The Lakes of Copenhagen: Urban Serenity Along the Water
Three picturesque urban lakes forming a scenic green lung around Nørrebro, where Copenhagen’s daily life, history, and waterside tranquility meet.
Stretching through the heart of Copenhagen, The Lakes—three interconnected urban basins—offer a tranquil escape from city bustle. Originally medieval moats, they now form a scenic ring on the edge of Nørrebro, perfect for walking, jogging, and relaxing amid swans and city vistas. The broad paths and historic bridges attract both locals and visitors year-round, blending natural beauty with Copenhagen’s vibrant urban energy.
A brief summary to The Lakes in Copenhagen
- Copenhagen, København N, 2200, DK
Local tips
- Sunset and sunrise are especially atmospheric, with fewer crowds and spectacular colors reflecting across the water.
- Bring snacks or pick up pastries from nearby cafés; benches and grass areas are ideal for a waterside picnic.
- Cycling is permitted on some paths, but pedestrians have right of way—be mindful during busy hours.
- Wildlife is abundant—look for swans, geese, and even kingfishers along quieter stretches.
- Public toilets can be found near popular gathering spots like Dronning Louises Bro.
Getting There
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Walking
From central Nørrebro, the Lakes can be easily reached on foot in around 8–15 minutes. Walking southward, you’ll pass vibrant local shops and cafés, with the expanse of water becoming visible as you approach Dronning Louises Bro—the city’s most popular lakeside meeting point. The gentle gradient and wide paths make this an accessible stroll for most travelers.
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Public Transport
Public buses frequently run from the heart of Nørrebro toward the city center, with stops near the Lakes’ edges—expect a ride of 5–10 minutes, with single tickets typically costing 18–30 DKK. The large, open water and bridge areas are recognizable hubs, and most stops are within a few minutes’ walk of the shoreline.
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Bicycle
Cycling is a popular local choice, taking 5–12 minutes from Nørrebro’s central squares. The area around the Lakes features bike racks and paths alongside pedestrians. City bike rentals cost around 30–40 DKK per hour. The approach offers a great view of the water and skyline.
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Taxi/Car
Taxis from Nørrebro to the Lakes are a short, convenient ride, taking 4–10 minutes depending on traffic and costing approximately 70–110 DKK. Parking is limited and often paid (rates typically 20–40 DKK per hour); consider public transport for ease.
Discover more about The Lakes in Copenhagen
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Søtorvet 2
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Step into Danish astronomical history at Ole Rømer Observatory, where hands-on stargazing meets rich scientific heritage on a wooded ridge above central Aarhus.
Folkets Park
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Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Nørre Voldgade 11
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Explore the cosmos at Aarhus' historic Ole Rømer Observatory, home to Denmark's largest functioning telescope and rich astronomical heritage.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
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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
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Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Kultorvet
0.9 km
Kultorvet is a historic cobbled square in Copenhagen’s city center, where centuries-old traditions blend with modern café culture, street performances, and community gatherings.
The Tower Playground
1.1 km
Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Gammeltorv
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Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Nytorv 2
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Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Copenhagen This Way / Koebenhavnerture.dk
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Experience Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, where golden onion domes and vibrant frescoes highlight an extraordinary cultural and architectural landmark.
Amagertorv
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Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Lur Blowers
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Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architectural elegance meets lush urban nature, offering tranquil lakes, stately trees, and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Statue of Andersen
1.4 km
Iconic bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen in busy Rådhuspladsen, a literary landmark celebrating Denmark’s cherished fairy-tale author in central Copenhagen.
St. Paul's Church
1.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of St. Paul's Church in Copenhagen, a stunning Lutheran architectural gem featuring ornate designs and a tranquil atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dronning Louises Bro
0.1 km
A stunning waterfront concert venue in Malmö offering symphonies, jazz, and Nordic design—experience top-tier performances close to Copenhagen.
Nørrebros Theater
0.1 km
Marvel at world-class acoustics and groundbreaking architecture at Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset, a modern concert hall at the forefront of Scandinavian culture.
The Lakes
0.2 km
A hauntingly beautiful subterranean art museum set beneath Frederiksberg’s Søndermarken park, where contemporary installations blend with echoes of Copenhagen’s historic waterworks.
Sankt Hans Torv
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Jægersborggade: Nørrebro’s trendsetting street blending artisan eats, cool boutiques, creative energy, and local flavor in Copenhagen’s most vibrant neighborhood.
Workers Museum
0.5 km
Experience world-class acoustics and modern architecture at Malmö Live Concert Hall, the cultural heartbeat of Malmö.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
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Fredensborg Palace – royal baroque splendour on Lake Esrum, with gardens, art-filled avenues, and an enduring link to Denmark’s modern monarchy.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.7 km
A picturesque canal at the heart of Copenhagen, encircling royal palaces and historic museums amidst neoclassical architecture and scenic bridges.
