The beach stretches south from the harbour for several kilometres, backed by a quiet coastal path and — further south — low dunes. It is a sandy, shallow-water beach of the kind that is genuinely good for swimming, with Blue Flag status most years. In summer it draws families from across the region; outside July and August you can have long stretches of it almost to yourself.
The harbour end of the beach has a small marina and a couple of places to eat. It is a short walk or cycle from the historic centre — the combination of a morning in the old town and an afternoon at the beach is what makes Køge work so well as a day trip from Copenhagen.