Sea swimming in Copenhagen just reached a new level, as the city opens its first-ever designated lane for experienced swimmers — adding a fresh boost to its growing water sports scene.
A New Way to Swim in Copenhagen
As of late July 2025, residents and visitors who wants to go sea swimming in Copenhagen now have access to the city’s first open-water swimming lane designed specifically for seasoned swimmers. Positioned in the outer area of Nordhavn, the sea lane stretches 450 meters and offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking a more challenging aquatic workout in a natural setting. The lane is expected to be extended to 500 meters over time. Sea swimming in Copenhagen is becoming more popular, and this new lane gives swimmers a safe place to enjoy it.
This open-water facility is clearly marked with large yellow buoys and lane dividers to protect swimmers from boat traffic, ensuring both safety and visibility in an often busy harbor. The project supports Copenhagen’s broader goal of promoting physical activity in urban settings, including the city’s iconic waterfront areas. The idea is to let people enjoy the water without needing to leave the city, or worry about boats being around.
Project Planning and Municipality Support
The sea swimming lane is part of a broader initiative by the City of Copenhagen under its Culture and Leisure Administration. The initiative was funded through the city’s 2022 budget with political backing to enhance outdoor recreational activities throughout the capital.
Implementation was carried out in collaboration with By & Havn, the agency responsible for Copenhagen’s harbor development. By & Havn managed the technical aspects, including placing buoys and installing safety measures.
This facility aligns with Copenhagen’s ambition to make the harbor accessible for all water-based activities—from paddleboarding and sailing to swimming and diving.
Year-Round Access and Safety Measures
Access to the sea swimming lane is available year-round, providing a consistent opportunity for aquatic training even during the cold Scandinavian winters. However, due to its placement in open water, the lane is intended for experienced swimmers only.
The area is subject to variable currents and wave conditions, and while the lane is designed for safe navigation, it is not recommended for children or beginners. Users should be confident swimmers and are encouraged to swim in pairs or groups for additional safety.
The facility includes a water quality alert post, as well as rescue equipment located near the entry point, which can be found at the roundabout on Kattegatvej. In addition, a nearby triangular area has been designated for future water-related activities, and improved protections have been outlined for existing dive facilities in the vicinity.
Meeting Demand for Open-Water Training
Copenhagen’s swimming culture has boomed in recent years, especially given the city’s reputation for clean harbor water. With thousands of people using Copenhagen’s many harbor baths and swim zones during the summer months, local swimming clubs have long expressed a desire for a structured space suitable for open-water training.
The creation of this sea lane reflects growing public interest in open-water sports and provides much-needed infrastructure for those training for triathlons, open-water competitions, or simply seeking a more adventurous alternative to indoor pools.
Expert Swimmers Welcome the New Facility
Copenhagen’s seasoned open-water swimmers, including members of the club Copenwater—Denmark’s first open-water swimming association—have welcomed the new lane as a game-changing addition. The natural setting, complete with wave action and oceanic conditions, allows swimmers to simulate race experiences and challenge themselves in a non-regulated, yet protected environment.
While the lane is not lifeguarded, its strategic location and design make it one of the safest open-water training venues now available to the public in Denmark’s capital.
Part of a Larger Strategy
The swimming lane is part of a broader movement by Copenhagen Municipality to provide diverse athletic opportunities. In recent years, the city has renovated sports venues, invested in greener spaces along recreational fields, and upgraded artificial turf fields to meet EU environmental guidelines.
With this latest addition, sea swimming in Copenhagen continues to affirm its place as a city that integrates nature, activity, and safety into daily urban life.
By incorporating clean water facilities and structured aquatic zones, the city further enhances its reputation as a global leader in sustainable urban living and public health-focused infrastructure. The new sea lane is a concrete step toward ensuring that sea swimming in Copenhagen remains an active, inclusive, and environmentally conscious city for residents and visitors alike.
