provides access to deeper waters for adventurous types.
Bavnehøj Friluftsbad
Enghavevej 90, Cph SV; open Monday and Wed-Thurs 07: 00-20: 00, Tue and Fri 12: 00-20: 00, Sat-Sun 10: 00-18: 00; free adm
The large paddle area and 25 meter long pool, which has cordoned off lanes for serious swimmers, is located next to a large grass area with climbing frames for children and volleyball, making it the ideal place to picnic and laze. There is also a similar pool in Bellahøj.
Bathing / dipping zones
Different places
There are a total of seven designated bathing zones to keep an eye on: Halfdansgade, Halvandet, Havnevigen, Sandkaj, Søndre Refshaleøebassin, Kalvebod Bølge and La Banchina, along with two dipping zones that often change location. Remember that bathing in the zones is at your own risk and there is no lifeguard monitoring. Most are open 24 hours a day.
Source: The Nordic Page