Top 12 Copenhagen Beaches for Sun-Kissed Adventures

Copenhagen, Denmark’s lively capital, mixes old-world charm with modern Scandinavian style. Visitors love spots like the colorful Nyhavn waterfront, the Little Mermaid statue, and the famous Tivoli Gardens. But this coastal city offers more than history and architecture. It also has beautiful sandy beaches and great swimming spots around the city and nearby areas.

Are There Beaches in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen sits along the Øresund Strait, which links the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. This creates calm waters perfect for swimming. In summer, water temperatures average 17-20°C (63-68°F). Air temperatures usually hit 20-25°C from June to August. Yes, there are beaches in Copenhagen – the city has many waterfront spots where locals and tourists swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports during warmer months.

The city has about a dozen official beaches and harbor baths. Most are completely free and open year-round. These beaches are very safe. The water is tested regularly, lifeguards watch over popular spots in summer, and facilities like changing rooms and showers are well-kept. Some beaches even have diving platforms. You can swim, kayak, play beach volleyball, or try paddleboarding.

This guide covers the top 12 beaches near Copenhagen. We’ll give you details about each spot to help you pick the right one. We’ll describe what Copenhagen beaches offer – their features, facilities, and activities – then highlight the best ones for different needs.

If you’re heading to the beach during your Copenhagen trip, use convenient luggage storage services around the city center. These services let you store your bags safely while you enjoy the water and sand. No need to carry heavy luggage to the beach.

1. Amager Strandpark

Amager Strandpark is Copenhagen’s largest and most popular beach. It stretches over 4.6 kilometers along Amager island, just south of the city center. This artificial beach was built in 2005. It has a beautiful lagoon separated from the Øresund Strait by small islands. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for families with kids. Entry is free and the metro gets you there easily.

The beach has great facilities. Changing cabins, freshwater showers, toilets, and beach volleyball courts are all available. Water sports fans can kayak, windsurf, and paddleboard. You can rent equipment in summer. Several cafes and kiosks sell refreshments, ice cream, and light meals. Nearby restaurants along Amager Strandvej offer sea views.

Safety is excellent at Amager Strandpark. Lifeguards work during peak summer season. The shallow lagoon makes it safe for children. Swimming zones are clearly marked, and water quality is checked regularly. The wide sandy beaches give you plenty of space even on busy weekends. The surrounding park has barbecue areas and green spaces for picnics.

2. Islands Brygge Harbour Bath

Islands Brygge Harbour Bath was one of the first harbor baths built in Copenhagen’s waterways back in 2002. It sits along the Islands Brygge waterfront in the trendy Vesterbro district. This free public facility shows Copenhagen’s commitment to clean water and easy recreation. The bath has five pools at different depths. There’s a children’s pool and a dramatic five-meter diving platform.

This beach in Copenhagen gives you a unique urban swimming experience with amazing city skyline views. The facility has changing rooms, showers, and lockers, though space gets tight on busy summer days. There’s no sand here, but the energy is great. Locals dive, swim, and sunbathe with modern buildings and historic structures all around.

Several cafes and restaurants line the Islands Brygge promenade. You can grab coffee, lunch, or evening drinks after swimming. Safety measures include summer lifeguards, marked swimming zones, and strict water quality monitoring. The bath is popular with young adults and families, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captures Copenhagen’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.

3. Bellevue Beach

Bellevue Beach sits in the wealthy Klampenborg area, about 10 kilometers north of central Copenhagen. It’s one of Denmark’s most beautiful and historic beaches. This pristine sandy beach runs along the Øresund coast with free access. It offers a more traditional seaside feel than the city’s harbor baths. The beach became famous in the 1930s when the iconic Bellevue Theatre and bathing pavilion were built in modernist Bauhaus style.

The beach has excellent facilities. The historic bath house includes changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a lifeguard station open all summer. The wide sandy shore and gradually sloping seabed make it ideal for families with children. Clear waters attract swimmers of all levels. Beach volleyball courts, playgrounds, and grass lawns offer activities beyond swimming.

Bellevue Restaurant and seasonal kiosks serve food and drinks. You can get traditional Danish smørrebrød, ice cream, and snacks. The nearby Dyrehaven (Deer Park) is great for forest walks and deer spotting. The historic Bakken amusement park – the world’s oldest operating amusement park – is just a short walk away. Safety is excellent with professional lifeguards, maintained facilities, and great water quality.

4. Svanemølle Beach

Svanemølle Beach offers a charming neighborhood beach experience in the Østerbro district, just 4 kilometers from Copenhagen’s city center. This cozy Copenhagen beach has a small sandy area and a modern harbor bath with multiple swimming platforms and children’s pools. The beach is free to access and has become popular with locals wanting a quick swim near home.

The facility has good basic amenities like changing cabins, outdoor showers, and public toilets. The beach is smaller than Amager Strandpark. The wooden deck areas give you space for sunbathing. The protected harbor location means calm waters for all swimming levels. Children love the shallow pool designed for young swimmers. Experienced swimmers can go to deeper sections or jump from platforms.

