Islands Brygge
Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront hub where urban swimming, green lawns, and waterside cafes create the perfect Danish hygge escape.
Islands Brygge is Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront destination, a transformed industrial harbour now bustling with urban life. The area features the popular Islands Brygge Harbour Bath for year-round swimming, expansive green lawns perfect for picnics, waterfront cafes, and a lively promenade ideal for cycling and strolling. Located in the Amager district, it embodies Danish hygge culture and serves as a gateway to exploring Copenhagen's canals and attractions.
A brief summary to VisitDenmark
- Islands Brygge 43, Copenhagen, København S, 2300, DK
- +4532889900
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during summer months (June–August) for the warmest water temperatures and most vibrant atmosphere, though the harbour bath operates year-round for hardy swimmers seeking a unique winter experience.
- Arrive early in the day to secure good spots on the lawns and avoid peak afternoon crowds, especially on weekends and during warm weather.
- Rent a GoBoat for a 2-hour experience to combine a picnic on the water with exploration of Copenhagen's canals, then finish with a swim in the harbour bath.
- Bring a bike or rent one locally; cycling is the most convenient and authentic way to experience Islands Brygge and connect to nearby neighbourhoods.
- Check the summer flea market schedule if visiting June–August; it's Copenhagen's largest and offers unique vintage finds and local crafts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
Take the Copenhagen Metro to Islands Brygge Station (Line M1 or M2). Journey time from the city centre is approximately 10 minutes. The station is located directly adjacent to the waterfront area. Exit the station and follow signs to Islands Brygge. This is the fastest and most reliable option, operating frequently throughout the day and evening.
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Bicycle
Cycle to Islands Brygge using Copenhagen's extensive bike lane network. From the city centre, allow 25–35 minutes depending on your starting point. Dedicated cycling infrastructure makes navigation straightforward. Bike parking is abundant throughout the area. This is the most authentic Copenhagen experience and allows flexibility in exploring surrounding neighbourhoods.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the Islands Brygge area. Journey times from the city centre range from 20–35 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. Bus stops are located near the waterfront. Check local transit apps for current routes and schedules, as service patterns may vary seasonally.
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Walking
From central Copenhagen (Nyhavn or Strøget), Islands Brygge is accessible on foot, though the walk takes 30–45 minutes depending on your starting point. The route crosses through Christianshavn and is relatively flat. This option allows you to experience multiple neighbourhoods and discover hidden corners of the city.
VisitDenmark location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about VisitDenmark
From Industrial Harbour to Urban Waterfront Gem
Islands Brygge represents one of Copenhagen's most successful urban transformations. Once a working industrial harbour, this waterfront area has evolved into a vibrant community space that seamlessly blends recreation, culture, and local life. The neighbourhood is home to approximately 14,000 residents and has become a destination for both locals seeking everyday leisure and visitors exploring the city's contemporary character. The development has been carefully planned to preserve the area's maritime heritage while introducing modern amenities that serve the community's needs.The Iconic Harbour Bath and Year-Round Swimming
At the heart of Islands Brygge lies the Havnebadet Islands Brygge, a standout public swimming facility that allows visitors and residents to safely swim in clean harbour waters. The facility features multiple pools of varying depths, including shallow areas ideal for children, deep rectangular pools for serious swimmers, and an impressive diving platform with three different heights for jumping. The harbour bath operates year-round, allowing brave swimmers to experience the unique sensation of urban bathing in all seasons. Adjacent to the main swimming areas, visitors will find moss-covered shallow pools that add a natural, organic character to the experience. The facility also features jumping and diving platforms, making it a destination for both leisurely swimmers and those seeking more adventurous water activities.Green Spaces and Outdoor Recreation
The expansive lawns stretching along the waterfront create an ideal setting for picnics, sunbathing, and people-watching. These green spaces embody the Danish concept of hygge, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The area is particularly popular during summer months when the weather is warmest and the water most inviting. Beyond the harbour bath, the neighbourhood offers access to Amager Fælled, a nature reserve located just inland, providing opportunities for running, walking, and cycling through natural landscapes. The promenade itself is designed for leisurely exploration, with excellent cycling infrastructure and dedicated bike lanes making it easy to navigate by bicycle.Dining, Shopping, and Local Culture
Islands Brygge hosts numerous waterfront cafes and restaurants offering meals and refreshments with stunning harbour views. The area provides everything needed for daily life within a one-kilometre radius, including grocery shops, bakeries, pharmacies, and takeaway options. During summer months, the neighbourhood hosts Copenhagen's largest flea market, attracting both locals and visitors seeking vintage finds and unique goods. The area also features cultural venues and event spaces that host exhibitions, shows, and small trades throughout the year, contributing to its dynamic and ever-evolving character.Water-Based Adventures and Exploration
Beyond traditional swimming, Islands Brygge offers unique water-based experiences. GoBoats—small self-skippered boats available for hourly rental—allow visitors to explore Copenhagen's canals and waterways independently. These boats feature seating around a central picnic table, enabling visitors to bring their own food or order meals directly from the boat operator. Kayak polo facilities are also available, offering a more active water-based experience. Across the water lies Kalvebod Bølge, another swimming area featuring piers, decks, and a kayak slide for additional aquatic activities. These options make Islands Brygge a hub for water-based recreation and exploration.Gateway to Copenhagen's Attractions and Transport Links
