Frederiksberg Kurbad

The autumn chill hung in the air as I made my way to Frederiksberg Kurbad, tucked away in a quiet corner of this leafy Copenhagen suburb. I had heard about the place through a friend who swore by its relaxing vibes, so I decided to drop in on a weekday afternoon. The building sat near some local parks, with bikes parked outside and a few people milling about, fresh from their swims.

Inside, the air felt warm and inviting right away. I paid the 202 DKK at the counter and headed to the changing rooms, where everything was clean and straightforward. The typical session here runs about 30 minutes, but I planned to linger a bit longer if the mood struck.

I started in the steam bath, letting the moist heat wrap around me like a soft blanket. The room was dim, with tiles that gleamed under the low lights, and I could feel my muscles easing up almost at once. A few others sat quietly on the benches, eyes closed, just breathing it in.

After a while, I moved to the jacuzzi. The bubbles churned gently, massaging my back as I sank in. It was a nice spot to unwind, watching the water swirl and listening to the faint hum of the jets. No rush here: the place encouraged taking your time.

From there, I wandered into one of the saunas, where the dry heat built steadily. The wood benches were warm to the touch, and I stretched out, letting the temperature climb.

Around 25 minutes past the hour, the gusmester announced an aufguss session. These happen one or two times each hour, though they are not always guaranteed, depending on the day's staffing. I joined a small group in the sauna, curious about the ritual.

He explained the essential oils he had picked and their benefits, then poured water, ice, and the oils onto the hot stones. Steam rose, carrying scents that filled the space. The humidity increased bit by bit, along with the heat.

With a towel, he waved the air around in different patterns, spreading the warmth and aromas evenly. I focused on my breathing, inhaling through my nose, letting the vapors work their way in. The whole thing lasted about 10 to 12 minutes, a classic setup that left me feeling refreshed and calm.

Open every day of the week, the kurbad draws locals looking for this kind of extra experience amid the regular sauna warmth.