Havnebadet Islands Brygge
Copenhagen’s original harbor bath, where city skyline views, clean canal water and lively lawns create an urban beach atmosphere at Islands Brygge.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge is Copenhagen’s classic harbor bath, set on the waterfront at Islands Brygge with uninterrupted views across to the city skyline. Open-air pools float in the clean canal waters, with separate children’s areas, lap lanes and a diving tower rising above the quay. In summer the surrounding lawn fills with sunbathers and picnickers, while year-round the promenade remains a favorite place to stroll, watch hardy winter bathers and soak up the city-meets-beach atmosphere.
A brief summary to Havnebadet Islands Brygge
- Islands Brygge 14, København S, København S, 2300, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10 pm
- Friday 6 am-10 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Bring swimwear, a towel and something warm to pull on afterwards; even in summer the harbor water can feel brisk once you get out.
- Arrive earlier in the day on hot weekends if you want more space in the lap lanes and on the lawn around the pools.
- Families should gravitate to the shallow children’s pools, which are separated from deeper water and easier to supervise.
- Check on-site flag signals or notices before entering the water, as temporary closures can occur if quality tests are not satisfactory.
- Combine a swim with a relaxed picnic on the grass in Havneparken, using nearby shops and cafés along Islands Brygge for supplies.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Islands Brygge Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes through the neighborhood to the waterfront. The metro runs frequently throughout the day and evening, and a single zone ticket typically costs around 20–30 DKK depending on your starting point. This option is step-free in most stations, though the final walk includes some gentle slopes and cobblestones near the harbor.
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City Bus
Several city bus routes serve the Islands Brygge area from the inner city and main railway station, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets cost roughly 20–30 DKK for the necessary zones and can be bought via ticket machines or transport apps. Buses are low-floor and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, but expect short walks of 5–10 minutes from the nearest stops to the harbor bath.
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Bicycle
Cycling from the historic center to Havnebadet Islands Brygge usually takes 10–20 minutes, using Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes and harborfront paths. City bikes and rental shops offer bicycles from around 100–150 DKK per day. Be prepared for occasional congestion on sunny days near the water, and remember that bikes must be parked along the quay or in nearby racks, not on the wooden swimming decks.
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Harbor Ferry
The yellow harbor ferries connect various points along the inner harbor, including stops near Islands Brygge and the city center, with travel times of roughly 10–25 minutes depending on your departure point. Fares are aligned with regular public transport tickets, typically around 20–30 DKK for the journey. Services run at set intervals and can be less frequent in the evening or outside summer, so checking the timetable in advance is recommended.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Havnebadet Islands Brygge
A floating swimming oasis in the city
Havnebadet Islands Brygge transforms a once-industrial stretch of Copenhagen’s harbor into a waterside playground. The complex sits just off the quay at Islands Brygge 14, framed by the low silhouette of Havneparken and broad views across the canal to the Black Diamond library and central city. Instead of sand, you get wooden decks, jetties and clear harbor water carefully monitored for quality, so a refreshing swim is never far away. This was the first of Copenhagen’s modern harbor baths and it has helped redefine the city’s relationship with the water. On warm days the scene feels almost seaside, yet church spires and contemporary architecture remind you that you are in the very heart of the capital.Pools, platforms and places to splash
The bath is laid out as a series of open-air basins projecting into the harbor, with something for nearly every kind of swimmer. There are distinct children’s pools, including shallow areas where smaller kids can wade and play under the watch of adults and lifeguards in summer. Nearby, a longer lane-style basin gives space for steady lap swimming when the water temperature allows. For thrill-seekers the eye is drawn to the diving section, where a tower offers several jumping heights above a deep harbor pool. Wooden steps, ladders and railings connect the different zones, and along the quay broad platforms and steps double as informal seating, drying spots and social spaces.Lawn, harbor park and everyday life
Directly in front of the pools lies a generous grassy lawn that blends into Islands Brygge’s harbor park. In fine weather this turns into a patchwork of blankets, barbecues, ball games and people simply stretched out in the sun. Even outside the main swimming season, locals use the waterside path for jogging, dog walks and relaxed evening strolls. The surrounding neighborhood mixes older brick warehouses and silos with crisp new residential blocks and offices. That contrast of working harbor heritage and modern design gives the area much of its character, with the bath acting as a lively focal point along the promenade.Seasons, safety and urban swimming culture
Although the official summer season brings lifeguards and the biggest crowds, the site is accessible much of the year, and Copenhagen’s winter bathers sometimes venture in when temperatures plunge. The water is tested regularly, and swimming is concentrated within the designated basins for safety and clarity. In peak months, lifeguards oversee the pools during the day, especially around the children’s areas and the diving tower. Simple rules keep things pleasant: swimmers share lanes, respect depth markings and keep to quieter zones if they just want to paddle. The absence of sand gives the place a practical feel – you can move between city errands and a quick dip with minimal fuss.Planning your visit on the quay
