Brillesøerne – The Eyeglass Lakes of Esbjerg
A pair of calm urban lakes in Esbjerg V, Brillesøerne offers easy paths, birdlife and open green space for tranquil walks and everyday nature escapes.
Tucked into Esbjerg V, Brillesøerne is a pair of calm, man-made lakes linked by a narrow channel that forms an eyeglass shape when seen from above. Fringed by meadows, playground areas and light woodland, this compact nature preserve offers easy lakeside trails, birdlife, and open lawns where locals stroll, picnic or pause on benches. It’s an inviting green escape within the city, ideal for unhurried walks, fresh air and a quick dose of Danish nature.
A brief summary to Brillesøerne
- Gravlundvej 1, Esbjerg Municipality, Esbjerg V, 6710, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Circle both lakes on the perimeter paths to appreciate the full “eyeglass” shape and find the quietest viewing spots along the water.
- Visit around early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the lakes and more active birdlife along the reed-fringed edges.
- Bring a simple picnic or coffee; seating is limited, so a blanket lets you use the grassy banks and meadows comfortably.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from Esbjerg city centre
From central Esbjerg, use a local city bus toward Esbjerg V or Sædding; most routes that run along the coastal corridor reach stops within about 5–10 minutes’ walk of Brillesøerne. Journey time from the centre is typically 15–25 minutes depending on the line and time of day. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or on board on many services. Buses run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends, so check times in advance.
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Cycling from central Esbjerg
Esbjerg is very bike-friendly, and Brillesøerne lies within a comfortable cycling distance from the city centre. Expect a mostly flat ride of roughly 20–30 minutes, using a mix of cycle paths and quieter residential streets. Standard city bikes can be rented from local shops or hotel partners; day rental typically falls around 80–150 DKK depending on bike type. This option is suitable for most riders and allows you to link the lakes with nearby coastal parks on the same outing.
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Taxi from Esbjerg railway station
A taxi from Esbjerg railway station to Brillesøerne is a straightforward option if you prefer door-to-door travel or are visiting with family. The ride commonly takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares usually fall in the range of 120–200 DKK one way for up to four passengers, with surcharges possible in late evenings or on holidays. Taxis can be hired directly at the station or booked by phone or app.
Brillesøerne 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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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Brillesøerne
Linked Lakes in an Urban Green Pocket
Brillesøerne, whose name translates to “the Eyeglass Lakes,” sits in the western part of Esbjerg as a quietly sculpted landscape of water, grass and trees. Two rounded lakes are connected by a slim canal so that, from the air, they resemble a pair of spectacles set amid the city fabric. Paths loop around their shores, close enough that you can follow every curve of the water in a leisurely circuit. Despite being surrounded by residential streets and the wider urban area, the setting feels surprisingly soft and natural. Low banks dip towards the lakes, reeds rustle along the edges and clusters of trees provide shade and shelter from the breeze. The water surface is often dotted with ducks and other waterfowl, giving the impression of a small, self-contained world where life moves at a slower pace.From Utility Landscape to Local Nature Refuge
Like many urban lakes in Denmark, Brillesøerne is shaped by a mix of practical water management and a desire to weave nature into the city. Over time, what began as a functional landscape has matured into a valued green pocket where residents come to walk, jog and simply look out across the water. The nickname “Eyeglass Lakes” captures both its distinctive plan and a touch of local affection. The area forms part of a broader ribbon of parks, coastal spaces and recreational zones that define Esbjerg’s western edge. Here, the lakes act as a transition between built-up neighbourhoods and the open, wind-washed Wadden Sea coast nearby. That blend of urban convenience and outdoor atmosphere makes the site a natural pause point on longer walks through the area.Trails, Play Spaces and Simple Outdoor Pleasures
Brillesøerne is compact enough that you can walk a full loop in under an hour, yet varied enough to reward slow exploration. Hard-surfaced and gravel paths circle the lakes, generally flat and suitable for most visitors, including families with strollers. Benches are placed where views open across the water, inviting you to sit and trace the reflections of clouds and trees. On the surrounding lawns and meadows there is space for casual ball games, picnics and children’s play. A nearby nature-themed playground adds a playful note, with climbing elements and open grass that keep younger visitors occupied while adults enjoy the backdrop of water and greenery. The overall feel is uncomplicated and relaxed: this is a place to wander, talk, or let children burn off energy close to nature.Birdlife, Seasons and Nordic Light
For such an accessible park, the lakes offer rewarding small-scale nature watching. Ducks, coots and other water birds patrol the surface, while songbirds use the trees and shrubs at the margins. The shifting Danish seasons are clearly visible here: in spring, new leaves and birdsong; in summer, long evenings when light lingers on the water; in autumn, muted colours mirrored in the lakes; and in winter, frosty grass and occasional ice edging the shoreline. The flat, open character of the site means the sky always feels close. Subtle changes in light, wind and cloud can transform the mood within minutes, from bright and sparkling to quiet and introspective. It is this everyday drama of weather and light, rather than grand scenery, that gives Brillesøerne its understated charm.A Convenient Stop on Wider Walks Around Esbjerg
Brillesøerne’s position near other recreational spots makes it easy to weave into a longer outing in Esbjerg. Walkers often link time by the lakes with coastal paths, nearby museums or other parks, using this green pocket as a rest point between more exposed stretches of shoreline. The short loops around the water also make it an appealing option for a quick morning or evening stroll close to home or hotel. Whether you come with a camera, a book, a picnic or simply a need for 30 quiet minutes outdoors, the Eyeglass Lakes welcome you with uncomplicated scenery and a sense of local, lived-in nature. It is not a dramatic destination, but a gentle everyday landscape that rewards those who slow down enough to notice its small details.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Begravet bunker
2.4 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Vadehavskysten
3.4 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Denmark
3.4 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Dronning Louise
3.5 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Esbjerg Water Tower
3.6 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Namaste Esbjerg
3.6 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
3.6 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Fanø Tourist Office
4.5 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
Fanø Krogaard
4.7 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fano Bed and Boats
4.9 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Hjerting Badehotel
5.3 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Sønderho Church
15.9 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
16.3 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
23.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
27.9 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet
0.2 km
Denmark’s museum of the sea, where Esbjerg’s fishing past, offshore present and North Sea wildlife come together in one immersive waterfront complex.
