Crystal-clear Copenhagen: A city swimming with bathing options

Beaches, harbour baths and even a free public pool are among the many possibilities to cool off in the capital

Alexis Kunsak

 

You probably wouldn’t dream of diving into the murky waters of London’s Thames for fear of catching some dreaded waterborne disease or coming face-to-face with an old crisps packet, but in Copenhagen – after a decade-long clean-up operation – the city’s waterways have been totally revamped and are now swimmable.

The harbour baths and nearby city beaches are all open to the public and are free to use; since the opening of the first harbour bath back in 2002, the transformation has been met with great gusto from the locals, who flock to the baths come rain or shine.

Islands Brygge Harbour Bath
Islands Brygge 7, Cph S; open 24/7, lifeguards on duty 11:00-19:00; free adm

The first of the baths to open, Islands Brygge Harbour Bath – designed by famed Danish architect Bjarke Ingels – has now become a crucial fixture on Copenhagen’s waterfront. Nestled just below Langebro bridge, bathers can take a rigorous plunge into the harbour’s depths whilst surrounded by the pulsing cityscape.

Amager Beach Park
Amager Strand Stien, Cph S; free adm;
amager-strand.dk

Just 5km from the city centre and easily accessible by the Metro, Amager Beach Park is popular with Copenhagers and in the summer months is rammed with some 70,000 beachgoers. From its sandy shores you’re treated to an arresting view over the windmill park and the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden.

Fisketorvet Harbour Bath
Kalvebod Brygge 55, Cph V; open 24/7,
lifeguards on duty 11:00-19:00; free adm

If you’re looking to clock up some serious laps, visit Fisketorvet’s olympic-size outdoor pool where there are designated swimming lanes and plenty of diving boards. There’s also a separate children’s pool and on duty lifeguards during opening hours.

Bellevue Beach
Strandvejen 340, Hellerup; free adm;
bellevuestrandbad.dk

If you have a little more time and want to experience a bit of suburbia, then Klampenborg’s Bellevue Beach – about 10km from downtown Copenhagen – is the place to head to. The beach has several piers to jump from as well as watchful lifeguards and freshwater showers. Whilst you’re there, pay a quick visit to Bellevue Theatre – designed by Arne Jacobsen.

Svanemølle Beach
Strandpromenaden 36, Cph Ø; free adm

The newest addition to Copenhagen’s watering holes – finished in 2010 – is Svanemølle Beach. Its distinctive bay with a shallow gradient makes it perfect for families, and a 130m long pier provides access into deeper waters for any adventurous types.

Bavnehøj Friluftsbad
Enghavevej 90, Cph SV; open daily 07:00-20:00; free adm

From its 12 online reviews, it’s all fours and fives for this public swimming pool, which on hot summer days is all arms and legs as local Copenhageners flock to it to cool off. The large paddling area and 25-metre pool, which has cordoned-off lanes for serious swimmers, are situated next to a large grassy area with climbing frames for children and volleyball, which make it the ideal spot to picnic and laze around.

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