The Lakes (Søerne), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s chain of city lakes, where tree-lined paths, reflective water, and everyday life meet in one long, graceful urban park.
The Lakes (Søerne) form a graceful chain of three long, narrow basins curving around the western edge of central Copenhagen. Once part of the city’s medieval defenses and water supply, they are now one of the capital’s most beloved green corridors, lined with trees, broad walking and jogging paths, and a scatter of cafés. Whether you stroll, run, cycle, or simply sit on the grassy banks watching swans and city life glide by, The Lakes offer a calm, scenic contrast to the surrounding streets and squares.
A brief summary to The Lakes
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Walk the full loop of all three lakes for a satisfying urban circuit of just over six kilometers, giving you varied views of different neighborhoods.
- Visit around sunrise or sunset for softer light, calmer paths, and particularly photogenic reflections of buildings and trees in the water.
- If you plan to run, choose one direction of travel and keep to the outer edge of the path to blend smoothly with local jogging etiquette.
- In winter, only step onto the ice if local authorities officially open the lakes; conditions can change quickly and safety rules are strictly applied.
- Combine a stroll with a lakeside café stop in the neighboring streets to experience Copenhagen’s relaxed coffee and brunch culture.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from Nørreport Station
From central Copenhagen, Nørreport Station is one of the closest major hubs to The Lakes. Many metro and S-train lines pass through here, and the lakeside paths are roughly a 5–10 minute walk from the station across mostly flat, paved streets. There is no extra cost beyond a standard city metro ticket, which typically ranges from about 20–30 DKK for a single zone-based journey.
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Bus within central Copenhagen
Several city bus lines run along and across the lakes between Indre By, Nørrebro, Østerbro, and Frederiksberg. Travel times are usually 10–20 minutes from central areas, depending on traffic and exact route. A single bus ticket within the inner zones generally costs around 20–30 DKK and can be purchased via ticket machines or mobile apps; buses are low-floor and suitable for most mobility levels.
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City bike or rented bicycle
Copenhagen is highly cycle-friendly, and The Lakes are bordered by good bike lanes on nearby streets. From much of the city center, cycling to the water takes about 5–15 minutes on mostly flat terrain. Expect to pay roughly 80–150 DKK for a day’s access to a rental or shared bike, depending on provider and duration. Be mindful of local cycling rules and the steady flow of commuter traffic at peak hours.
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On foot from central districts
For many visitors staying in the historic core, The Lakes are within comfortable walking distance. Depending on your starting point, you can expect a 10–25 minute walk along level pavements, with frequent street crossings and occasional cobblestones. This option is free, offers plenty of chances to detour through side streets or parks on the way, and is suitable for most fitness levels.
The Lakes location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
- Snow
Discover more about The Lakes
Water, City Walls, and Copenhagen’s Changing Shape
The Lakes, known in Danish as Søerne, trace a gentle arc along the western margin of central Copenhagen, marking a historic edge between the old inner city and the newer districts beyond. What appears today as three aligned basins was once a natural stream outside the fortified town. In the Middle Ages, the waterway was dammed to power mills and secure a reliable water supply, gradually transforming into reservoirs that doubled as part of the city’s defensive system. Over time, as Copenhagen expanded and its ramparts lost their military value, the lakes shifted from utilitarian infrastructure to urban ornament. Embankments were formalized, tree-lined promenades were laid out, and stately apartment buildings rose along the shore. The trio of Sankt Jørgens Sø, Peblinge Sø, and Sortedams Sø now feels inseparable from the city’s identity, a watery punctuation mark that has helped shape both the skyline and the everyday routines of residents.A Chain of Three Distinct Urban Basins
Although they read as one continuous ribbon of water, each of the three lakes has its own character. Sankt Jørgens Sø, to the south, is the deepest, with sloping sides that feel slightly more open and park-like. Peblinge Sø in the middle, and Sortedams Sø to the north, are edged with vertical granite embankments that give a subtly grand, almost boulevard-like air, where reflections of townhouses and church spires ripple on calm days. Across more than six kilometers of shoreline, the lakes act as an elongated park. Wide paths hug the water on both sides almost all the way, crossed occasionally by bridges and streets that stitch together neighborhoods such as Indre By, Nørrebro, Østerbro, and Frederiksberg. A pair of small artificial islands in Sortedams Sø serves as protected nesting spots for birdlife, adding a quietly wild note to an otherwise very urban scene.Everyday Playground for Walkers, Runners, and Cyclists
