Chilling out in Copenhagen

The 21st century has marked a sea change for the Danish capital’s waterfronts. As heavy industry moved out, huge efforts were made to improve water quality and now it’s clean enough to allow an exhilarating mix of activities, from kayaking the canals to diving from the top of Copenhagen Opera House.

Most noticeable is the number of summer pools that have opened up since the first, Islands Brygge, appeared in 2002. They’re usually free to enter, and the season is mid-May to the end of August, when the sea’s maximum temperatures is around 18C.

All are stylish, with architects rushing to create the next landmark pool. But Kastrup Søbad is something remarkable. It’s as much art installment as leisure facility. Nicknamed The Snail, its African hardwood pier stretches out into the Øresund Sound - the channel of water between Denmark and Sweden that was used to such chilling effect in The Bridge. Then it curves around to create a sheltered platform, lined with a continuous bench, that ends in a five-metre diving platform. And you’ll definitely need that shelter on days when the wind sweeps down from The Baltic.

The water is deep, so adult, competent swimmers only are advised to dive in - naked if you like given that this is Denmark. Or lean back and sunbathe to views of Sweden across the steely Øresund.

For a list of Copenhagen’s summer pools see visitcopenhagen.com.