--- title: "Copenhagen Introduces New Public Swimming Pool Kai" url: https://newscentral.site/copenhagen-introduces-new-public-swimming-pool-kai/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Travel" published: 2026-10-29T16:23:28.000Z updated: 2026-10-30T07:03:44.744Z id: def6f347-1826-43a4-a992-1eedc2ea448c source: "Conde Nast Traveler https://www.cntraveler.com/story/copenhagen-is-opening-a-stunning-new-bathhouse-along-its-harbor" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/copenhagen-introduces-new-public-swimming-pool-kai/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Copenhagen Introduces New Public Swimming Pool Kai A new public swimming pool designed by Kengo Kuma Associates is set to open on December 5 in Copenhagen's harbor. Copenhagen is renowned for its aquatic culture and stunning waterfront scenery, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a refreshing dip year-round. The city's love affair with water began to take shape in the early 2000s, when floating swimming pools were introduced to the harbor after the shipbuilding industry declined. These innovative pools transformed an underutilized area into a vibrant hub for swimmers, divers, and boaters during the hot summer months. As Copenhagen's reputation as a haven for water sports enthusiasts grew, so did its popularity among visitors seeking a unique experience. In recent years, the trend of cold plunging has gained traction as a way to improve both physical and mental well-being, with waiting lists forming at winter swimming clubs offering sauna access along the harbor. A new landmark is set to join Copenhagen's picturesque waterfront on December 5: Kai, an impressive public swimming pool designed by Kengo Kuma Associates. The highly anticipated bathing house has been eight years in the making and promises to become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The new bathing house promises to be a stunning addition to Copenhagen's harbor, featuring an impressive array of pools spread across its several levels. Among these will be an open-air rooftop pool, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline, as well as a heated onsen overlooking the harbor below. The project has faced delays due to the pandemic and its aftermath, pushing back its original opening date from 2021. However, it is now set to join Copenhagen's unique architectural landscape, which includes notable buildings such as the modern Opera House and the Royal Danish Playhouse. Pools will be situated on various levels of the building, with a particularly striking feature being an 82-foot pool located on the ground floor. This minimalist interior design allows for fluid movement between different areas of the bathing house, creating a seamless experience for visitors. The facility's sustainable features are also noteworthy, including a vertical ground-source heat pump system that provides year-round heating to its outdoor pools. This innovative technology ensures that even in winter, when the harbor can become chilly, swimmers will be able to enjoy a comfortable temperature. The city's residents and officials are eagerly anticipating the opening of a new public bathhouse in Copenhagen's harbor area this December. This development has been years in the making, with the original idea emerging from feedback gathered through surveys conducted among locals. Copenhageners had expressed a strong desire for a central public swimming pool, and the location on Paper Island was deemed ideal due to its proximity to the city center and scenic views of the harbor. The area, once home to a popular food market, has undergone redevelopment in recent years to accommodate restaurants, cafes, and hospitality businesses. The new bathhouse is strategically situated directly across the harbor from Nyhavn, Copenhagen's central tourist hub, and can be easily accessed via pedestrian and cycle bridges. This prime location serves as a link between the old town and the rapidly gentrifying areas of Holmen and Refshaleøen, formerly used for shipbuilding. The innovative technology incorporated into the bathhouse ensures that swimmers will enjoy comfortable temperatures even during the winter months when the harbor can become chilly. The stunning new bathhouse in Copenhagen's harbor is set to open this December, offering an innovative and affordable way for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a refreshing winter swim. The bathhouse features a demarcated swim zone that invites bathers directly into the deep harbor for lane swimming. Changing rooms are available exclusively to members, but swimmers can change on the quay if needed. For those seeking a more relaxing experience, there's an opportunity to warm up in a sauna at Saunanor, where visitors can also try the unique Danish saunagus tradition. For a truly spa-like experience, head to Skodsborg Spa Hotel, a former sanatorium that offers 16 different bathing experiences, including saunas and steam rooms. Alternatively, consider visiting Valby's Water Culture House, a chic and modern public swimming spot with a slide, lane swimming, and a hot pool area, offering a world-class experience for those seeking an affordable alternative to traditional leisure centers. --- Source: [Conde Nast Traveler](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/copenhagen-is-opening-a-stunning-new-bathhouse-along-its-harbor) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/copenhagen-introduces-new-public-swimming-pool-kai/