The Course Around Christiansborg

The course around Christiansborg Castle

The scenic course around the Danish Parliament is 2,000 metres long. Everyone swims the same route, regardless of their chosen distance.

You’re free to swim in any style you prefer, and the course welcomes both those who want to take their time and enjoy the experience – and those who are eager to race ahead.

Safety all the way around

Spotters and lifeguards are positioned along the entire course to keep a close eye on swimmers.

Large floating buoys, safety lines and a floating pontoon clearly mark the swim zone and protect swimmers from boats and other traffic in the harbour. 

Read more about route safety HERE

All swimmers follow an anti-clockwise direction:

  • The route begins alongside the Black Diamond, then continues under Knippelsbro and into the canals past the National Bank, under Børsbroen and Holmens Bro, passing the Old Stock Exchange and Christiansborg Castle.
  • From there, the course heads towards Højbro Plads, past the underwater sculptures Agnete and the Merman, then continues along Gammel Strand and on to Stormbroen.
  • Next, swimmers continue up Frederiksholm Canal, passing under Marmorbroen and Prinsens Bro, and past BLOX.
  • After passing Christians Brygge, you’ll have around 200 metres to go, swimming alongside the spectator stands at Søren Kierkegaards Plads. If you’ve still got energy left, this is a great spot to pick up the pace.

Use the map to zoom in on the course and click the icons along the way to see photos.

View the course here

Start & Finish

The Swim Around the Danish Parliament

The swim route around Christiansborg begins and ends at The Black Diamond, where a large floating pontoon is located in the water by Søren Kierkegaards Plads.

Start Locations by Distance

The starting point depends on which distance you’re swimming:

  • 2,000 metres and 10,000 metres: Start at The Black Diamond
  • REMA 1000-metre: Start at Gammel Strand
  • Krüger Relay: Each swimmer starts from a different location (see below)

Krüger Relay – Individual Start Points

In the Krüger Relay, each of the four swimmers has their own section of the course:

  • 1st swimmer: from The Black Diamond to the National Bank
  • 2nd swimmer: from the National Bank to Gammel Strand Metro
  • 3rd swimmer: from Gammel Strand Metro to Prinsens Bro
  • 4th swimmer: from Prinsens Bro to the finish at The Black Diamond

Read more about the Krüger Relay HERE

Finish Area – What to Expect

All distances finish at The Black Diamond.

When you reach the finish line, you’ll climb a staircase on the floating pontoon. Your timing chip will be registered, and volunteers will be on hand to assist you safely out of the water.

A manual check will also be carried out to confirm that all swimmers have completed the course safely.

10,000 Metres = Five Laps

Participants in the 10,000-metre distance swim five laps around the Danish Parliament.