Ribersborgs open-air bath (Ribersborgs Kallbadhus)
Historic seaside bathhouse on a wooden pier where Malmö’s skyline, Nordic sauna rituals and bracing Öresund dips come together in an inclusive year‑round oasis.
Poised at the end of a long wooden pier on Malmö’s Ribersborg beach, Ribersborgs open-air bath is a historic cold-water bathhouse and spa dating back to 1898. Here you alternate bracing dips in the Öresund with soothing saunas, warm tubs and languid time on wind-sheltered sun decks, all framed by views of the Öresund Bridge, Turning Torso and the Copenhagen skyline. Open year-round, it blends traditional nude bathing customs with an inclusive, contemporary atmosphere.
A brief summary to Ribersborgs open-air bath
- Limhamnsvägen, Brygga 1, Malmö, 217 59, SE
- +4640260366
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Bring a quick-drying towel and sandals; the wooden decks can be cold in winter and hot in summer, and you’ll want something to sit on in the sauna.
- Expect nudity in the saunas and gender-separated sections; swimwear is often optional in the sea pools but towels are required on sauna benches.
- Aim for early morning or later evening on clear days for softer light, fewer people and especially atmospheric views of the Öresund Bridge.
- If you are new to cold bathing, start with short dips followed by plenty of time in the warm saunas, and avoid going alone if you feel unsure.
- Check in advance for special mix days like Queer Kallis if you prefer an all-gender environment or want to bathe together as a mixed group or family.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Public transport from Malmö Central Station
From Malmö Central Station, take a city bus heading toward Limhamn or Ribersborg and ride for about 10–15 minutes to a stop near Ribersborg beach, then walk roughly 10–15 minutes along the shoreline to the pier. Buses in Malmö run frequently during the day, and a single adult ticket typically costs around 30–40 SEK when bought via local ticket apps or vending machines. Most buses are low-floor and suitable for travellers with limited mobility, but the final walk along the beach promenade is exposed to wind and weather.
-
Walking from central Malmö
From the central city area around Gustav Adolfs torg, plan on a 25–35 minute walk to Ribersborgs open-air bath. The route follows broad pavements and the seaside promenade, generally flat and suitable for most fitness levels. It is an enjoyable option in mild or sunny weather, with open views of the harbour and waterfront, but can feel long and blustery in strong winds or heavy rain. There is no cost, and you can easily combine the walk with a wider stroll along Ribersborg beach.
-
Bicycle via Malmö’s cycle paths
Malmö is highly bike-friendly, and reaching the bathhouse by bicycle from central districts typically takes 10–15 minutes using dedicated cycle lanes that run toward Ribersborg and Limhamn. You can bring your own bike or rent one through local bike-share or rental shops, usually for about 80–200 SEK per day depending on type and provider. Surfaces are mostly smooth and flat, though coastal winds can make the ride more demanding. Bicycle parking is available close to the landward end of the pier, but it can be busy on warm summer days.
-
Taxi from central Malmö
A taxi ride from central Malmö to Limhamnsvägen, Brygga 1 usually takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic along the waterfront. Fares vary by operator and time of day, but a typical one-way journey for up to four passengers often falls in the range of 130–220 SEK. Taxis provide the most comfortable option in poor weather or for those with limited mobility, though it is worth confirming card payment and approximate fare before setting off. Drop-off is on the road near the beach; a short, level walk along the pier brings you to the bathhouse entrance.
