Exploring the New Floating Islands of 2026

To plan your trip, review Copenhagen travel info.

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Reaching these islands requires a small boat or a rented kayak during the warmer months of the year. The city provides several locations where you can launch your craft to explore these new in Copenhagen in 2026 attractions. Most islands are free of charge and do not require any advanced booking for general public access. They offer a perfect perspective for photographers looking to capture the modern city skyline from the water.

Environmental sustainability remains the core focus of these floating parks throughout the 2026 tourist season. The structures use recycled materials and provide a habitat for local marine life under the water's surface. This innovative approach helps the city manage its growing tourist numbers while protecting the natural harbor environment. Make sure to visit the islands early in the morning for the most peaceful experience possible.

Local authorities often move these islands to different locations depending on the season and harbor maintenance schedules. You can check the VisitCopenhagen website for the most recent updates on where to find them. These islands represent the future of urban recreation and social spaces in modern European capital cities today. They provide a wonderful contrast to the bustling city streets found just a few meters away.

Modern Swimming Zones and Sustainable Harbor Baths

Copenhagen is famous for its exceptionally clean harbor water, which is safe enough for public swimming all year. Several professional harbor baths offer safe environments with lifeguards and clearly marked swimming lanes for all ages. In 2026, the city will open even more best swimming spots in Copenhagen harbor for visitors. These venues provide changing rooms, showers, and dedicated areas for children to play safely under supervision.

The Islands Brygge Harbor Bath remains the most iconic location for a quick dip in the cool water. It features several pools, including a deep pool for diving and a shallow pool for supervised kids. During the summer of 2026, these areas become vibrant social hubs where locals gather to enjoy the sun. Most baths are open daily from early morning until late evening during the peak tourist season.

Safety remains a top priority for the municipal government when managing these popular urban swimming locations. Real-time water quality sensors provide digital updates to ensure the environment stays safe for every single visitor. You can find digital signs near the water that show the current temperature and safety status of the harbor. These modern systems ensure that Copenhagen remains a top destination for healthy and active urban travel experiences.

Winter swimming has also grown in popularity, with many locals taking a cold plunge before starting their workdays. Special zones stay open throughout the colder months of 2026 for those brave enough to try the tradition. Always remember to swim with a partner and stay within the designated areas marked by the local authorities. These harbor baths are truly the pride of the city and offer a refreshing break for travelers.

New Pedestrian Bridges and Waterfront Cycling

Copenhagen continues to improve its connectivity through the construction of innovative and elegant pedestrian and cycling bridges. Several new bridge construction in Copenhagen projects will be completed or upgraded by late 2026. These bridges allow travelers to move quickly between the city center and the developing districts of Nordhavn. They offer stunning views of the harbor and make exploring the waterfront much more efficient for cyclists.

The Inderhavnsbroen remains a vital link that connects the bustling Nyhavn area with the creative Refshaleøen district. This bridge allows thousands of people to cross the water every day without needing cars or public buses. Walking across these bridges at sunset provides some of the best panoramic views of the entire city skyline. It is the best way to see the blend of historic and modern Danish architecture.

Cycling along the harbor edge is a favorite activity for both locals and international tourists visiting in 2026. The city has developed thousands of kilometers of dedicated bike lanes that run directly beside the scenic water. You can rent a bicycle from numerous shops or use the convenient city bike-sharing programs available everywhere. These routes are mostly flat and very safe for families traveling with children of all ages.

New infrastructure projects in 2026 also focus on making the waterfront fully accessible for those with mobility challenges. Smooth pathways and gentle ramps ensure that everyone can enjoy the beautiful views and fresh harbor air. Follow the signs along the "Harbor Circle" route for a complete 13-kilometer journey around the water's edge. This path takes you past major landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and several peaceful green spaces along the way.

Active Eco-Adventure: Kayaking the Hidden Canals

Renting a kayak is one of the most intimate ways to experience the historic canals of Copenhagen. You can navigate through the narrow waterways of Christianshavn to see the colorful traditional houseboats up close. In 2026, many rental shops offer where to rent kayaks in Copenhagen with flexible hourly rates. This activity allows you to move at your own pace and discover hidden corners of the city.

The GreenKayak initiative is a wonderful way for visitors to contribute to the city's environmental goals while exploring. You can rent a kayak for free if you agree to collect any floating trash during your journey. This program has become highly popular and helps keep the harbor pristine for everyone to enjoy today. It is a fantastic example of how tourism and sustainability can work together in a modern city.

Guided tours are also available for those who prefer to learn about the city's history from an expert. These tours often start near the central harbor and cover the most significant maritime landmarks in the area. You will hear fascinating stories about the royal family, the merchant history, and the future of Danish design. Most tours last around ninety minutes and include all the necessary safety equipment for every participant.

Experienced kayakers might prefer to head toward the southern harbor for a more rugged and natural water experience. This area is less crowded and offers a chance to see different types of local wildlife and plants. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out on the water for your solo paddling adventure. The calm canal waters are usually very safe, but the open harbor can sometimes experience stronger winds.

Floating Saunas and Nordic Wellness Rituals

The trend of waterfront wellness is reaching its peak in the year 2026 with many spectacular new facilities. Visitors can book sessions in floating saunas in Copenhagen for a truly authentic Nordic experience. These saunas often feature large glass windows that offer peaceful views of the water while you relax. They provide the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in the city.

CopenHot is a popular venue that offers stationary saunas and sailing hot tubs in the Refshaleøen district. You can socialise with friends while floating through the harbor in a heated tub of clean seawater. This experience combines the best of Danish leisure culture with the beautiful maritime scenery of the capital. Booking in advance is highly recommended as these spots fill up quickly during the weekend evenings.

Sauna culture in Denmark often involves a cycle of intense heat followed by a refreshing cold plunge. Many wellness centers are located directly next to the harbor baths to facilitate this traditional health ritual. The contrast between the steam and the cold water is believed to boost the immune system. You will find that many locals use these facilities even during the coldest months of the year.

Prices for sauna sessions vary depending on whether you want a private cabin or a shared public space. Most venues charge around 200 to 400 Danish Krone for a typical two-hour wellness session in 2026. This often includes access to changing rooms, fresh towels, and sometimes a small refreshment like herbal tea. It is a luxurious but accessible way to experience the high quality of life in Denmark.

Waterfront Dining and Refreshed Harbour Markets

Dining by the water is a quintessential summer experience that you must try while visiting Copenhagen in 2026. The city has opened several waterfront dining spots in Copenhagen that focus on sustainable and local ingredients. These restaurants offer everything from traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches to innovative modern seafood dishes. Many venues provide outdoor seating that allows you to feel the cool sea breeze as you eat.

Street food markets like Reffen offer a more casual way to enjoy international cuisine right on the docks. This creative space uses old shipping containers to house dozens of different food stalls from around the world. It is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends while watching the boats go past. The atmosphere is always lively with music, art installations, and plenty of communal wooden tables.

For a more formal experience, the Nordhavn district features high-end restaurants with spectacular views of the modern harbor. These establishments often have a strong focus on the "New Nordic" philosophy of seasonal and ethical eating. You can taste the freshest catches of the day sourced directly from the nearby Baltic Sea waters. Many of these restaurants suggest booking a table several weeks in advance for a weekend dinner.

You can also enjoy a drink on one of the many floating bars that appear during the 2026 season. These boats serve local craft beers and organic wines while gently rocking on the calm harbor waves. Most bars are located near the Nyhavn area or the modern Royal Danish Playhouse on the dockside. It is the perfect way to conclude a day of exploring the many waterfront activities available.