Copenhagen might surprise you with how much swimming is part of city life. It’s not something people just do on holiday or on a weekend trip outside the city—it’s something they build into their daily routines. With clean harbors, accessible sea spots, and indoor pools for the colder days, swimming is something Copenhagen does well, and it’s easy to see why locals make the most of it.

Let’s look at the best places to swim, from harbor baths to sandy stretches by the sea. Whether you’re looking to cool off during a summer day or keep up your routine year-round, the city has a spot for it.

Harbor Baths: Right in the Middle of the City

Islands Brygge

Islands Brygge is the best-known harbor bath in Copenhagen—and for good reason. Right along the inner harbor, this spot has multiple pools: a lap pool, a diving pool, and two shallow ones for children. There’s no sand here, but you won’t miss it. Locals treat this area like a beach anyway, laying out on the wooden decks and soaking up the sun.

It can get busy in the summer, but there’s a laid-back mood here that never feels chaotic. Most people come to cool off, do a few laps, or just sit with their feet in the water. There are lifeguards in the summer months, which adds peace of mind for families.

Fisketorvet – The Copencabana

Just a short walk or bike ride from Islands Brygge, Fisketorvet offers another harbor swimming area. It’s smaller and has fewer frills, but that’s part of the appeal. You’ll find fewer crowds, calm waters, and a direct view across the harbor.

The name "Copencabana" is partly tongue-in-cheek, but it fits. People bring beach towels, speakers, and food and hang out for hours. There's a lane for swimmers who want to keep moving and steps that go directly into the water for easy access.

Sluseholmen Harbor Bath

Located in the South Harbor, this is the newest of the city’s big harbor baths. It’s more off the radar than Islands Brygge, but no less striking. The architecture of the bath itself feels modern and clean, with floating walkways and separate sections for diving, swimming, and relaxing.

Unlike the other two, Sluseholmen feels a bit more tucked away. It’s surrounded by canals and residential buildings, which gives it a quieter feel. If you prefer swimming in a less crowded area but still want the structure of a designated bath, this is a good pick.

Sea Swimming: When You Want the Open Water

Amager Strandpark

If you want sand and waves, Amager Strandpark is the place to go. It’s more than just a beach—it’s a long, artificial island that creates a wide, calm lagoon between the coast and the open sea. The water is usually still, but you’ll still feel the sea breeze and have room to spread out.

The northern end of the beach is the most popular for swimming. You’ll find designated swimming zones, soft sand, and even some small dunes. For those who like a longer swim, you can wade out from the shore and do laps in the open water.

It's easy to reach the city by metro or bike, and it has facilities like showers and toilets. In summer, people bring food and spend the whole day, but even in spring and fall, you'll find locals swimming here, especially those used to colder water.

Bellevue Beach

Up in Klampenborg, just north of the city, Bellevue Beach offers a more scenic take on sea swimming. It’s flanked by grassy areas and tall trees, giving it a bit of a coastal park feel. The beach is sandy, and the water here feels a little colder than Amager, but not in a bad way—just more refreshing.

There are wooden piers that stretch into the water, and many swimmers use these to jump in or rest in between laps. It’s less urban than the harbor baths, and that change of pace makes it feel like a mini getaway.

Indoor Pools for the Cold Days

DGI-byen Swim Centre

Right by the central station, this indoor swim center has one of the best lap pools in the city. It's wide, bright, and clean, and it attracts a mix of serious swimmers and casual visitors. There's a warm-water pool for relaxing, a kid's area, and even a climbing wall you can fall into the water.

It's not fancy, but it's reliable. In the winter months, or on rainy days when outdoor swimming doesn't feel like an option, this place stays busy. People come early in the morning before work or in the evening to wind down. It's not the kind of pool you go to just to float—it's more for swimming with intent.

Valby Water Culture House

This indoor pool in the Valby neighborhood has a more local feel. It’s smaller and quieter, which makes it a good place to go if you want to avoid the bigger centers. The lap pool is solid, and there’s also a sauna and a kids’ area.

What makes it stand out isn’t the size or the extras—it’s the atmosphere. It feels like part of the neighborhood, not a place people come across town to visit. For swimmers who like a slower pace and less background noise, it’s a nice option.

Cold Water Spots: For Those Who Like a Chill

La Banchina

La Banchina is a café and sauna with direct access to the harbor, and though it’s more famous for its food, the swimming setup is what draws many regulars. There’s a ladder that drops straight into the water, and it’s used all year round.

Winter swimmers come here early, take a cold dip, and then head into the sauna to warm up. It's a daily ritual for some, especially during the colder months. While the water isn't sectioned off, it's clean and calm, and the relaxed mood makes it a favorite among locals who like to swim without much fuss.

Refshaleøen’s Untouched Shorelines

If you don’t mind less structure, the shoreline around Refshaleøen gives you access to deeper, open water without needing any setup. There aren’t any formal pools or lifeguards—it’s just you, the rocks, and the sea.

People swim here for the quiet. You’ll see locals walk out, hang their clothes on a rock, and get in. It’s simple, and it works. For those who like to swim without being surrounded by others, this spot feels like a hidden corner.

Last Thoughts

Swimming in Copenhagen isn’t about one perfect beach or pool—it’s about how easy it is to fit into your life. Whether it’s a quick morning lap at a harbor bath, a weekend swim at the beach, or a winter dip followed by a sauna, the city offers something that feels natural rather than forced.

You don’t have to go far to find clean water, space to swim, and people doing the same. That’s the best part—it’s part of the rhythm of the place.