Habour history with Helen Welling: Why do the people of Copenhagen swim in the harbour?

This event is in Danish

With Copenhagen’s many harbour baths and dipping zones – such as the ones in front of KAI – swimming in the harbour has become popular both in summer and winter. But this is nothing new. In fact, Copenhageners have always bathed in the harbour. Over a period of 250 years, Copenhagen’s inner and outer harbours have been home to more than 90 so-called ‘sea baths’. This lecture combines historical perspectives with contemporary trends to provide a nuanced understanding of how our relationship with water and bathing has evolved over time.

About Helen Welling

Helen Welling is an architect, MAA PhD, educated at the Technische Universiteit Delft and the Royal Danish Academy – School of Architecture. Since her first years of study, she has been fascinated by historical bathing culture and the procedures associated with immersing the body in water. Helen is Associate Professor Emerita at the Royal Danish Academy – Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, as well as Associate Professor at Danish International Studies (DIS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and University of California, Berkeley. The project “Bathing Copenhagen” began as a research project in 2002 and was published in 2024.

Practical information

The presentation is in Danish and lasts one hour plus 15 minutes for Q&A. It will be possible to purchase Helen Welling’s book “Bathing Copenhagen” at the event.

Please note that tickets can only be purchased via Billetto. There is no ticket sales at the door, so follow the ticket link to secure your ticket in advance.