TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim Breaks All Records and Puts Denmark on the World Map

With the highest number of participants ever and record sign-ups across all distances, SvømDanmark this weekend opened the Copenhagen canals to more than 5,500 enthusiastic swimmers at the annual TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim.

“We are celebrating our community, our democratic traditions, and the fact that we can. We live in a country with a capital where the canals are so clean we can swim in them. That is not a given. Clean water is something we must fight for and protect. That is important,” said Pia Johansen, Chair of SvømDanmark.

More than 5,500 swimmers of all ages took part across the event’s various distances.

“For me, it is a great pleasure to stand here and witness the joy of anticipation and focused concentration as you enter the water – and the pride and almost overwhelming happiness when, 1,000, 2,000 or 10,000 metres later, you reach the finish and receive your medal,” added Pia Johansen.

European Spotlight on Denmark’s Swimming Festival

The European Commission has also turned its attention to the TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim. More than 60 politicians and officials from the Commission swam the 2 km route around Christiansborg Castle, including EU Commissioner Marta Kos.

“I never imagined I would one day swim around the Danish Parliament – and yet here I am. I knew the water in Copenhagen was clean, but experiencing it firsthand was something truly special. Copenhagen is a big city with thousands of residents, and yet the water is this clear. That is a great achievement. Congratulations, Denmark – this should be an example for the rest of Europe. I am deeply grateful to have been invited by Per Haugaard, Head of the European Commission Representation in Denmark. It has been a very special experience,” said Marta Kos after her swim.

The event also welcomed Antonio Silva, President of European Aquatics. On Friday evening, he delivered the opening speech and sent the by night swimmers on their twilight swim.

“It is with great joy that I come to Copenhagen today to witness this fantastic event. In the heart of democracy, a record number are swimming around the Danish Parliament, proving how clean and accessible water connects people and creates fantastic experiences. As President of European Aquatics, I wish that all European citizens have access to clean and protected waters in their cities, harbours, and beaches, where they can enjoy swimming. Because Europe is connected by water. And water connects people,” said Antonio Silva.

SvømDanmark’s Chair, Pia Johansen, also expressed delight at the European presence and the more than 30% of international participants taking part in this year’s event.

“It is a great joy to feel the international support this year – not least from the European Commission, which fielded a large delegation in one dedicated heat. Copenhagen Swim is only possible because our capital has clean water in its canals. Through cooperation with the EU and European Aquatics, I hope that clean water will reach more European capitals.”

By Night Swim Puts Denmark on the World Map

On Friday evening, more than 700 swimmers took part in the sold-out TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim by night, setting off at dusk with glowing swim buoys. The distance has become particularly popular among international guests.

“We are proud that our event helps put Denmark on the world map in open water swimming. It is truly fantastic that this can take place here in Copenhagen. This is how it should be in all European capitals – that people can dive into the water and experience joy and community together,” said Pia Johansen.

In addition to Danish participants, many from across Europe and the UK took part, joined by swimmers from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Canada.

No Swimming Festival Without Sponsors and Volunteers

An event like the TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim would not be possible without the more than 150 volunteers who tirelessly contribute before, during, and after the event.

Nor could it happen without the support of our sponsors, each of whom helps lift the event in their own way:

• TrygFonden: Title sponsor, lifeguards, and safety.

• Craft: Participant T-shirts; clothing for volunteers; discount codes for participants.

• Krüger: Sponsor of the Krüger Relay and the Water Bar at the event site.

• REMA 1000: Sponsor of the REMA 1000-meter; beverages and fruit for participants.

• Speedo/Svømmespecialisten: Swim caps, prizes, and discount codes for participants.

• The European Commission: Collaboration on clean water.

We also owe great thanks to Copenhagen Municipality, By & Havn, and other authorities including the Emergency Services and Police for their support of the event.

About TrygFonden Copenhagen Swim

• Denmark’s largest recreational open water swimming event.

• With over 5,500 registered participants, 2025 marked the biggest open water event ever held in Denmark.

• Has taken place almost every year since 2006.

• Distances: 1,000 m, 2,000 m, 10,000 m, and the Krüger Relay (4x500 m).

• More than 150 volunteers support with registration, timing, logistics, commentary, and more.

• The event starts and finishes at the Black Diamond on Søren Kierkegaards Plads in Copenhagen.

• Participants swim counter-clockwise around Slotsholmen: starting at the Black Diamond, swimming under Knippelsbro into the canal, past Christiansborg, through Frederiksholm Canal, out by BLOX, and back to the Black Diamond.