9 Best Beaches in Copenhagen (and Nearby)

When you think of Copenhagen, beaches might not be the first thing that comes to your mind. But trust me, on a sunny day, the city’s coastline is the perfect escape! Beaches are where you want to be!

Copenhagen is home to some beautiful beaches. With easy access from the city center, the clean waters and surroundings offer a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, whether you’re up for a swim, a picnic, or just a peaceful sunset by the water.

As someone who lives here, I’ve explored these beaches during the summer and even taken winter dips. I know which spots get crowded, which are best for families, and where to find the cleanest water. You don’t have to waste time figuring it out—I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the best beaches in Copenhagen, what makes each one special, and how to get there.

Let’s go!

1. Amager Beach

Amager Beach or Amager Strand is one of the go-to Copenhagen beaches when the sun is out.

It’s a man-made sandy beach on a small island, complete with a lagoon, clean water, and a sandy bottom stretching 20-30 meters into the sea. And the best part? It’s super easy to reach by metro!

This beach has many watersports – You’ll find locals swimming, kayaking, and even kite surfing in the lagoon. On land, there are beach volleyball courts, a handball area, and even a roller skating rink.

And don’t miss to check out the Käthe Wessel shipwreck, visible up close near the shore. Also, if you are with children, visit the Den Blå Planet (aquarium) located nearby.

Amager Beach Park also has a beautiful promenade, making it ideal for a leisurely seaside stroll. 

Plus, if you’re into sea baths, you’ll find two at either end of the beach—Helgoland Badeanstalt and Kastrup Søbad (Seabath). Visitors are welcome.

If you just want to relax, grab an ice cream or a drink from one of the kiosks or cafés and soak in the Danish summer vibes.

Clean public toilets, free parking spaces, and easy access to the metro make Amager Beach one of the most visited beaches by both locals and tourists.

2. Svanemølle Beach

Svanemølle Beach is a small but lovely spot just a short walk from Svanemøllen Station. It’s a local favourite—people flock here to sunbathe, swim, or simply to enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

There’s even a freshwater shower right on the beach—perfect for rinsing off after a swim.

The 130 m long pier also means there is space for keen swimmers to enter the deep water.

On a sunny day, you’ll find families, couples, and groups of friends lounging on the sand while others take a dip in the clean, shallow water. In the winter months, it’s a completely different vibe—calm, quiet, and almost empty.

Lifeguards are available on duty from June 23 to the last Sunday in August from 10:00 to 18:00.

Osterbro’s popular swimming beach is a great space for toddlers to play. For a relaxed beach day, bring a coffee and a book and escape the city noise.

There are also a few food options nearby, including a restaurant, coffee, and ice cream parlor. 

 Public toilets and parking make it a convenient swimming place near Copenhagen City.

3. Valby Beach

Valby Beach or Stranden i Valbyparken is a small, peaceful beach in the Sydhavnen area of Copenhagen. It’s tucked away in the public park Valbyparken.

The beach is quiet, surrounded by greenery, and perfect if you just want to enjoy fresh air. It has clean toilets, changing rooms, and a shower.

The water quality is monitored, and you’ll find a green or red light display letting you know if it’s safe to swim. Just keep in mind that there’s no light at night, so it’s not a place to visit after dark.

Valbyparken is one of the largest parks in Copenhagen, with themed gardens, a disc golf course, playgrounds, picnic spots with tables and benches, and even concerts and events happening from time to time.

There’s also a slackline spot right beside the beach.

The only restaurant nearby, Picniq Valbyparkens Spiseri, is a short walk from the beach if you need a bite. The nearest metro station is about 2 km away.

4. Hvidovre Strand

Hvidovre Strand is a small beach located in Lodsparken. It’s super easy to reach the beach from Copenhagen—just a three-minute walk from the nearest bus and train station.

The shallow water makes it great, especially for families with children.

The beach is about 300 meters long with a wooden pier that stretches into the sea.

Right behind the sandy beach, there’s a large grassy area where you can stretch out with a book, listen to a podcast, or play games —but it’s good to be mindful of others.

There are no lifeguards, but the safe area for swimming is marked by buoys. You can check the water quality on the Badevand app before heading out.

During the summer season, the beach gets lively, with food stalls popping up along the shore. If you’d rather sit down for a proper meal, there are also restaurants by the nearby harbour, just a short walk away.

Toilets are available at Hvidovre Harbour, right across from the parking lot.

5. Hellerup Strand

Hellerup Strand is a small and clean beach with a long wooden pier extending into the water. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Sweden across the Øresund! It’s a popular spot among locals, and it’s easy to see why.

Getting here is simple—it’s 1.2 km from Hellerup train station or just a 550-meter walk if you take the bus. There’s plenty of bicycle parking, but space is limited for cars.

The water is great for swimming, and you’ll often see people doing laps between the yellow buoys. It’s also a hotspot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing boats.