Facilities around the bath are deliberately minimal but functional. There are basic changing options and access to nearby public restrooms, while cafés, kiosks and supermarkets along Islands Brygge cater to snacks and cold drinks. The open layout means there is little shade, so sun protection is useful on bright days and extra layers are wise once you leave the water. Most visitors spend time both in and out of the pools – alternating between swims, lounging on the grass, or simply watching harbor life unfold. With its central location, clear water and relaxed atmosphere, Havnebadet Islands Brygge slots easily into a day exploring Copenhagen, whether you are seeking a serious swim or just a taste of the city’s outdoor lifestyle.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.5 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Circle Bridge
0.6 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.7 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.8 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Danish Parliament
0.8 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.9 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.9 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Christiansborg Palace
0.9 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.9 km
Denmark's civic masterpiece: National Romantic architecture, astronomical engineering, and the heartbeat of Copenhagen.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.9 km
Explore the world of neoclassical sculpture at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, home to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and a treasure trove of art and architectural inspiration.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.9 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.9 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
The Tube
0.9 km
Experience 17 immersive rooms of sensory adventure at The Tube in Copenhagen Central Station.
Frederik VII
0.9 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Knippelsbro
0.9 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Unmissable attractions to see
Islands Brygge 18
0.2 km
A waterfront cultural house on Copenhagen’s harbour, blending performances, family activities and a relaxed café with open views across the city skyline.
Lille Langebro
0.3 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Kopenhagen
0.3 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.5 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
VisitDenmark
0.6 km
Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront hub where urban swimming, green lawns, and waterside cafes create the perfect Danish hygge escape.
Islands Brygge
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s former industrial quay reborn as a sun-soaked harbourfront of swimming decks, lawns and laid-back city life along the inner waterfront.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.6 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Black Diamond
0.6 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.6 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
The War Museum
0.6 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
National Museum of Denmark
0.7 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.7 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.7 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Noi
0.5 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
No. 2
0.6 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Karla
0.6 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Kanal-Caféen
0.6 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Rio Bravo
0.7 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
MASH Penthouse
0.8 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Kadeau
0.8 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Puk
0.9 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
0.9 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.9 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Marv & Ben
1.0 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Spisestedet FEED
1.0 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Restaurant Kronborg
1.0 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
1.0 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Restaurant Tight
1.1 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.8 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Wonderful Souvenirs
1.0 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
1.0 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
1.0 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Audrey Vintage
1.1 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Souvenir Shop
1.1 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
1.1 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Akimbo
1.1 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Læderstræde
1.1 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Souvenir Gift Shop
1.1 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
& Other Stories
1.1 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Hygge Original
1.1 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Strøget
1.1 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
1.1 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pier5 Bar
0.2 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Marble Bar
0.5 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.7 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.8 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Southern Cross Pub
0.8 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Zefside
0.8 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
0.9 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
0.9 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Taphouse
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.9 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Jernbanecafeen
1.0 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
Centralhjørnet
1.0 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Library Bar
1.0 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Bird and The Churchkey
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ved Stranden
1.0 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.8 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Module
1.0 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Chateau Motel
1.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.1 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Baggen
1.1 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Never Mind
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
1.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.2 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Mirror
1.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
1.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
CristalClubCopenhagen
1.2 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Den Anden Side
1.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Cosy Bar
1.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
La Terraza
1.2 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