Day to day, The Lakes function as Copenhagen’s outdoor living room. At first light you might see dedicated runners ticking off circuits, cyclists gliding along the edges, and dog walkers tracing familiar loops. Later in the morning, prams, commuters, and students join the flow, turning the paths into a steady ribbon of movement that mirrors the gentle length of the water. On brighter days, benches and grassy patches quickly fill with people lingering over takeaway coffee, informal meetings, or simply a moment of quiet. In summer, you may spot pedal boats and relaxed pauses on the embankments with feet dangling just above the water. The atmosphere is casual and sociable without feeling overwhelming, a place where city energy and soft, reflective light coexist comfortably.Seasonal Shifts from Frozen Canvases to Golden Evenings
The character of The Lakes changes markedly with the seasons. Spring brings fresh leaves and returning birds, with trees and facades mirrored crisply in the water. In high summer, long Nordic evenings drape the banks in golden light, ideal for slow twilight walks and relaxed conversations along the railing. Cafés nearby spill onto pavements, turning sections of the shoreline into impromptu outdoor dining rooms. In winter, the scene can feel almost Nordic-graphic: bare branches etched against pale skies, water dark and glossy or, during colder spells, covered in ice. On rare occasions when the ice is declared thick enough, parts of the surface open to carefully supervised walking and play, giving a reminder of the lakes’ robust northern climate. Throughout the year, flocks of ducks, swans, and gulls maintain a constant, gently chattering presence.City Views, Birdlife, and Quiet Corners
Beyond exercise, The Lakes reward those who slow down to look. From various points along the shore, you can line up pleasing views of church towers, elegant bridges, and the silhouettes of older apartment blocks. Dawn and dusk bring soft color and atmospheric reflections that appeal to photographers and contemplative wanderers alike. At the same time, stretches of railing and clusters of trees create pockets of intimacy where you can lean, sit, or perch with a book. Bird islands in the northern basin add movement and sound, with waterfowl constantly landing, preening, and taking off. Despite being seconds away from busy streets, these lakeside edges often feel like a different rhythm: not wild nature, but a gracious, human-scaled landscape that invites you to pause between one part of the city and the next.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkets Park
0.8 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.8 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
0.8 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
The Tower Playground
0.9 km
Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Assistens Cemetery
1.1 km
Historic, leafy burial ground in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, home to Hans Christian Andersen’s grave and tranquil paths where Danish history and urban life intertwine.
Church of Our Lady
1.1 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Varehuset Messen
1.1 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Gråbrødretorv
1.2 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Hans Tavsens Park
1.2 km
Explore the peaceful retreat of Hans Tavsens Park in Copenhagen, a perfect blend of nature and tranquility for every traveler.
Jorcks Passage
1.2 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Gammeltorv
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Nørrebrogade
1.2 km
Copenhagen's creative heartbeat: independent design, multicultural energy, and authentic Nordic cool.
St. Paul's Church
1.3 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Nytorv 2
1.3 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Nørrebro
1.3 km
Copenhagen's most vibrant multicultural neighbourhood where creative energy, street culture, and authentic local life converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Lakes in Copenhagen
0.2 km
Step inside Denmark’s royal history at Rosenborg Castle, home to the dazzling Crown Jewels and set in Copenhagen’s oldest public gardens near Østerbro.
Dronning Louises Bro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s granite social bridge, arching over the city lakes with historic elegance, everyday bike traffic and some of the best urban sunsets in town.
Søtorvet 2
0.3 km
An ornate 19th‑century lakeside residence where French‑inspired façades, poetic café lore and everyday Copenhagen life meet at the city’s watery front door.
Nørrebros Theater
0.4 km
Historic 1886 theatre turned contemporary cultural hub, blending bold performances, visual art and neighbourhood atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
Sankt Hans Torv
0.4 km
A relaxed, café-lined square in the heart of Nørrebro where church spires, classic façades and everyday streetlife capture contemporary Copenhagen.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Workers Museum
0.5 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s glass‑walled food market, where Nordic produce, global flavours and local craftsmanship meet in two buzzing halls beside Nørreport Station.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's labor history at The Workers Museum in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
Botanical Garden
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Museum of Natural History
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.7 km
Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.7 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Rosenborg castle
0.7 km
A compact Renaissance palace of kings, crowns and stories, Rosenborg Castle pairs glittering Crown Jewels with tranquil gardens in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Skaal
0.8 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Essential places to dine
ARK
0.4 km
Michelin Green Star vegan fine dining in central Copenhagen, where seasonal Nordic produce, foraging and low-waste philosophy shape an intimate tasting-menu experience.