Svanemølle Strand Café operates in summer, serving coffee, snacks, and light meals with waterfront seating. The beach has small green spaces for picnics. Safety standards are high with regular water testing and supervision during peak hours. Official lifeguard presence may be limited compared to larger beaches. The beach’s proximity to residential areas makes it handy for locals and visitors staying nearby.

5. Charlottenlund Beach

Charlottenlund Beach sits between Bellevue Beach and central Copenhagen. It offers a peaceful coastal retreat with a historic pier and marina atmosphere. This family-friendly beach has free access to a lovely sandy shore. Green parklands and the beautiful Charlottenlund Fort – a 17th-century fortification now a public park – sit behind the beach. Families seeking a quieter alternative to busier Copenhagen beaches love this spot.

The beach has well-maintained changing facilities, showers, toilets, and a children’s playground. The waters are calm and the seabed slopes gradually, making it great for kids learning to swim. The iconic wooden pier extends into the Øresund with beautiful views. It’s a popular jumping spot. The surrounding marina adds nautical charm.

Charlottenlund Strandpark has several cafes and a restaurant where you can enjoy meals with sea views. The nearby Denmark Aquarium (Den Blå Planet) – Northern Europe’s largest aquarium – makes an excellent addition to a beach day, especially for families. Safety is well-managed with summer lifeguard services, clear swimming zones, and consistently high water quality ratings.

6. Helgoland Beach

Helgoland Beach is a hidden gem among Copenhagen’s coastal spots. It’s located near the Nordhavn area in the city’s northeast. This smaller beach has a more intimate atmosphere than sprawling Amager Strandpark. It attracts locals who appreciate its neighborhood character and easy access. The beach is free and features sandy areas and grassy spaces perfect for spreading out a blanket.

The beach has basic but adequate facilities like changing areas and outdoor showers. Amenities are more limited than at larger beaches. The swimming area has calm harbor waters tested regularly for quality. The compact size creates a community feeling where families and friends gather in summer. Water activities are simpler here – mostly swimming and paddling. The relaxed atmosphere appeals to those wanting a low-key beach experience.

While dedicated cafes directly on Helgoland Beach are limited, the surrounding Nordhavn district has new restaurants, coffee shops, and eateries within walking distance. Safety considerations include supervised swimming during peak season and regular water monitoring. Note that lifeguard coverage may be less extensive than at major beaches. The beach’s emerging neighborhood location offers an authentic local experience away from tourist crowds.

7. Kastrup Søbad

Kastrup Søbad is a unique architectural swimming experience near Copenhagen Airport on Amager’s eastern coast. This award-winning facility, designed by renowned firm White Arkitekter, has a spectacular circular wooden structure extending into the Øresund waters. While technically a sea bath rather than a traditional sandy beach, it offers free access and has become iconic for both swimming and architectural photography.

The facility has three distinct pools: a shallow children’s pool, a swimming pool with lanes for exercise, and a diving pool with a five-meter platform. The innovative design provides sheltered areas within the wooden enclosure while keeping open views of sea and sky. Changing facilities, showers, and lockers are available. The wooden decking offers generous sunbathing space with modern Scandinavian design.

The nearby Kastrup Strandpark has traditional sandy beach areas and green spaces. These complement the sea bath with options for picnics and beach games. Cafes in the area provide refreshments, though you might want to bring your own snacks for longer stays. Safety is well-maintained with clear depth markings, regular water testing, and supervision during busy periods. The proximity to Copenhagen Airport makes it interesting for travelers with layovers or those staying near the airport wanting a quick swim.

8. Sluseholmen Beach

Sluseholmen Beach offers a modern waterfront experience in one of Copenhagen’s newest neighborhoods. It’s located on an artificial island in the southern harbor area. This contemporary beach space reflects Copenhagen’s ongoing urban development and commitment to accessible waterfront recreation. The beach is free and has a mix of small sandy areas, modern harbor baths, and waterfront promenades.

The area has basic swimming facilities with changing areas and showers, integrated into the neighborhood’s modern architecture. The harbor bath setup provides safe swimming zones with platforms and shallow areas for children. The surrounding development includes residential buildings with colorful facades creating a contemporary atmosphere. Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular here. The protected harbor waters offer calm conditions.

Cafes and restaurants within the Sluseholmen development provide dining with waterfront views. The neighborhood is still growing and amenities continue to expand. The beach area has green spaces and seating areas where you can relax between swims. Safety measures include regular water monitoring and marked swimming zones. The area has more of a residential feel than dedicated beach destinations. Sluseholmen represents Copenhagen’s vision for integrated urban living where beaches and swimming are part of everyday neighborhood life.

9. Nordre Toldbod Beach

Nordre Toldbod Beach is the closest beach to Copenhagen’s historic city center. It’s located just steps from iconic attractions like the Little Mermaid statue and Kastellet fortress. This makes it the closest beach to Copenhagen for tourists exploring central sights who want a quick swim without going far. The beach is free and gives you a unique chance to combine cultural sightseeing with coastal relaxation in one afternoon.

