Can You Drink Tap Water in Copenhagen?

Tap water in Copenhagen is completely safe to drink. The city is supplied mainly by protected groundwater drawn from aquifers beneath Zealand and treated by HOFOR, the utility serving Copenhagen and surrounding municipalities. Because the source water is naturally clean, treatment is comparatively simple and generally does not rely on routine chlorination.

The water meets strict Danish and European drinking-water standards and is monitored from the well field through the distribution network. Visitors can drink confidently from hotel taps, apartment kitchens, restaurants, cafés and public buildings throughout Indre By, Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro, Frederiksberg and the harbour districts.

Copenhagen's tap water is naturally hard because it contains calcium and magnesium from local chalk and limestone geology. This can leave limescale in kettles and produce a noticeable mineral taste, but it is not a safety concern. Chilling the water or letting it stand in the refrigerator can soften the taste for visitors accustomed to softer supplies.

Restaurants commonly serve tap water, although some may charge a small service fee. Public drinking fountains and refill points are available around parks, transport hubs and major visitor areas. Carrying a reusable bottle is practical and fits Copenhagen's strong sustainability culture.

Use tap water freely for drinking, brushing teeth, cooking and making infant formula according to product instructions. Only follow different advice if HOFOR or local authorities issue a rare temporary notice following maintenance or a localised incident.