Ribersborgs open-air bath location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
- Snow
Discover more about Ribersborgs open-air bath
A wooden retreat above the Öresund
Ribersborgs open-air bath stretches out from Malmö’s city shoreline on a 170-metre wooden pier, ending in a pastel-green bathhouse that seems to float above the Öresund. Originally opened in 1898 using salvaged timber from an older port bath, it was conceived as a place where sea, fresh air and simple architecture could work together as everyday therapy. Today its clapboard façades, latticed railings and gently curving rooflines preserve the feel of a 19th-century seaside resort, even as modern Malmö hums in the background. From the pier you look out across a broad sweep of shallow beach and sea, with the white curve of the Turning Torso to one side and, on clear days, the outline of Copenhagen on the horizon. In stormier weather waves slap the stilts and wind whistles through the boards, underlining that this is a bathhouse built to live with the elements, not shut them out.From storm-battered bathhouse to listed landmark
The bathhouse’s story is one of persistence. Just four years after it opened, a fierce Christmas storm tore through the structure and forced a complete rebuild, during which a diving tower was added to the men’s side. Later, in the 1930s, changing ideas about health and modesty brought in formal nude bathing and clearer partitions between sections. Ownership eventually passed to the City of Malmö, which continued to repair storm damage, including another major hit in the late 1980s. In 1995 the complex was declared a listed historic building, protecting its characteristic wooden architecture and pier layout. Subsequent refurbishments have focused on careful restoration: reinforcing the stilts, renewing decking and adding sundecks and landward jetties without losing the original proportions. The result is a rare survivor of turn-of-the-century bathing culture that still functions much as it did over a century ago.The ritual of heat, cold and calm
A visit here revolves around a simple but addictive rhythm: heat up in a sauna, plunge into cold seawater, then rest in the open air. Separate men’s and women’s sections each have saunas and their own sheltered sea pools with ladders and platforms. Between them sits a mixed sauna, allowing shared experiences while the bathing areas remain divided. In winter, steam billows from the doors as bathers pad out to cut-throughs in the ice-cold water; in summer, the jetties echo with splashes and low conversation. Wood-fired hot tubs, warm-water pools and massage rooms add a spa-like layer to this otherwise pared-back ritual. Many people build their visit around several cycles of sauna and swim, punctuated by quiet time on the wooden benches, wrapped in a towel, watching the light change over the water.Saunas, sun decks and sea views
Inside, the saunas range from dry heat to more humid rooms, some with large windows framing the Sound and the silhouette of the Öresund Bridge. The temperature and atmosphere vary: some spaces are designated for silence and contemplation, others allow gentle conversation. Regular Aufguss sessions introduce scented steam and guided heat waves that make the experience more intense. Outside, broad sun decks catch the afternoon light and are popular for reading, napping or simply lying back between dips. The positioning of windbreaks and railings creates pockets of shelter even on blustery days. On the landward side, a café and restaurant serve meals, snacks and drinks, turning a bath into an unhurried half-day of lingering over coffee or a long lunch.An inclusive slice of Malmö life
Although steeped in tradition, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus has also become a symbol of Malmö’s inclusive character. On designated mix days such as Queer Kallis, the usual division between women’s and men’s areas is set aside so that everyone, including non-binary and trans guests, can bathe without negotiating gendered spaces. Regulars span generations, from elderly locals following long-established routines to younger visitors discovering cold-water swimming for the first time. Season by season, the mood shifts: crisp winter air and icy water for those chasing endorphins; bright, social summer evenings when the sun lingers late over the Sound. Whatever the weather, the essence remains the same: wooden walkways, salt on your skin and the feeling of stepping briefly out of everyday life onto a pier suspended between city and sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stortorget 8
2.3 km
Marvel at Copenhagen's ornate St. Alexander Nevsky Church, a rare Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal connections in the city's historic heart.
Peberholm
13.5 km
A man-made island where nature reclaimed the landscape—Europe's most successful ecological experiment.
Krudhuset
22.6 km
Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
23.6 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
24.4 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Sankt Annæ Gade
24.6 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
24.7 km
Explore Arne Jacobsens Allé 12 in Copenhagen, a modernist architectural icon reflecting Denmark's rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit.
Inderhavnsbroen
24.7 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Christianshavns Kanal
24.7 km
Baroque grandeur and natural beauty meet at Denmark's Ledreborg Park, home to stately gardens, forested trails, cultural events, and peaceful countryside escapes.
Ofelia Plads
24.7 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
The Kissing Stairs
24.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
I am Queen Mary
24.8 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
24.8 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
24.8 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Christianshavn
24.8 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ribersborgsstranden
0.6 km
Malmö’s beloved “Ribban”: a long, shallow city beach where lawns, piers and parkland meet the Öresund, with skyline views, cold baths and space to unwind.
Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus / Malmö museum
1.1 km
Explore Malmö’s story of machines, ships and science in a vast 1960s brick hall, from a real Swedish submarine to immersive 360° dome journeys into space.
Fiskehoddorna
1.1 km
Heritage-listed wooden fish huts on Banérskajen where Malmö’s coastal traditions, fresh seafood and smoky harbor aromas come together in a colorful quay-side market.
Turning Torso
1.2 km
Discover Ribersborgsstranden, Malmö’s scenic urban beach with panoramic Öresund views, Nordic bathhouse traditions, and a lively promenade just minutes from the city.
Malmo Museum
1.3 km
A Renaissance castle turned all-in-one museum complex, where Malmö’s history, nature, art, technology and an aquarium come together beside a tranquil city moat.
Malmö Castle
1.4 km
A red-brick Renaissance fortress turned museum hub, Malmö Castle weaves royal power, prison stories and Nordic culture into one moat-ringed city landmark.
Slottsträdgården
1.4 km
An organic urban sanctuary where passionate gardeners transformed a fortress island into a thriving ecological oasis.
Kungsparken, Malmö
1.7 km
Malmö’s oldest park, Kungsparken, blends English-style landscapes, myth-laced fountains and castle-side canals into a tranquil green escape in the heart of the city.
Malmo Live Concert AB
1.8 km
Waterfront concert and congress hub where Malmö Symphony Orchestra, bold architecture, and a full spectrum of music and culture share one sculptural urban block.
Malmö City Library
1.9 km
Light‑filled landmark library on the edge of Slottsparken, blending bold glass architecture, rich multilingual collections and lively cultural programmes.
Malmö old cemetery
2.0 km
Historic green refuge at the edge of Gustav Adolfs torg, where tree‑lined paths, old gravestones and quiet stories of Malmö’s 19th‑century citizens meet city life.
Lilla torg
2.1 km
Cobbled, compact and full of life, Lilla torg weaves four centuries of Malmö history into one intimate square of cafés, courtyards and characterful façades.
Form/Design Center
2.1 km
Historic half-timbered granary turned free design hub, blending contemporary exhibitions, curated shopping and a relaxed café around a cobbled Malmö courtyard.
Stortorget
2.2 km
Malmö’s grand 16th‑century main square, where Renaissance power, shifting borders and everyday city life all play out on a single open stage.
Södergatan
2.2 km
Södergatan — Malmö’s iconic pedestrian avenue, renowned for historic architecture, vibrant shopping, street life, and the dynamic spirit of southwestern Sweden.
Essential places to dine
Malmö Saluhall
1.6 km
A vibrant industrial‑chic food hall where Malmö’s local flavors, global street food and artisan producers come together under one historic brick roof.
Noma
23.9 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
La Banchina
24.2 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
24.2 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
Restaurant Lola
24.4 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Restaurant Barr
24.6 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Restaurant Kanalen
24.7 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Cafe Wilder
24.7 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
24.8 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.
Khun Juk
24.9 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Skipperkroen
25.0 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
25.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
No. 2
25.1 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
à terre
25.1 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Nyhavns Færgekro
25.1 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Field's
24.5 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination blending retail excellence, dining diversity, and family entertainment in Copenhagen's vibrant Ørestad.
Copenhagenglass
24.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
24.9 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Crown souvenir
25.0 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
25.2 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Zane
25.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Magasin du Nord
25.3 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
25.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
The Wilde Shop
25.3 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
25.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
25.4 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
25.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Urban Outfitters
25.5 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Danish Souvenirs
25.5 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
ILLUM
25.5 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
23.1 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
24.0 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
24.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
25.1 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
25.2 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Black Swan
25.4 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
25.4 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
25.4 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
25.4 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Ved Stranden
25.5 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.
1105
25.5 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
K-Bar
25.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Pier5 Bar
25.6 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Moose
25.6 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
25.6 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- 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
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly