The official guide to Denmark's harbour baths
What's a harbour bath, you say? It's a free and free-floating public swimming pool, typically located in a harbour or on a fjord, staffed by lifeguards in the season (June to September). They are a great place to hang out on a sunny day - bring a picnic and stay all day, why don't you?
Kastrup sea bath
This beautiful structure, known as 'the snail' (but you could also call it 'the pastry'), is set at the far end of Amager Strand Park, 20 minutes from Copenhagen, and is a magical place to swim. Swim in the Øresund and enjoy a fantastic view of Saltholm and Sweden, before drying off and sunbathing in this sheltered spot.
Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, Copenhagen
Islands Brygge Harbour Bath is an open-air swimming pool in the city centre that attracts families with children, sport swimmers and sunbathers from all over Copenhagen. Here, you can swim and watch the bustling life on the harbour, and dive in from the tower if you dare.
Fisketorvet Harbour Bath, Copenhagen
The harbour bath at the Fisketorvet Shopping Centre is very popular in summer and is a great place for a dip before or after a shopping trip. It is easy to get to and has three different pools: a children's pool, a diving pool and a fitness pool.
The Coral Bath, Copenhagen
Tucked away in Sluseholmen, at the end of the harbour bus line, this harbour bath has a shape inspired by corals and coral reefs. Take your pick from two kids pools, a dive area and a deeper and larger swimming zone.
Odense Harbour Bath
The Odense Harbour Swimming pool is built into the harbour closest to the city. Along with a pool, it also has changing rooms, showers, toilets and a sauna.
Havnebadet i Sønderborg
Sønderborgs nye havnebad indbyder til en dukkert i Als Sund og i sommersæsonen er der gratis adgang.
The Harbour Bath, Aarhus
The world's largest harbour baths are right here in Aarhus! Like a lot of Denmark's harbour baths, this one was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. It includes a rectangular 50-metre-long swimming pool, a circular diving pool, square children’s pools and two saunas. Take a walk on the elevated plank walkway, which doubles as a viewing platform overlooking the pools and water beyond.
Hou Harbour Bath
With a view all the way to Sweden, this nearly natural swimming place is a perfect chance for a swim in the sea. The bath was specifically created with the wheelchair-bound in mind, meaning that there are amenities for a physically disabled person to have a safe yet freeing swim.
Aalborg Harbour Bath
Aalborg Harbour Bath is located by the waterfront near the lovely Jomfru Ane Park and allows you to cool off in the summer heat. It has a pontoon bridge with four pools, two for kids, one for diving and another for exercise.
Faaborg Harbour Bath
This swimming area consists of two bathing jetties offering the possibility of taking a dive in the harbour just a few 100 metres from the city centre of Faaborg. There are also kids basins with shallow water, an outdoor shower, toilets and a sauna.
Nibe Fjordbath
If you are looking for a place where you can jump into the Limfjord while being surrounded by beautiful areas, then try Nibe Fjordbad. In this lovely spot, you can relax in the water while enjoying the view of Nibe Marina on one side, and the nature around the Limfjord on the other.
Vestre Fjordpark, Aalborg
This large open air swimming pool and sports area is one of Aalborg's favorite places, especially in the summer. The large park provides six different activity areas, so you can go swimming, canoeing and kayaking, windsurfing, try your hand at SUP, play volleyball, grill or just enjoy the sun and nature by the fjord.