The Lakes (Søerne)
Three interconnected urban lakes offering year-round recreation, birdlife, and the essence of Copenhagen's outdoor culture.
The Lakes, known locally as Søerne, form a captivating chain of three rectangular lakes curving around Copenhagen's western city center. This 6.35-kilometre recreational area features well-maintained walking and cycling paths, abundant birdlife, and seasonal activities from summer boat rentals to winter ice skating. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and abundant seating, the lakes offer a peaceful urban escape perfect for strolling, jogging, picnicking, and people-watching.
A brief summary to The Lakes
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in spring mornings when nature awakens and crowds are minimal, offering the most serene experience and ideal conditions for photography.
- Bring a picnic from a local supermarket and claim a spot on the grassy banks; no need to rely on cafés unless you prefer dining establishments.
- In winter, check ice thickness before walking on frozen lakes; locals monitor conditions closely, and safety is paramount.
- Rent a boat bike during summer months to experience the lakes from the water and access perspectives unavailable from the shore.
- Walk the entire 6.35-kilometre circuit to fully appreciate the three distinct lakes and their varying landscapes and wildlife habitats.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro & Bus
Take the Copenhagen Metro to Nørreport Station or Forum Station, both within 5–10 minutes' walk of the lakes. Alternatively, multiple bus routes serve the area; journey times from central Copenhagen are typically 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point. Single tickets cost approximately 24–36 DKK, with unlimited day passes available for around 80 DKK.
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Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from one of Copenhagen's numerous bike-sharing schemes or rental shops (typically 50–100 DKK per day). The lakes are accessible via dedicated cycling paths; journey time from Tivoli or the city center is 10–15 minutes. Cycling is the preferred local method and offers flexibility to explore the entire 6.35-kilometre circuit.
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Walking
Walk from Copenhagen's city center, which lies just east of the lakes. The journey takes 15–25 minutes depending on your starting point. The route is flat, well-signposted, and passes through pleasant neighborhoods. This is a popular option for visitors staying centrally.
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Car & Parking
Driving to The Lakes is not recommended due to limited and expensive parking in central Copenhagen (typically 40–60 DKK per hour in nearby garages). Public transport, cycling, or walking are far more practical and cost-effective alternatives.
The Lakes location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
- Snow
Discover more about The Lakes
A Medieval Engineering Marvel Transformed into Urban Sanctuary
The Lakes, or Søerne in Danish, represent one of Copenhagen's most distinctive and beloved features, originating from a practical medieval solution that evolved into a cherished recreational destination. Originally, the area was a single curved stream running just outside the city's medieval fortifications. In the early Middle Ages, as the city's need for water to power mills grew, engineers constructed a dam that transformed the landscape entirely. This single watercourse became the Peblinge Sø, and over centuries, the system expanded to include three interconnected lakes: Sankt Jørgens Sø, Peblinge Sø, and Sortedams Sø. What began as infrastructure became geography, and what was once purely functional is now profoundly recreational.The Three Lakes and Their Distinct Characters
Each of the three lakes possesses its own character and physical properties. Sankt Jørgens Sø, the deepest of the trio, features gently sloping sides that invite swimmers and water enthusiasts during warmer months. Peblinge Sø and Sortedams Sø, by contrast, are bordered by dramatic vertical granite edges and reach depths of approximately 2.5 metres. Within Sortedams Sø, two small islands—Fiskeøen and Fugleøen—have been deliberately constructed to serve as breeding grounds and sanctuaries for the abundant birdlife that makes the lakes a haven for ornithologists and nature lovers. The lakes' combined perimeter stretches over 6.35 kilometres, offering an extensive network of pathways that wind through the urban landscape.A Living Ribbon of Activity and Seasons
The lakes transform dramatically with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. During spring and autumn, the paths become crowded with joggers, cyclists, and walkers seeking fresh air and exercise. Summer brings picnickers to the grassy banks, families feeding ducks, and couples enjoying waterfront cafés. In winter, when conditions permit, the frozen surface becomes a natural skating rink where locals and visitors alike walk, run, and ice skate across the ice—a quintessentially Danish experience that connects modern Copenhagen to its northern heritage. Boat bike rentals operate during warmer months, allowing visitors to explore the lakes from the water itself.Cafés, Dining, and Waterfront Culture
The lakes are ringed with a myriad of cafés and restaurants, from casual snack vendors to more formal dining establishments. The Lake Pavilion, an ornate building constructed in the 1890s for the Ice Skating Club, now houses a nightclub and restaurant, blending historical architecture with contemporary leisure. These venues allow visitors to combine their lakeside experience with refreshment and sustenance, whether grabbing coffee to go or settling in for a leisurely meal while watching the water and city life unfold.Gateway to Copenhagen's Rhythm
The Lakes serve as a mirror to Copenhagen's lifestyle and values. On any sunny day, the area fills with strolling couples, panting joggers, brunch devotees, children feeding waterfowl, and friends sharing thermos coffee while absorbing the best views the city offers. The lakes represent a democratic public space where all of Copenhagen's residents and visitors converge, making them less a destination and more a vital part of the city's daily rhythm and identity.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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
RUST Natklub
0.5 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
0.7 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Mirage
0.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
0.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
1.1 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
La Terraza
1.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
1.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Rumors
1.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Hive
1.2 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mini Bar
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Zoo
1.2 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
