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How do I know if the water is clean enough to swim in Copenhagen?

A daily check and a simple test

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Short answer

The City of Copenhagen publishes the daily bathing water quality for its bathing spots on badevand.dk, with the weather and a three day forecast for each place. A simple rule applies on top of that: if you stand in water up to your knees and cannot see your feet, do not swim, even if the signal is green. Murky water can be a sign of a local bloom of toxic algae. In the harbour, swimming is only allowed at the official bathing places.

Weather and seasons

Why

  1. Water quality can change from one day to the next.
  2. Murky water can mean a local bloom of toxic algae.
  3. The green signal does not replace your own eyes.

Details

The municipality has had bathing water tested by an outside laboratory since 2013.

Tip

Look at badevand.dk on the morning you plan to swim, not the day before.

What may differ

These signals cover the City of Copenhagen's own bathing spots, and beaches in other municipalities are run by those municipalities.

Common misconception

A green signal means the water is always fine.

What actually happens

Even with a green signal, skip the swim if the water is so cloudy you cannot see your feet at knee depth.

People also ask

  • When are there lifeguards at the Copenhagen harbour baths?
  • Where can you swim in Copenhagen?
  • How can I check the sea temperature in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the DMI forecast before you travel.

Weather and seasons
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