The facility has a modern harbor bath with swimming platforms, changing facilities, and showers. It’s all set against a backdrop of historic fortifications and passing cruise ships. The swimming area has different depth zones for various skill levels. The wooden deck provides sunbathing space with spectacular views of the harbor entrance and Swedish coastline across the Øresund. There’s minimal sandy beach area, but the urban swimming experience here is unmatched for convenience.

The surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants catering to tourists visiting nearby attractions. Prices tend to be higher than at neighborhood beaches. The beach’s location near the Langelinie promenade makes it easy to combine swimming with waterfront walks and visits to the Little Mermaid. Safety is well-managed with regular supervision during summer and high water quality standards. The beach serves both tourists seeking convenience and locals who work in the city center and want a lunchtime swim.

10. Fisketorvet Harbour Bath

Fisketorvet Harbour Bath sits next to the Fisketorvet shopping center in the Vesterbro area. It combines urban swimming with shopping and entertainment. This free harbor bath attracts shoppers taking breaks, local residents, and visitors exploring Copenhagen’s southern harbor district. The facility has modern swimming platforms built into the harbor with areas for different activities and age groups.

The bath has three main sections: a very shallow children’s pool, a standard swimming area, and a diving section with platforms. Changing rooms, showers, and toilets are available. The wooden decking provides space for sunbathing and socializing. The facility’s integration with the shopping center means cafes, restaurants, and shops are right there. You can easily combine swimming with other activities.

The location offers unique urban views including the distinctive Havneholmen apartment buildings and boat traffic through the harbor. Safety features include clear depth markings, regular water quality monitoring, and supervision during peak summer hours. The atmosphere is more urban than traditional beach settings, but the convenience and modern facilities make Fisketorvet Harbour Bath popular with young adults and families seeking a quick city swim with easy amenity access.

11. Sønderstranden Beach

Sønderstranden Beach sits on the southern section of Amager Strandpark. It offers a quieter alternative to the main beach areas while keeping excellent facilities and water quality. This section attracts visitors seeking more space and peace, especially during peak summer weekends when northern sections get crowded. The beach is free and features the same beautiful sandy shores and lagoon system as the entire Amager Strandpark.

The beach area has standard facilities like changing cabins, showers, and toilets, along with beach volleyball courts and open green spaces. The shallow lagoon waters make it excellent for families with young children. The longer walk from public transportation means fewer crowds. Water sports including kayaking and windsurfing are popular here. The exposed location often provides better wind conditions than sheltered beaches.

Cafes and facilities are more limited than at main Amager Strandpark sections, so you might want to bring refreshments and snacks. The surrounding area has barbecue spots and picnic areas ideal for groups planning longer beach days. Safety standards match the rest of Amager Strandpark, with regular water testing and summer lifeguard services. The beach’s southern location also provides beautiful views across the Øresund toward the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden.

12. Refshaleøen Urban Beach

Refshaleøen represents Copenhagen’s most alternative beach scene. It’s located on a former industrial shipyard island that has transformed into a cultural and recreational destination. This free-access area combines beach atmosphere with Copenhagen’s creative counterculture. It features temporary beach installations, street food vendors, and cultural events. The beach setting is more raw and industrial than traditional sandy shores, reflecting the island’s heritage.

The swimming facilities include harbor bath areas with platforms and designated swimming zones. Amenities are more basic than at established beaches. The area attracts a younger, alternative crowd drawn to the island’s cultural offerings including the famous Reffen street food market, Copenhagen Contemporary art museum, and various creative workshops. The beach experience here emphasizes community and culture as much as swimming and sunbathing.

Food and beverage options are exceptional. Reffen offers dozens of international street food vendors, craft beer bars, and coffee shops in a casual outdoor setting. The island hosts regular events, concerts, and markets that make visiting about more than beach activities. Safety considerations include standard water quality monitoring. Note that the area has a more independent, less supervised atmosphere than traditional beaches. Refshaleøen offers a distinctly Copenhagen urban beach experience that combines swimming, culture, food, and community in a unique waterfront setting.

Best Beaches in Copenhagen

Qeepl’s experts have selected the top 3 beaches in Copenhagen based on accessibility, safety, scenic beauty, and activities for all ages:

• Amager Strandpark: This beach earns the top spot for its unbeatable combination of extensive sandy shores, excellent facilities, and easy metro access from central Copenhagen. It’s perfect for families, groups, and visitors of all types seeking a full-featured beach experience.

• Bellevue Beach: Selected for its stunning natural beauty, historic architectural significance, and traditional seaside atmosphere. Bellevue offers the most authentic coastal experience near Copenhagen with nearby attractions like Dyrehaven park and Bakken amusement park.

• Islands Brygge Harbour Bath: This iconic urban swimming spot ranks among the best for its unmatched central location, vibrant social atmosphere, and spectacular city views. It perfectly embodies Copenhagen’s innovative approach to urban waterfront recreation and makes swimming accessible within the heart of the city.