La Neta Nørrebro
0.5 km
Sizzling Mexican street food, artisanal tortillas, and Mikkeller craft beer unite at La Neta Nørrebro—a bustling culinary hotspot in Copenhagen’s vibrant heart.
SAFARI
0.5 km
Colorful Pan-African bistro in creative Nørrebro serving bold sharable plates, natural wines, and community spirit in a welcoming, art-filled setting.
Mæxico Nørrebro
0.5 km
Colorful cantina vibes, creative tacos, and festive cocktails bring a lively taste of Mexico’s street food culture to vibrant Nørrebro in central Copenhagen.
Selma
0.5 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Kate's Joint
0.6 km
Kate’s Joint brings Nørrebro’s multicultural energy to the table with creative Asian fusion, communal dining, artful interiors, and a famously laid-back vibe.
Høst
0.6 km
Experience exceptional Scandinavian fine dining at Høst in Copenhagen, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Tèrra
0.7 km
Celebrated for organic Italian-Danish tasting menus and eco-conscious fine dining, Tèrra offers a memorable culinary experience in Copenhagen’s vibrant Østerbro.
Aroii - Nørrebro
0.7 km
Savor inventive Asian fusion cuisine in lively Nørrebro, where Aroii delivers creative Thai-inspired plates and vibrant ambiance in one of Copenhagen’s buzziest districts.
Kiin Kiin
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro, offering inventive tasting menus and modern fine dining that blend Southeast Asian flavors with Nordic influences.
Hooked Nørrebro
0.8 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Hooked Nørrebro in Copenhagen - a culinary gem celebrating local flavors in a vibrant setting.
Bæst
0.8 km
Experience Nørrebro’s celebrated Bæst, where organic Italian pizzas and in-house charcuterie meet Scandinavian sustainability and vibrant Danish hospitality.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.9 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.9 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Gaarden & Gaden
1.0 km
Discover Gaarden & Gaden, a stylishly laid-back bistro in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, serving inventive local cuisine and natural wines in a warm, communal setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Bungalow
0.3 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
McKorman
0.4 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
PRAG Nørrebro
0.6 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
Exotic Mix
0.6 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Fjällräven
0.9 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.9 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Time's Up Vintage
1.0 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
1.0 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
1.1 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.1 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Quirky Lane
1.1 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Wasteland
1.2 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Notre Dame
1.2 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
København K
1.2 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kind Of Blue
0.3 km
Discover the lively charm of Kind Of Blue, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen offering creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Barking Dog
0.3 km
Discover The Barking Dog, a trendy bar in Copenhagen offering expertly crafted cocktails and a vibrant nightlife experience.
Léanowski Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Léanowski Bar, a local favorite in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, known for its craft beers and creative cocktails.
PULP bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at PULP Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Escobar København
0.5 km
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Escobar København, a must-visit bar in the heart of Nørrebro offering great cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Harbo Bar
0.5 km
Cosy, candlelit café‑bar on Blågårdsgade blending daytime coffee and snacks with intimate, bohemian evenings at the heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
Ølbaren
0.6 km
Experience the heart of Copenhagen’s beer culture at Ølbaren, a cozy bar with an extensive selection of craft brews and vibrant atmosphere.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Mudhoney
0.6 km
Discover The Mudhoney, a stylish cocktail bar in Copenhagen, blending coffee shop charm with expertly crafted cocktails for a perfect night out.
BRUS
0.8 km
Discover the best craft beers and seasonal dishes at BRUS, Copenhagen's top brewpub for foodies and beer lovers alike.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.8 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Ørsted Ølbar
0.9 km
Cozy basement craft-beer bar opposite Ørstedsparken, mixing candlelit pub charm, expert pours and an impressive Danish microbrew lineup in central Copenhagen.
No Stress Bar
0.9 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
Paloma Vermuteria
0.9 km
Mediterranean vermut culture meets Nordic hospitality in Copenhagen's creative heart.
Dexter's
1.0 km
A cosy African–Caribbean rum bar by Copenhagen’s lakes, blending tropical cocktails, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and warm Jamaican hospitality in an intimate setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
