Havnebadet Islands Brygge
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge is Copenhagen’s classic harbour bath, a floating complex of wooden decks and saltwater pools set right in the city centre. With dedicated lanes for lap swimmers, shallow basins for children, and diving towers rising above the harbour, it combines everyday fitness with laid-back urban beach vibes. In summer the surrounding lawn fills with sunbathers and picnickers, while hardy winter bathers use the crisp water year-round.
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
- Arrive early on hot summer days if you want space for uninterrupted laps; the decks and lawn fill quickly in the afternoon.
- Bring your own towel, swimwear and a warm layer—facilities are minimal and the harbour water can feel chilly even in midsummer.
- Families should head straight for the shallow children’s basins, where clearly defined depths make it easier to supervise little swimmers.
- Check local water‑quality notices and flags at the entrance, especially after heavy rain, as swimming can be temporarily suspended.
- If you plan to try the diving tower, observe from the side first to gauge height and water entry, and remove jewellery or loose items.
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
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn or Kongens Nytorv and change to the M1 line toward Vestamager, exiting at Islands Brygge Station. The journey typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point, with frequent departures every few minutes during the day. A standard two‑zone ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK and covers both the metro and any connecting city buses used on the same trip.
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Bus within the city
Several city bus routes serve the Islands Brygge area, running from the inner city and neighbouring districts to stops within a short walk of the harbour bath. Travel times are usually 10–25 minutes from central locations, depending on traffic and route. A regular city bus ticket falls in the same 20–30 DKK range as the metro, and many locals use a travel card or mobile ticket that is valid across buses, metro and harbour buses.
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Cycling through Copenhagen
Cycling is one of the most popular ways to reach Havnebadet Islands Brygge. From central neighbourhoods such as Indre By or Vesterbro, expect a comfortable ride of about 10–20 minutes on mostly flat, well‑marked bike lanes along the harbourfront or adjoining streets. There is no direct cost beyond renting a bicycle, which typically ranges from about 100–200 DKK per day, and bike infrastructure in Copenhagen makes this option suitable for most confident riders.
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Harbour bus along the waterfront
For a scenic approach, use the public harbour buses that run up and down Copenhagen’s inner harbour, stopping near Islands Brygge. The boat ride from central quays usually takes 10–25 minutes, passing other waterfront sights along the way. Harbour buses are integrated into the city transport system, so a standard ticket or travel card in the 20–30 DKK range covers the journey without any surcharge for travelling by water.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Havnebadet Islands Brygge
Swimming in the heart of Copenhagen’s harbour
Havnebadet Islands Brygge is an open‑air harbour bath built directly into Copenhagen’s inner harbour, placing swimmers right among boats, bridges and skyline views. Instead of tiled indoor halls, you step onto broad wooden decks that frame a series of saltwater pools, fed by the now‑clean harbour. The setting feels both urban and maritime: office towers and historic warehouses line the water, yet gulls wheel overhead and the brackish water smells unmistakably of the sea. The bath sits as an extension of the green Havneparken, so the transition from grass to planks to water feels seamless. On warm days office workers arrive with towels after work, students linger with take‑away coffee, and locals weave quick swims into their daily routines. Even on cooler days, the sight of steam rising from swimmers’ shoulders against the cool harbour air has become part of Islands Brygge’s character.Pools, diving towers and family‑friendly zones
The facility is designed around several distinct basins that cater to different kinds of swimmers. There are dedicated lap pools with marked lanes where you can clock up distance against the gentle resistance of the harbour water. Nearby, shallow children’s pools with low depths and contained edges give younger bathers their own safe territory to splash and learn. The separation between active swimmers and play areas keeps the atmosphere relaxed even when the bath is busy. A highlight is the diving section, where a sculptural tower projects out over a deep basin. Platforms at one, three and five metres invite everything from tentative first jumps to confident dives, sending arcs of spray against the backdrop of the city. The water beneath is deep and dark, emphasizing that you are swimming in a true harbour rather than a conventional pool, while lifeguard oversight in the summer season keeps the experience structured and safe.Architecture that turns a harbour into a social space
The layout, developed by contemporary Danish architects, treats the harbour edge as a terraced landscape rather than a simple quay. Ramps, steps and angled platforms create multiple ways to approach the water: some lead gently down for easy immersion, others form crisp edges ideal for sitting with feet in the water. From above, the complexes of pools read almost like floating courtyards, each with its own rhythm and purpose. This design draws people whether or not they plan to swim. Sun‑warmed timber planks become informal seating, while the wide decks double as promenades where cyclists, dog‑walkers and friends passing through pause to watch the activity below. The harbour bath blurs the line between sports facility and public square, turning a once‑industrial waterfront into a lived‑in civic living room.Seasonal rhythms and the culture of harbour bathing
In summer, the bath operates as a classic open‑air pool with lifeguards on duty through the middle of the day and into the early evening. Water quality is monitored, with flags and signage signalling when conditions are ideal or when temporary closures are required after heavy rain. Swimmers fall into daily patterns: early risers cutting quiet lengths before work, families filling the shallows in the afternoon, and groups of friends gathering on the lawn in the golden light of long Nordic evenings. In the colder months, the experience shifts toward winter bathing, a deeply rooted Scandinavian habit. While the decks may be rimed with frost and the air sharp, there is a steady stream of bathers who favour the bracing shock of cold saltwater. Nearby saunas and winter‑bathing clubs in the area add another layer to the scene, pairing icy dips with warmth and social ritual, and keeping the harbour bath relevant long after the last summer picnic.Harbour life beyond the edge of the pools
Part of the appeal of Havnebadet Islands Brygge lies in everything happening just beyond its railings. Directly behind the pools, a broad grassy strip stretches along the waterfront, hosting impromptu barbecues, yoga sessions and quiet reading spots. The presence of cafés, kiosks and neighbourhood shops within a short stroll reinforces the feeling that swimming is just one of many ways to inhabit this stretch of the harbour. Across the water, you can see other harbourfront promenades and bathing structures, illustrating how thoroughly Copenhagen has reclaimed its working port as a recreational landscape. Boats glide past, harbour buses shuttle along their routes, and the city’s bridges frame the scene. Against this dynamic backdrop, Havnebadet Islands Brygge offers a rare combination: full‑scale outdoor swimming at the very centre of an evolving Nordic capital.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- 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
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
