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Cities across Europe have spa culture embedded into their heritage – just think of the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest, or the Roman Baths in Bath – but there’s arguably nowhere better than Scandinavia for water-based wellness.
Copenhagen, already well-known for its bracing harbour plunges and saunas, is about to become even more of a hotspot for swimmers and bathers with the opening of the brand-new Water Culture House. The bathhouse will take up residence on Copenhagen Harbour, neighbouring the city’s Opera house, later this year.
It’s been designed by Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates, and will house a ‘water culture centre’ as well as a wellness centre and community facilities. According to the official website, the building will be made from solid brick stumps, arranged with tactical gaps to allow light to filter through the walls and then reversed at night, allowing light to be emitted through these gaps from inside.
The building will be connected with a harbour pool on the waterfront, but will also have a heated outdoor pool as well as one on the quayside for children. Along with training facilities and meeting rooms inside, it’s set to be one hell of an addition to the city. Here’s a sneak peek.
The exact opening date is unconfirmed but it’s expected to open in the autumn. Keep an eye on this webpage for updates on its progress.
🧖♀️ Here’s Time Out’s guide to the most underrated spa breaks in Europe.
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