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Swimming spot in Copenhagen city.

Guide to spas and swimming spots in Copenhagen: – A Truly Fantastic Swimming City

Denmark is widely known for its long sandy beaches, but did you know that Copenhagen has been named the world's best city for swimming? The city has sandy beaches, spas, and cool, public baths and swimming pools. Here's where you'll find the best spots. Photo: Astrid Maria Rasmussen, Visit Copenhagen

  • CNN named Copenhagen the very best city in the world for swimming.

  • The Danish capital actually beats well-known coastal cities like Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.

  • And it's particularly Amager Strandpark that stands out – the sandy beach that's only a five-kilometre cycle ride from the city centre.

  • "Denmark, with its sandy beaches, is of course a summer paradise for many tourists. But perhaps not many associate the capital with swimming. Yet Copenhagen is a truly fantastic swimming city."

  • "It is surrounded by water and canals, and there are many very nice harbour baths and beaches near Copenhagen," VisitDenmark's Thea Damli tells Strawberry.

  • Photo: Daniel Rasmussen, Copenhagen Media Center

Here are the top eight swimming spots in and around Copenhagen

1. Amager Strandpark


Address: Amager Strand Promenaden 1


Just five kilometres from the city centre lies Copenhagen's largest sandy beach. Renting a bicycle and cycling out to Amager Strandpark is pure idyll in itself.


Check with your hotel to see if they have bicycles. Guests at Villa Copenhagen can rent a small green Villa Bike for as little as DKK 150 a day, for example.


At Amager Strandpark, a large, artificial island has been created off the old coastline, creating a lagoon. In the summer, there are opportunities for water activities such as windsurfing and kayaking, and you'll also find a café here.


2. Villa Copenhagen


Address: Centralpostbygningen, Tietgensgade 35-39


One of the capital's newest and most exclusive hotels is the centrally located Villa Copenhagen. Even though the hotel is situated in Copenhagen's old post office from 1912, you'll find plenty of luxury within. The best part is perhaps on the roof: a 25-metre-long swimming pool that is sustainably heated to between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. There is also a sauna, sun loungers, and a terrace bar. One of the city's new hotspots.


3. AIRE Copenhagen


Address: Ny Carlsberg Vej 101


This spa is located in the historic and preserved Carlsberg Brewery from 1881. Here, you can relax in a sort of underground, dark cavern, illuminated by candles and surroundings inspired by Greek and Roman traditions. The spa has eight thermal baths, i.e., hot springs, and you can also book a variety of treatments. AIRE can also be found in other major cities like New York, Barcelona, and London.


You can book through Villa Copenhagen, which recommends ending the experience with a 30-minute massage, a glass of bubbly, and chocolate.


4. Kastrup Søbad


Address: Amager Strandvej 301


A public bath with inspiring architecture known as "The Snail." Kastrup Søbad is designed in such a way that a pier extends from the land and out to a circular enclosure that gradually rises - ending in a five-metre-long diving platform. At night, it is lit by spotlights on its wooden deck, creating a beautiful light effect in the water. Kastrup Søbad is free, has changing rooms, and showers.


5. La Banchina


Address: Refshalevej 141


This place proves just how cool the Danes are. Here, you will find a restaurant, wine bar, and sauna in one. At La Banchina, you can eat all the day's meals, with the focus being on vegetables and what the sea can provide, and natural wines. And you can jump into the water from the dock outside or book a sauna.


6. CopenHot


Address: Nordhavnen


At CopenHot, you can book a sauna or hot tub that can accommodate up to eight people. Here, you can share a glass of bubbly and enjoy the sea view. This popular spot was formerly located in Refshalevej but has recently moved to Nordhavnen.


7. Islands Brygge


Address: Islands Brygge 14


An outdoor pool in the middle of Copenhagen, which is just as suitable for families as it is for groups of friends. It's a summer paradise, which has in recent years become a trendy meeting place for both locals and tourists alike. Islands Brygge consists of a swimming pier with a pool in the middle, a grassy area, and dining establishments nearby. Discover the world's best summer day!


  • 8. Ni’mat Spa

    Address: Ellehammersvej 20

  • We often think of airport hotels as just a place to sleep. But what about ending the weekend in Copenhagen with even more bathing and wellness?

  • At the Clarion Hotel® Copenhagen Airport, it's definitely worth setting aside some time.

  • The hotel has a partnership with Ni’mat Spa, which has a saltwater pool, an aroma steam room, and six treatment rooms.

  • Just make sure you don't miss your flight! Namaste!

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