Islands Brygge

From Industrial Harbour to Urban Oasis

Islands Brygge's transformation from a polluted industrial zone to one of Copenhagen's most celebrated waterfront destinations represents a remarkable chapter in the city's urban evolution. Until the late 19th century, the area was characterized by shallow waters and undeveloped shoreline. Beginning in the 1880s, land reclamation projects dramatically reshaped the landscape. The military established new arsenals and shooting ranges on reclaimed land in 1887–88, while the Port of Copenhagen expanded southward in 1901 to accommodate growing freight and passenger traffic. Residential construction began in 1905, and by 1908, the cooperative retailer FDB had established its headquarters here. The Dansk Sojakagefabrik (soy bean processing plant) opened in 1909 and employed approximately 2,500 workers at its peak in the 1950s, many of whom lived in the neighbourhood. Land reclamation continued until 1933, when Islands Brygge reached its current extent. During World War II, German troops occupied the area, making it a target for Danish resistance sabotage operations. The post-war period brought gradual decline as larger ships rendered the old docks obsolete, and commercial focus shifted to Nordhavn and other Danish ports. This decline, however, created the opportunity for the neighbourhood's reinvention as a public recreational space.

The Harbour Bath: A Symbol of Urban Renewal

The Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, which opened in 2001, stands as the centrepiece of the neighbourhood's transformation. Before its opening, swimming in Copenhagen's harbour was unthinkable due to poor water quality. Extensive investments in water purification systems, improved sewage treatment, and infrastructure upgrades throughout the Copenhagen Harbour area made safe recreational swimming possible. The bath masterfully transformed a polluted industrial waterfront into a vibrant, accessible public swimming facility that has become iconic globally as a model for sustainable urban development. The facility comprises five pools in total, two specifically designed for children. The shallowest pool measures just 30 centimetres deep, while diving towers reach heights of one, three, and five metres. Water quality is checked daily and must be approved by authorities before swimmers are permitted entry. Lifeguards oversee the facilities from June 1st to August 31st between 10:00 and 18:00. The bath operates from May 1st to March 31st, allowing year-round swimming, including winter bathing by hardy locals. A spacious lawn fronts the pools, providing ample room for sunbathing, picnics, and recreational activities.

Architecture and Contemporary Character

Havneparken (Harbour Park), the main recreational area of Islands Brygge, retains several distinctive features from the neighbourhood's industrial past. Old railway tracks and a vintage railway car remain visible, creating an authentic industrial aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with modern architecture. The Islands Brygge Cultural House and the Harbour Bath anchor the waterfront, while the surrounding area has developed into a showcase of contemporary Danish design and international architecture of the highest calibre. Modern residential and commercial buildings frame the waterfront, making Islands Brygge a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts interested in modern Danish architecture and urban design.

A Living Waterfront Community

Islands Brygge functions as more than a tourist attraction; it is a genuine community space where locals and visitors converge. During summer months, Copenhageners swim with the city's skyline in view. On weekdays, many locals pass through for a quick dip on their way home from work. Families with children, beach enthusiasts, and regular swimmers create a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. The neighbourhood is part of the larger Harbour Circle, a 37-kilometre route offering seamless pedestrian and cycling access around Copenhagen's waterfront, making it integral to the city's cycling culture and sustainable urban mobility.

Connectivity and Accessibility

Located directly across the bridge from central Copenhagen, Islands Brygge is highly accessible and remarkably central despite feeling like a distinct world away from the city centre. The area is well-connected by cycling infrastructure and public transport, making it an easy destination for both residents and visitors. Numerous restaurants, cafés, and modern amenities line the waterfront, while the grassy areas provide free public space for recreation and relaxation. The neighbourhood exemplifies Copenhagen's forward-thinking vision, demonstrating how dedicated urban planning, environmental stewardship, and innovative design can transform industrial heritage into a thriving, sustainable public realm.