Botanical Garden
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Danish modernist architectural gem and elegant event venue overlooking Copenhagen’s harbor, set amid the historic Langelinie promenade near the Little Mermaid.
Tropical Bikes
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Explore Copenhagen's cycling culture with Tropical Bikes' diverse rental options and guided tours.
Ørstedsparken
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern culture at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Museum of Natural History
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Discover the extraordinary at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Copenhagen, featuring over 500 unique exhibits and interactive displays.
Skaal
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A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Rosenborg castle
0.9 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a tranquil, history-steeped waterway in central Copenhagen—offers scenic strolls, grand architecture, and captivating reflections amid city life.
Assistens Cemetery
0.9 km
Embark on an underground journey through Denmark's maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør.
Essential places to dine
SAFARI
0.3 km
Colorful Pan-African bistro in creative Nørrebro serving bold sharable plates, natural wines, and community spirit in a welcoming, art-filled setting.
La Neta Nørrebro
0.3 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.
Kate's Joint
0.3 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.
Mæxico Nørrebro
0.4 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.
ARK
0.4 km
Scandinavia’s premier vegan restaurant offers innovative tasting menus, Nordic design, and sustainable gastronomy in cosmopolitan Copenhagen.
Selma
0.5 km
A modern haven for smørrebrød, Selma reinvents Danish lunch classics with seasonal produce, creative flair, and a vibrant atmosphere near Copenhagen’s heart.
Høst
0.5 km
Experience exceptional Scandinavian fine dining at Høst in Copenhagen, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Hooked Nørrebro
0.6 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Hooked Nørrebro in Copenhagen - a culinary gem celebrating local flavors in a vibrant setting.
Kiin Kiin
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Thai cuisine meets Nordic innovation in Nørrebro—a must for gourmands and adventurous foodies in Copenhagen.
Aroii - Nørrebro
0.6 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.
Bæst
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Experience Nørrebro’s celebrated Bæst, where organic Italian pizzas and in-house charcuterie meet Scandinavian sustainability and vibrant Danish hospitality.
Gaarden & Gaden
0.9 km
Discover Gaarden & Gaden, a stylishly laid-back bistro in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, serving inventive local cuisine and natural wines in a warm, communal setting.
Tèrra
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Celebrated for organic Italian-Danish tasting menus and eco-conscious fine dining, Tèrra offers a memorable culinary experience in Copenhagen’s vibrant Østerbro.
Restaurant Radio
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A modern Danish restaurant in Copenhagen known for sustainable, seasonal tasting menus and inventive New Nordic cuisine in a relaxed, design-forward setting.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
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Discover exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at The Olive Kitchen & Bar in Copenhagen - where flavors come alive in an inviting atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Bungalow
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Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
McKorman
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Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
PRAG Nørrebro
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PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
Time's Up Vintage
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Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Nørrebrogade
1.1 km
Nørrebrogade in Nørrebro embodies multicultural Copenhagen—a bustling boulevard of global eats, indie shops, street art, and local vibrance at the city’s creative edge.
Quirky Lane
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Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
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Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Studio Arhoj
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Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
1.2 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Viking Souvenirs
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Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Storm - design art fashion
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Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kind Of Blue
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Discover the lively charm of Kind Of Blue, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen offering creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Barking Dog
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Escobar København
0.3 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.
Léanowski Bar
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Léanowski Bar, a local favorite in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, known for its craft beers and creative cocktails.
PULP bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at PULP Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Ølbaren
0.4 km
Experience the heart of Copenhagen’s beer culture at Ølbaren, a cozy bar with an extensive selection of craft brews and vibrant atmosphere.
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.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Discover Bootleggers in central Copenhagen, a celebrated craft beer bar offering an unmatched range of Danish and international brews in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
BRUS
0.7 km
Discover the best craft beers and seasonal dishes at BRUS, Copenhagen's top brewpub for foodies and beer lovers alike.
Himmeriget
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and exquisite drink selection at Himmeriget, a premier bar in Frederiksberg, perfect for socializing and relaxation.
No Stress Bar
0.9 km
Relaxed cocktail bar in central Copenhagen with creative drinks, cozy ambiance, and a blend of retro and modern Danish design—perfect for a unique evening out.
Gamble
0.9 km
A discreet Frederiksberg speakeasy in Copenhagen where expert bartenders tailor every cocktail, making each night a distinct and memorable experience.
Bar'Vin
1.1 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Floss Bar
1.1 km
Historic LGBTQ+ bar in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter blending warm hospitality, affordable drinks, and eclectic locals in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
Strøm
1.2 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
