Islands Brygge Harbour Bath Copenhagen
Dive into Copenhagen's revitalized harbor at this free, vibrant swimming spot with pools, a diving tower, and sunbathing lawns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, refreshing dip
Islands Brygge Harbour Bath Copenhagen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, refreshing dip
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into Copenhagen's revitalized harbor at this free, vibrant swimming spot with pools, a diving tower, and sunbathing lawns.
"A great place for a calm swim and you can do the high jump. Can’t miss this spot!!"
🥶 Cold Water Warning
Water is chilly! Bring warm clothes for after. Consider a sauna session first.
🧳 Bag Storage
No dedicated lockers. Ask fellow swimmers to watch your bag or trust the low crime rate.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harbour Bath Pools
Islands Brygge
Dive into clean harbor waters across multiple pools, including shallow areas for kids and a diving tower.
Diving Tower
Islands Brygge Harbour Bath
Take a leap of faith from the springboard diving area for an exhilarating experience.
Lush Green Lawns
Adjacent to the pools
Relax and sunbathe on the expansive grassy areas after your swim. Perfect for picnics!
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chill: Water Temps & What to Bring
Check Water Quality & Renovation Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥶 Cold Water Warning
Water is chilly! Bring warm clothes for after. +1 Consider a sauna session first.
🧳 Bag Storage
No dedicated lockers. Ask fellow swimmers to watch your bag or trust the low crime rate. +1
💧 Check Water Quality
Use the CPH Harbour app for real-time water quality updates.
🚻 Basic Changing Facilities
Public restrooms are available for changing; they are basic and may have graffiti.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥶 Cold Water Warning
Water is chilly! Bring warm clothes for after. +1 Consider a sauna session first.
🧳 Bag Storage
No dedicated lockers. Ask fellow swimmers to watch your bag or trust the low crime rate. +1
💧 Check Water Quality
Use the CPH Harbour app for real-time water quality updates.
🚻 Basic Changing Facilities
Public restrooms are available for changing; they are basic and may have graffiti.
☀️ Sunbathing Spot
Spacious lawns are perfect for relaxing post-swim. Bring a towel!
🏊♀️ Lifeguards on Duty
Friendly lifeguards are present during summer for safety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Islands Brygge Harbour Bath as a highlight of their Copenhagen trip, praising the clean waters, free entry, and social atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a refreshing swim, a dive from the tower, or simply relaxing on the sunny lawns. While changing facilities are basic and the water is cold, the overall experience is highly recommended for a quintessential Copenhagen summer day.
"This was a highlight of my trip to Copenhagen. A great place for a calm swim and you can do the high jump. I just laid on my towel with a book after, but it was such a nice social spot people laying out. A great place to spend your afternoon in Copenhagen. Can’t miss this spot!! No tickets needed"
Monique Lesieur
"Free outdoor pools created by fencing in an area of the harbour. There is a similar, single pool on the north side which is less popular if you hit it on a busy day. Even when I took a bracing dip mod-September there was a steady trickle of swimmers. Lifeguards on duty; they are friendly and helpful - useful if you’re a visitor.
There are large grass areas just outside the swimming area for picnicking or just people watching.
The pool area itself has no facilities but that doesn’t seem to bother anyone! Smaller, shallow pools provide safe space for little ones and there’s a stepped tower for diving or jumping off.
Don’t be alarmed by the fish and jelly fish - both harmless!"
Helen Waring
"Every time i’ve been here it’s been great; clean water, nice well maintained space, not too busy. I always look forward to going! Bathrooms nearby and a kids bassin too."
Camille
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Islands Brygge Harbour Bath is easily accessible by public transport. You can take buses or the metro to nearby stations. Many visitors also enjoy cycling to the location, a popular mode of transport in Copenhagen.
Parking can be challenging in this popular area. It's recommended to use public transport or cycle if possible. If driving, look for paid parking zones in the vicinity.
No, it is illegal to swim in Copenhagen harbor outside of the designated 'Badezoner' (bathing zones) or 'Dybezones'. You risk a fine if you swim in unauthorized areas. +1
Many visitors find that cycling is the most enjoyable and efficient way to reach Islands Brygge, allowing you to soak in the city's atmosphere. Public transport is also a convenient option.
Yes, besides Islands Brygge, you can also visit Fisketorvet Harbour Bath, which features a 50m pool and is part of the canal. Kastrup Søbad is another option for swimming in Copenhagen's harbour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Islands Brygge Harbour Bath is free. You don't need to purchase any tickets to access the swimming facilities.
