Copenhagen from the water: kayak routes, boat tours & harbour baths

Copenhagen is a city shaped by water. Canals replace streets, harbour basins become social spaces, and on warm days locals casually jump into the water right in the city centre. Anyone visiting the Danish capital quickly realises that some of the best impressions aren’t found on land, but on or in the harbour.

A boat tour, a relaxed kayak trip or an afternoon at a harbour bath offers completely new perspectives on well-known sights and shows just how deeply water is woven into everyday life here. Many of these experiences are surprisingly easy to organise and often more affordable than expected.

Why Copenhagen is best experienced from the water

Seen from the harbour, Copenhagen feels calmer and more open. Instead of traffic noise, boats glide past, modern architecture meets historic warehouses, and life unfolds directly along the waterfront. Landmarks such as Nyhavn, the Royal Opera House and the canals of Christianshavn feel especially impressive from the water.

For first-time visitors, exploring Copenhagen this way is ideal for getting an overview of the city. At the same time, it offers a very authentic experience: locals don’t just admire the harbour, they swim in it, commute on it and spend their free time there. That’s exactly what makes Copenhagen from the water so special.

Boat tours in Copenhagen – a classic experience

A boat tour in Copenhagen is a popular starting point for many visitors – and for good reason. Classic canal cruises usually depart from Nyhavn or Gammel Strand and take you through narrow canals and wide harbour areas. Along the way, you’ll pass historic buildings, contemporary waterfront developments and famous sights such as the Little Mermaid.

The main advantage of these tours is how effortless they are. You can sit back, listen to audio commentary and see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. If you’re short on time or want a relaxed introduction to Copenhagen, this type of harbour tour is an excellent choice.

Hop-on hop-off water buses offer a more flexible alternative. They stop at several locations around the harbour and allow you to combine sightseeing with walking through different neighbourhoods. This turns a harbour tour in Copenhagen into a practical and scenic way to get around the city.

Those who prefer a more individual experience can rent small electric boats and explore the harbour independently. No licence is required and after a short briefing, you’re free to set your own pace and discover Copenhagen from the water on your own terms.

Kayaking in Copenhagen – right through the heart of the city

For an even closer connection to the city, try kayaking in Copenhagen. Few capitals make it so easy to paddle directly through the centre. Kayaks can be rented at several locations, and guided tours are available for beginners.

As you paddle through the canals of Christianshavn or along Islands Brygge, you move right through everyday city life. Houseboats, floating saunas and swimming areas line the route, offering a perspective you simply don’t get on land. Copenhagen feels slower, more personal and surprisingly peaceful from a kayak.

A major bonus for budget travellers: in some areas, free kayaks are available through a simple sharing system. This makes Copenhagen kayaking one of the most affordable ways to experience the city from the water.

Floating saunas – Scandinavian wellbeing on the harbour

In Copenhagen, water isn’t just about transport, it’s also about relaxation. Floating saunas are an established part of the cityscape and are used all year round. Especially in cooler months, they offer a true Scandinavian experience: warming up in the sauna followed by a refreshing dip in the harbour.

Popular options include the sauna at Islands Brygge and the various locations run by CopenHot around the harbour. A little further out, Kastrup Søbad combines striking architecture with sauna facilities, bathing platforms and open views across the water.

Harbour baths & swimming areas – urban swimming at its best

What would be unthinkable in many cities is completely normal in Copenhagen: swimming in the harbour. Copenhagen’s harbour baths are official swimming areas with excellent water quality that is monitored regularly.

Islands Brygge Harbour Bath is the most famous and becomes a lively meeting point for locals in summer. Kalvebod Bølge offers a more urban setting with modern architecture and city views. Families often head to Svanemøllen Beach, which feels more like a traditional seaside spot. For a quieter and more design-focused experience, Kastrup Søbad is well worth the trip.

The best part: most harbour baths are free to use and easy to combine with a walk along the waterfront.

Discovering Copenhagen from the water

Many visitors wonder whether it’s really safe to swim in the harbour. The answer is yes – Copenhagen has some of the cleanest harbour water of any major European city. No prior experience is required for kayaking either, as most providers offer brief introductions or guided tours. Boat tours operate almost year-round, while kayaking and harbour bathing depend more on the weather.

Experiencing Copenhagen from the water means seeing the city the way locals do. Boat tours, kayaking, harbour baths and floating saunas reveal a relaxed, modern and very liveable side of the Danish capital. Many of these activities are spontaneous, affordable and easy to fit into your trip – perfect for backpackers, city explorers and families alike.

Stay close to the water

For an authentic maritime atmosphere, the a&o Hostel København Sydhavn is an excellent choice. Located right by the water, it’s the ideal base for exploring Copenhagen’s harbour life. Book your a&o hostel in Copenhagen now and experience the city from the water!

Travelling with children? You’ll also find plenty of useful tips for a family-friendly trip to Copenhagen in our travel guides.

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Copenhagen!