La Banchina
La Banchina is a small, cozy harbour bath in Refshaleøen with a renowned restaurant serving natural wine and farm-to-table dishes. Sauna access makes this spot enjoyable year-round.
Coolcation in Copenhagen – a Nordic summer by the sea
Photo: Jacob Lisbygd
Copenhagen is more than a city break. In summer, clean harbor baths, pristine Nordic beaches, and swimmable canals offer a refreshing, free access to the water. Along Copenhagen's coastline, nature blends with cultural and gastronomic experiences, which can be combined with seaside stays.
Copenhagen and its coast offer a Nordic approach to summer. Locals and visitors swim in clean waters—from the Øresund Strait to the city’s harbor baths. Sea access is free. Most swimming spots are easy to reach by bike or public transport. Summer temperatures range from 20 to 25°C.
The sections below outline beaches, urban baths, seaside accommodations, cultural and culinary experiences along the water.
Facts
- Average summer temperatures in Copenhagen:
June 19.2°C / 66.6°F
July 20.4°C / 68.7°F
August 20.3°C / 68.5°F - Sea temperatures: 17–22°C (63–72°F)
- Denmark has the highest coastline per capita in the world: 7,314 km total
- Every point in Denmark is less than 50 km from the coast
- Copenhagen’s canals and harbour are clean and swimmable
- 14 official bathing zones, including 4 harbour baths and one 450 m long open water swimming area.
- Approx. 3.6 km² – nearly twice the size of Central Park.
- Declared clean and swimmable by EU standards since 1999. Real-time updates available at badevand.dk
- Approx. 2 million users annually, including 23,000 swimmers.
- Copenhagen’s Coastal Line (Kystbanen): 46 km train and bicycle route from Copenhagen to Elsinore. It connects cities with beaches, forests, museums, spa hotels, and restaurants.
- Beach access: public and free to access, except areas within 50 meters of private residences, military zones, or embassies.
- CNN recognition: In 2019, CNN named Copenhagen “the best city in the world for swimming”.
Harbour Baths – Swim in the heart of Copenhagen
Copenhagen's harbour is one of the cleanest in the world, making it possible to swim right in the city. These unique harbour baths provide a mix of urban energy and aquatic relaxation.
Beaches beyond the city center
The coastal areas surrounding Copenhagen are home to a variety of beaches, each with its own unique character. At Amager Beach Park, there is plenty of space for activities such as beach and water sports, while Bellevue Beach to the north offers scenic surroundings combined with classic Danish design by architect Arne Jacobsen. Across all beaches, visitors can enjoy both relaxation and a refreshing dip on warm summer days.
Bellevue Beach
Photo:Astrid Maria Rasmussen
Located just north of Copenhagen, Bellevue Beach is a classic Danish summer destination. With surroundings like Bellevue Strandbad, designed by renowned architect Arne Jacobsen, the beach offers a stylish, modernist setting. The large sandy beach also offers lots of space for both beach volleyball and water sports, and a few hundred meters inland is the nature park Dyrehaven. A short stroll from Bellevue Beach, you will find the petrol station in Skovshoved, also designed by Arne Jacobsen.
Where to stay and eat near Bellevue Beach
Charlottenlund Sea Bath
Charlottenlund Sea Bath is a bathing house, open to the public during the summer months. The sea bath includes a communal bathing zone, but is considered iconic among locals due to its gender-specific bathing areas, where it is common for visitors to sunbathe and swim without swimwear. The requirement to purchase an admission ticket ensures that the sea bath remains a tranquil oasis.
Hellerup Beach
A sophisticated beach experience close to the elegant Hellerup district, featuring stylish restaurants and a tranquil setting perfect for a relaxed summer day. The beach is part of Hellerup Beach, where you can also experience the calm of the perennial garden or the rose garden, or visit the lively environment at Hellerup Marina.
Where to stay and eat near Charlottenlund Sea Bath and Hellerup Beach
Svanemølle Beach
Photo:Marc Skafte-Vaabengaard
A hidden gem within the city, Svanemølle Beach is ideal for those looking to combine a city break with a quick seaside dip. With shallow waters and a wooden pier, as well as a sandy beach it’s a favorite among locals for sunbathing and leisurely swims. This area is also used for open water swimming by local athletes.
Where to stay and eat near Svanemølle Beach
Amager Beach Park
Photo:Daniel Rasmussen
Amager Beach Park is Copenhagen’s largest beach and is easily reachable by metro. The park offers a wide range of activities – from beach sports and water activities to cycling along the scenic waterfront promenade. A calm, sheltered lagoon makes it especially safe for children and ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking long open-water swims.
Where to stay and eat near Amager Beach Park
Kastrup Sea Bath
Photo:Marvin Kuhr
Known as "The Snail" due to its unique architectural design, this award-winning Kastrup Sea Bath offers panoramic views over the Øresund Strait and a tranquil atmosphere for a refreshing dip.
Dragør Søbad & Mormorstranden
Photo:Daniel Rasmussen
Just a short trip from Copenhagen, Mormorstranden & Dragør Søbad offer a peaceful seaside retreat with views over the Øresund Strait. The beach is within walking distance to Dragør, which is a charming old town where you can stroll through the cute cobblestoned streets of colorful houses and enjoy the local atmosphere at one of the restaurants or cafés.
Press photos: Dragør Søbad and Dragør.
Where to eat near Dragør Søbad & Mormorstranden
Beyond the beach – Active highlights
Senior Manager – Press & PR