The harbour bath is generally open during the summer months for swimming. Specific opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most current information. It's also open for sauna club users in winter.
The Islands Brygge Harbour Bath is a public facility and does not have an entrance fee. It's free for everyone to enjoy.
While there are no strict age restrictions for the main pools, the shallow children's bassin is specifically designed for younger swimmers. Lifeguards are present to ensure safety for all.
During renovation periods, parts of the harbour bath may be closed. It's crucial to check for any ongoing construction or closures before your visit. An alternative like Fisketorvet Harbour Bath might be available.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The facility offers multiple swimming pools, including lap pools, shallow children's pools, and a diving tower. There are also large grassy areas for relaxing. Dedicated changing rooms are limited to basic public restrooms. +1
You'll need a towel and swimwear. It's also highly recommended to bring warm clothes for after your swim, as the water is cold. +2
The water quality is generally good and monitored. However, it can be affected by heavy rain. The CPH Harbour app provides real-time water quality updates. +1
Yes, lifeguards are present during the summer season to ensure the safety of swimmers. They are known to be friendly and helpful.
Absolutely! The large grassy areas adjacent to the pools are perfect for picnics. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the sun.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food facilities directly at the Islands Brygge Harbour Bath itself. However, the surrounding area of Islands Brygge offers various cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics on the grassy areas. This is a popular activity, especially on sunny days.
For a rewarding treat after a cold dip, Andersen Bakery is a recommended spot for Danish pastries, though it can be a bit pricey.
The Islands Brygge area has several cafes and eateries. You can find options for coffee, light snacks, or full meals within walking distance of the harbour bath.
It's generally advisable to wait a little while after a substantial meal before swimming to avoid discomfort. However, light snacks are fine, and many enjoy a picnic before or after their swim.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the harbor, the city skyline, and people enjoying the pools. The diving tower and the surrounding green spaces offer great photographic opportunities.
While photography is generally allowed, always be mindful of others' privacy. It's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
The harbor bath offers beautiful views, and sunsets can be particularly picturesque over the water. Consider the angle of the sun for the best lighting.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is ideal for capturing the vibrant atmosphere. If you plan on getting close to the water, consider a waterproof case for your device.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public areas and near residential zones. It's best to check local regulations regarding drone photography in Copenhagen.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While changing facilities are basic public restrooms, they are functional for quick changes. The free entry makes it an accessible and enjoyable outing for the whole family. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, for a more relaxed experience with younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Getting there is also budget-friendly if you utilize Copenhagen's excellent public transport system or, even better, rent a bike. The lack of paid facilities means your only expenses would be for snacks or any optional sauna bookings.
❤️ Couples
Consider visiting in the late afternoon for a chance to catch a beautiful sunset over the harbor, adding a romantic touch to your experience. Afterwards, you can explore the charming Islands Brygge neighborhood for dinner or drinks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Copenhagen Harbour Bath Experience
Beyond the pools, the expansive grassy lawns are a major draw. Visitors spread out their towels, picnic, read, or simply people-watch, creating a relaxed and communal atmosphere. It's a quintessential Copenhagen summer experience, showcasing how the city has transformed its industrial harbor into a recreational paradise.
While the water temperature can be a shock to the uninitiated, many find the invigorating cold plunge to be a unique and memorable part of the visit. The nearby public restrooms serve as basic changing facilities, and while there are no lockers, the strong sense of trust in Denmark means most people don't worry excessively about their belongings.
Navigating Copenhagen's Waters Safely and Legally
The city provides an app, the CPH Harbour app, which is an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to swim in the harbor. This app not only lists all designated swimming areas but also provides real-time updates on water quality, which can be affected by factors like heavy rainfall.
For those seeking an alternative or if Islands Brygge is undergoing renovations, Fisketorvet Harbour Bath is another excellent option. It offers a 50-meter pool and is also part of the canal system, providing a similar, safe urban swimming experience.
What to Pack for Your Harbour Bath Adventure
Given the often bracing temperatures of the harbor water, even in summer, packing warm clothing is highly recommended. A cozy sweater, jacket, or even a bathrobe can make the transition from water to land much more comfortable. Some brave souls even opt for a sauna session before or after their swim to truly embrace the cold-water culture.
While there aren't dedicated changing rooms with lockers, you can use the public restrooms to change. For your valuables, Denmark's low crime rate means most people feel comfortable leaving their bags unattended for short periods or asking a friendly fellow swimmer to keep an eye on them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit