Havnebadet Islands Brygge
Copenhagen’s classic harbour bath, where clean city waters, diving towers and grassy lawns create a laid‑back urban beach right in the middle of the harbour.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge is Copenhagen’s iconic harbour bath, set on the waterfront at Islands Brygge with skyline views of the Black Diamond library and the city centre. Open-air pools float in the clean harbour water, offering lap lanes, children’s pools and a diving tower, all framed by a grassy lawn for picnics and sunbathing. In summer it buzzes with swimmers, families and friends, while winter bathers brave icy dips for a true Danish experience.
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, sunny days if you want space on the lawn or near the children’s pools, as the harbour bath can fill quickly in peak summer.
- Bring your own towel, swimwear and a warm layer for after your dip; facilities are simple and the breeze off the water can feel cool even in summer.
- Check local flags and signage before entering the water and follow lifeguard instructions, especially around the diving platforms and deep pools.
- For families, focus on the shallow children’s pools with fenced access, which offer gentler depths and easier entry than the main harbour basin.
- Pack a picnic or snacks to enjoy on the grass, but avoid glass containers and be prepared to carry your rubbish to nearby bins.
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 Christianshavn and change to the M1 towards Vestamager, getting off at Islands Brygge. The journey from central stations typically takes 10–15 minutes. A single-zone ticket within the city centre usually costs around 20–30 DKK, and trains run every few minutes throughout most of the day. From the metro stop, expect an easy 10–15 minute walk along city streets to reach the harbour bath.
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Bus
Several city buses serve the Islands Brygge area from the wider Copenhagen centre, with routes commonly taking 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Standard city bus tickets are generally in the 20–30 DKK range for the necessary zones, and buses run frequently during daytime and early evening. Expect to walk around 5–10 minutes from the nearest bus stop to the waterfront and harbour bath, mostly on flat, paved pavements.
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Bicycle
Cycling to Havnebadet Islands Brygge is a classic Copenhagen choice. From the inner city, the ride is usually 10–20 minutes along dedicated cycle lanes and over one of the harbour bridges, with mostly flat terrain. You can rent a city bike or standard bicycle from numerous rental shops; daily rental often ranges from 100–200 DKK depending on style and duration. Bicycle parking is informal but widely used along the quay, so bring a good lock and allow a few extra minutes to find a spot in high season.
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Harbour ferry
Copenhagen’s harbour buses connect several quays along the waterfront, including stops close to Islands Brygge. From central harbour stops, allow 15–25 minutes of travel time depending on route and waiting time. A harbour bus ticket is typically priced like a normal city ticket, around 20–30 DKK for the relevant zones. Boats can be busy on sunny afternoons, and services may run less frequently late in the evening, so check departure times and allow a short 5–10 minute walk from the nearest quay to the harbour bath.
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
Harbour swimming in the heart of Copenhagen
Havnebadet Islands Brygge transforms a former industrial quay into a striking urban bathing complex right in the middle of Copenhagen’s harbour. Here you swim in the actual harbour basin, separated from boat traffic by wooden decks and railings, with open views across to the sleek Black Diamond library and the city skyline. The water quality is monitored regularly, allowing the harbour to function as a vast, clean outdoor pool. In summer the bath feels like a beach club woven into the city. Commuters stop by for a quick dip after work, students gather in groups along the water, and morning swimmers glide through the lanes before the day heats up. Even when you are not in the water, the constant movement of swimmers, boats and harbour buses gives the place a lively, maritime rhythm.Pools, platforms and places to unwind
The complex is roughly 85 metres wide and arranged as a series of distinct pools with different depths and moods. There are designated lap-swimming lanes for those who want a proper workout, while two shallow pools cater specifically to children and less confident swimmers. One of the kids’ areas has a gently sloping, beach-like entry, making it easy to wade in. For thrill-seekers, the diving section is the natural magnet. A sculptural tower offers several jumping heights, so you can choose anything from a modest hop to a heart-thumping leap into the deep harbour water. Around the pools, wooden decks and steps provide simple seating where people stretch out with towels, dry off in the breeze or sit chatting with their feet dangling over the water.Grassy lawns and relaxed city beach vibes
Directly in front of the harbour bath, a broad lawn extends along Islands Brygge, forming part of the larger harbour park. On warm days this becomes an expansive outdoor living room: blankets spread out, portable speakers playing quietly, and impromptu games of football or frisbee unfolding between sunbathers. You can bring your own picnic and drinks, though local rules typically restrict glass and smoking within the pool area itself. What makes the setting special is the juxtaposition of urban life and laid-back leisure. You are surrounded by modern apartment blocks and converted warehouses, yet the atmosphere is unhurried and summery. A passing shower might briefly empty the decks, only for people to return the moment the clouds clear, reoccupying their favourite spots facing the late northern light.Year-round bathing and cold‑water rituals
Although the main season centres on the warmer months, the harbour bath has become a focus for Copenhagen’s thriving cold‑water and winter bathing culture. When the air temperature drops and steam rises from the surface, hardy bathers shuffle down the steps, plunge into the icy water and emerge flushed and invigorated. Nearby saunas, used by local winter-bathing clubs, turn the dip into a ritual of heat and cold. In early and late season, the water can feel bracing, but staying in for a few minutes often makes it surprisingly bearable. On crisp days with clear skies, reflections of the city’s architecture ripple across the surface, and the bath takes on a calm, almost meditative quality far removed from the bustle of high summer.Safety, seasons and practical details
The harbour bath is free to use, with opening periods that typically span the warmer months for regular swimming, and extended seasons for cold‑water enthusiasts. Lifeguards are on duty daily during the peak summer season, usually in daytime hours, supervising the children’s areas, lap pool and diving section. Flags and signs indicate when swimming is allowed and whether water quality or weather conditions require temporary closures. Facilities are deliberately simple. There are basic areas to change, outdoor showers and ladders in and out of the water, but not the full infrastructure of a conventional indoor pool. This pared‑back approach keeps the focus on the harbour itself: the feel of timber under bare feet, the slight saltiness of the water, and the ever-present sense that you are swimming in the living centre of the city rather than apart from it.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 design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Panoramas
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
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