In summer, small kiosks open up, selling ice cream, coffee, and light snacks—perfect for a quick break by the water. Public restrooms are available near the sailing club.

Hellerup Strand is also famous for winter bathing, with many locals taking ice-cold dips. Bring warm clothes in winter as the winds can be strong!

If you are visiting Hellerup Beach with kids, do not miss Experimentarium nearby!

6. Charlottenlund Beach

Charlottenlund Beach is set in a picturesque location right next to Charlottenlund Fort. It’s 650 meters long, with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. 

The shallow water makes it super kid-friendly and, hence, the best beach for family outings. If you’re planning to swim, there are designated swimming areas, and lifeguards are present during the summer.

And if you’re visiting in summer, check out the Charlottenlund Sea Bath at one end of the beach. It’s members-only in winter but open to visitors from June 1 to August 31, from 9:00 to 19:00.

Before jumping in, you can check the bathing water forecast either on the Badevand app or the digital signs at the beach.

Just behind the beach, you’ll find a campsite with barbecue areas and plenty of space for tents, caravans, campervans, and even rooftop tents.

There’s also a free outdoor gym, and after a swim, you can rinse off at the restrooms and showers available on-site.

Parking is available at both ends of the beach park, so it’s relatively easy to find a spot.

If you get hungry, there are restaurants and ice cream shops nearby.

7. Bellevue Strand

Bellevue Stand or Bellevue Beach is 700 meters long and was designed by the famous Danish architect Arne Jacobsen.

About a 30-minute drive from Copenhagen, the beach is just a short walk from Klampenborg train station.

Start the day trip from Copenhagen with a bike ride around Dyrehaven, followed by a refreshing swim in the sea, relaxing on the lawn at Bellevue Beach, and exploring the Bakken amusement park in the evening.

The lifeguards are on duty during summer, making it a safe spot for families and kids. There is plenty of space to play volleyball and set up a barbeque on the grass lawn nearby.

Toilets and public showers are available for convenience. There’s no public parking at the beach, but a paid parking lot is located nearby.

For extra activities, Bellevue SUP & Surf, Temple Yoga, and Temple Sea Bath Sauna are also located at one end of the beach.

8. Brøndby Strand

Not far from Copenhagen, Brøndby Strand is more than just a beach—it’s part of a nature and outdoor recreation area with white sandy shores, dunes, lakes, meadows, and even small forests.

Since 2018, Brøndby Strand has been a Blue Flag beach, meaning it meets high standards for water quality and safety. From June to September, lifeguards are on duty daily from 11:00 to 19:00.

It’s a great place for a beach picnic, a quick dip, or just hanging out.

With three cafés nearby, you won’t have to worry about packing snacks. There are also toilets, showers, and plenty of free parking, making it convenient for a day out.

During summer, there are several bathing bridges spread along the coast, though only one remains year-round.

Overnight camping isn’t allowed in the blue flag beaches of Copenhagen.

Brøndby Strand is also part of Køge Bugt Beach Park, a 7 km-long stretch of beautiful coastline that includes other beaches like Vallensbæk Strand, Ishøj Strand, and Greve Strand.

9. Ishøj Strand

Ishøj Strand is a beautiful and spacious beach located after Brøndby Beach.

The calm, shallow waters make it one of the most child-friendly beaches. You can walk pretty far out before it gets deep, which is great if you’re visiting with kids.

The water is usually clean and clear, though you might come across some seaweed now and then. The water quality can be checked at badevand.com.

With its long stretch of soft sand, it never feels too crowded, even on a sunny day. For families, there’s a small, sandy fun park with activities for kids, and during summer, lifeguards are on duty. 

There’s a café right by the beach, plus some ice cream kiosks—a huge plus when the sun is out!

If you’re a dog owner, you’ll be happy to know this is one of the best dog-friendly beaches near Copenhagen.

One of the best things about Ishøj Strand is that it has plenty of free parking. There are also public toilets, changing rooms, and showers, all free to use.

Another highlight is the Arken Museum of Modern Art, just a short walk away. There are also beautiful lakes behind the beach park, making for a nice, peaceful walk. 

If you keep following the coast, you’ll eventually reach Greve Strand, another lovely beach nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Best Beaches in Copenhagen

My favourite go-to beaches near Copenhagen are Amager Strand, Bellevue and Ishøj Strand. If I just need a quick dip, Svanemølle Strand is my spot.

Danish beaches are all about clean sand, fresh sea air, and plenty of space to relax.

One of the things I love about Copenhagen’s beaches is how many beaches are right next to green parks, making it easy to switch between lounging on the sand and enjoying a peaceful walk.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach with shallow waters, a quiet scenic spot to unwind, or a lively beach with a social vibe, there’s something for everyone.

Pack your swimwear, grab a towel, and go explore the best beaches in and around Copenhagen!