Islands Brygge's location makes it an excellent base for exploring Copenhagen. The area is served by metro stations at Islands Brygge and Havneholmen, both within walking distance, providing quick access to the city centre in approximately 10 minutes. Cycling infrastructure is exceptional, with dedicated bike lanes and abundant parking making it a natural hub for Copenhagen's bike-friendly culture. The waterfront promenade connects to other significant Copenhagen attractions and neighbourhoods, including Christianshavn, the Opera House, and the colourful Nyhavn district. The pedestrian bridges Lille Langebro and Bryggebroen provide direct cycling and walking routes to the rest of the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Havneholmen 33
0.5 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Cykelslangen
0.7 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.9 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.
The Stable Boy's House
1.0 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.
Copenhagen Central Station
1.1 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Circle Bridge
1.1 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.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
1.2 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.
Copenhagen City Hall
1.3 km
Denmark's civic masterpiece: National Romantic architecture, astronomical engineering, and the heartbeat of Copenhagen.
Statue of Andersen
1.3 km
Denmark's beloved storyteller immortalized in bronze, gazing toward Tivoli's magic in Copenhagen's beating heart.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
1.3 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
Frihedsstøtten
1.3 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
1.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
1.3 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.
Vandkunsten Springvand
1.3 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
City Hall Square
1.3 km
Copenhagen’s City Hall Square is the city’s ceremonial heart, blending grand architecture, local traditions, lively events, and everyday urban buzz into one essential landmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Islands Brygge
0.0 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.
Islands Brygge 18
0.4 km
A waterfront cultural house on Copenhagen’s harbour, blending performances, family activities and a relaxed café with open views across the city skyline.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
0.6 km
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.
Lille Langebro
0.9 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
0.9 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Øksnehallen
0.9 km
Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.
Danish Architecture Centre
1.0 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.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
1.0 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Himmelskibet
1.0 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
1.1 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Rutschebanen
1.1 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Tivoli Gardens
1.1 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
The Tube
1.1 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Freddys Bar
1.1 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Museum of Copenhagen
1.1 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Essential places to dine
MASH Penthouse
0.5 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.
The Harbour
0.6 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
Restaurant Noi
0.9 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
1.0 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Je t'aime
1.0 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Fleisch
1.1 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Restaurant Karla
1.1 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Paté Paté
1.1 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Rio Bravo
1.1 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Kanal-Caféen
1.1 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
No. 2
1.2 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
1.2 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Ristorante Buono
1.2 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
LUN restaurant & winebar
1.3 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
Cofoco
1.3 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
0.7 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Tivoli Gift Shop
1.0 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
1.3 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
1.3 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.
Funky Junky
1.4 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Wonderful Souvenirs
1.4 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
1.4 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
1.4 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.
Souvenir Shop
1.5 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
1.5 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.6 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Audrey Vintage
1.6 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
1.6 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.6 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.
Læderstræde
1.6 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pier5 Bar
0.5 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Jolene Bar
0.8 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
The Marble Bar
0.9 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
1.0 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Jernbanecafeen
1.1 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
1.1 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Spunk
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
1656 Cocktail Bar
1.1 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
The Rooftop Bar
1.2 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.
Library Bar
1.2 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Southern Cross Pub
1.2 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.
CUBE bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Zefside
1.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Mikkeller Bar
1.3 km
Explore Mikkeller Bar in Vesterbro, Copenhagen, a haven for craft beer lovers with a diverse selection and welcoming atmosphere.
Taphouse
1.3 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Waterfront
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
