Where to Go Swimming in Copenhagen? Best Spots

Looking for the best places to swim in Copenhagen?

From sandy beaches along the coast to urban harbour baths right in the heart of the city, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a refreshing swim.

As a resident of Copenhagen who enjoys exploring its waters year-round, I have swum in several places and know where to go for swimming in the city.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach or a local favorite pool, I’ve got the best recommendations for you.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the best places for swimming in Copenhagen.

Let’s dive in!

1. Harbour baths in Copenhagen Canals

Copenhagen’s harbour baths are one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s waterfront, and I love how they bring a mix of urban life and nature together.

Swim in the clean, open water right in the middle of the city! These open-water swimming pools are built in the canals.

There are 13 harbour baths in Copenhagen, and they’re completely free to use. Of which, Islands Brygge harbour bath is the most popular one.

During Summer, from June to August, the lifeguards are on duty, and the water quality is regularly checked. You’ll see flags raised at the harbours indicating whether it’s safe to swim, but you can also check online before heading out.

There are family-friendly areas with shallow water for kids, lap pools for serious swimmers as well as diving platforms for those looking for a little thrill.

On a warm day, the harbour baths are packed with locals enjoying swimming, sunbathing on the decks, or simply hanging out by the water.

These outdoor swimming pools at the harbour baths are one of the best free things to do in Copenhagen, and you’ll quickly see why it’s such a local favourite.

Most of the harbour baths in Copenhagen stay open year-round for winter bathing. 

Sauna + harbour bath = The best! I’ve tried it, and trust me, the cold plunge in winter is a must-try experience.

2. Public Swimming Pools in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has plenty of public swimming pools, and most of them are run by the municipality. Only a few are privately managed.

These swimming pools are ideal for swimming indoors in Copenhagen, especially when the weather isn’t great for an outdoor dip.

Tickets to the Copenhagen municipality swimming pools can be purchased online or directly at the pool’s ticket machines. The price varies between weekdays and weekends. If you’re planning to swim regularly, you can get a voucher (klippekort) or an annual pass.

One good thing is that children under 7 can enter for free, but they must always be with an adult who is at least 15 years old.

Most of these pools come with extra facilities including lockers and showers on-site. The staff is happy to help with anything you need.

Many have saunas, shallow areas for kids, and even diving boards for those who want to practice their jumps.

Lifeguards are always present to ensure safety, and the water temperature is regulated.

If you’re interested in learning how to swim or improving your technique, many of these pools offer swimming lessons as well.

One of the most well-known privately managed pools in Copenhagen is the DGI-Byen Aquatic Centre. It has its own pricing, rules, and facilities.

3. Hotels with Swimming Pools

Staying at a hotel with a swimming pool is the best way to combine luxury and wellness. After a long day of exploring Copenhagen, there’s nothing better than ending your day with a peaceful swim!

I’ve put together a list of 10 hotels in Copenhagen with amazing pools, including indoor, outdoor, and even infinity pools with stunning city views.

The most photogenic pool in Copenhagen has to be at Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden Hotel. It has a tropical, Balinese-style vibe, surrounded by lush greenery, making it feel like a jungle oasis right in the heart of the city. It’s definitely one of the most unique places to take a swim!

So, if you’re looking for a hotel where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy a bit of luxury, check out my list of Copenhagen hotels with pools.

4. Swimming in the Beaches of Copenhagen

​​Swimming at Copenhagen’s beaches is one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s outdoor life. And the best part? They’re all easily accessible by public transport from the city centre!

Most beaches in Copenhagen are family-friendly, with shallow waters and calm waves. Swimmers can head out further for deeper waters.

The facilities are great too—clean toilets and showers, and plenty of parking spaces. You can have a picnic, fire up a barbecue, read a book, sunbathe, or simply go for a swim and do it all over again.

The water quality is regularly checked, and you can find updates online. Many popular beaches also have flags that indicate whether it’s safe to swim.

Summer is the best time to bit the beaches, but it’s also when it gets the most crowded. If you don’t mind the buzz, it’s the perfect season to soak up the sun and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

I’ve put together a list of the best beaches in Copenhagen for swimming—be sure to check it out!

One of the most popular is Amager Strand, loved by both locals and tourists.

5. Kastrup Sea Bath (Kastrup Søbad)

Kastrup Sea Bath, also known as Sneglen (The Snail) among locals, is one of Copenhagen’s most unique and scenic sea baths for swimming. Also, it’s FREE!

Opened in 2005, this stunning wooden structure extends 100 meters into the Øresund, gradually rising above sea level, and ends with a 5-meter diving platform. You can take the plunge from 3, 5, or even 8 meters!

Its circular shape not only resembles a snail but also acts as a windbreaker, making it a sheltered spot for swimming and sunbathing.

It’s super easy to get here by metro, making it a popular summer hangout. Plus, service staff are available from May 15 to August 31, between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, to help the visitors.

The facilities are also wheelchair-friendly, with accessible changing rooms and toilets.

On a clear day, from Kastrup Søbad, you can see incredible views of Saltholm Island and even Sweden!

• Location: Kastrup Søbad (Kastrup Sea Bath)
• Opening Hours: Between May 15 and August 31, the sea bath is open on all days from 8:00 to 22:00. Between September 1 and May 14, it is open from Monday to Friday between 6:30 and 15:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays between 8:00 and 22:00.
• The changing rooms and toilets are closed between September and May.

Other sea baths near Copenhagen City are Helgoland Badeanstalt and Charlottenlund Søbad. You can check out them too.

Swimming Events in Copenhagen: TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim 2025

TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim is the biggest swimming festival of the year, bringing together thousands of swimmers from all over the world. In 2024, over 4,600 participants took on the challenge, and 2025 is expected to be just as exciting!

If you love open-water swimming, mark your calendar for August 29-30, 2025.

What makes this event special? It’s the only weekend of the year when you can (legally) swim through the canals around Christiansborg. The route takes you past some of Copenhagen’s most picturesque landmarks, with the start and finish line at Denmark’s National Library. 

Whether you’re up for a 1,000-meter swim, a challenging 10,000-meter event, or a fun team relay, there’s a distance suitable for everyone. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a night race!

The event is organised by SvømDanmark (The Danish Swimming Federation), and spots fill up fast. Registration usually opens months in advance, and by March, most events are full. So, if you’re joining, sign up as early as possible!

Final Thoughts: Best Places for Swimming in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a fantastic city for swimming. I just love it!

The city’s water quality is among the cleanest in the world, making it a dream for open-water swimming.

With clean water, scenic surroundings, and great facilities, taking a dip in Copenhagen’s water is an experience worth it, irrespective of the season.

It is the best free activity to do in Copenhagen.

So, pack your swimwear, head to one of these amazing swimming spots, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Danish capital!