Men by the Sea
0.3 km
Four towering white figures gazing over the North Sea, Men by the Sea is Esbjerg’s unmissable coastal icon of humanity’s calm encounter with nature.
Fishermen memorial
0.8 km
A quiet granite grove on Esbjerg’s windy coast, honoring generations of local fishermen who never returned from the sea.
Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev
0.8 km
Historic lightship turned museum at Esbjerg’s harbourfront, preserving the story of Horns Rev and life aboard a floating lighthouse on Denmark’s west coast.
Sædding Mellem Fyr
1.2 km
A modest but historic leading light on Sædding’s shoreline, quietly recalling Esbjerg’s maritime navigation heritage beside the sands of the North Sea.
Esbjerg Havn
1.6 km
A vast working harbour and marina where offshore wind giants, fishing boats and yachts share the docks on Denmark’s windswept North Sea coast.
Dyrehaven
1.7 km
A tranquil deer-filled woodland in Esbjerg’s Nørreskoven, where city life fades into rustling leaves, soft hooves and unhurried forest walks among graceful herds.
Vognsbølparken
1.9 km
Esbjerg’s big back garden: 178 hectares of woodland, lakes, lawns and play areas offering easy everyday nature, peaceful walks and relaxed family time.
Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”
1.9 km
Step into Esbjerg’s past at this hands-on city museum, featuring a recreated historic street, archaeological treasures, and stories of seafaring ambition.
Swimming Stadium Denmark
1.9 km
Denmark’s largest indoor swim and water park: 10,000 m² of slides, waves, competition lanes and wellness under one roof in Esbjerg’s sports district.
Fish Auction for tourists
2.1 km
Bid on fresh catches at Denmark's largest fishing harbour in this authentic, working auction.
Skulptur “Kobberkors”
2.2 km
Explore Esbjerg Museum and discover the fascinating tale of Denmark’s west coast, from bustling port origins to maritime heritage and daily life exhibits.
Brunnen Park
3.2 km
A small fountain-side green space on Kirkegade, offering a quiet pause of trees, lawns and benches in the very heart of Esbjerg’s urban grid.
Borgmesterhaven
3.2 km
A small, low-key neighborhood park in central Esbjerg, offering simple greenery, benches and a brief escape from the surrounding streets and apartment blocks.
Nördlich Odden (Let flakbatteri)
3.2 km
Evocative WWII bunkers and flak remains hidden in Fanø’s dunes, where Atlantic Wall history meets the wide skies and shifting sands of the Wadden Sea.
Essential places to dine
Catering i Esbjerg
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine in the heart of Esbjerg at Spisestuen.
Den Røde Okse
0.4 km
Long‑running Esbjerg restaurant and catering house serving classic Danish menus, festive banquets and sustainable “mad ud af huset” in warm, roomy surroundings.
Restaurant Parken I/S
1.7 km
Classic Danish cooking with park and lakeside views, combining bright modern interiors and a terrace that opens directly onto Esbjerg’s green Vognsbølparken.
Restaurant Plates Esbjerg
1.7 km
Sky-high Nordic dining and cocktails on Esbjerg’s 17th floor, where harbour panoramas meet shareable plates, seasonal flavours and an easygoing, modern buzz.
Sydvesten ApS
1.8 km
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
ECH Restaurant
2.2 km
Relaxed buffet-style dining inside the ECH Park complex, serving hearty grill dishes and Scandinavian breakfasts on Esbjerg’s leafy Stormgade.
Asia Restaurant Esbjerg
2.6 km
Lively all-you-can-eat Asian buffet in Esbjerg’s northern outskirts, mixing Chinese favourites, sushi and Mongolian grill in a casual, group-friendly setting.
Kanda's Thai Cuisine
2.6 km
Compact, award‑winning Thai takeaway on Strandbygade, serving wok‑fresh curries and noodles that bring Southeast Asian warmth to the heart of Esbjerg.
Café Danmark
2.7 km
Old-school Danish lunch café in central Esbjerg, serving generous smørrebrød and stjerneskud in a warm, nostalgic dining room with relaxed midday atmosphere.
Spyddet Le Grill
2.7 km
Casual Middle Eastern grill in central Esbjerg, serving juicy skewers, build‑your‑own plates and hearty comfort dishes in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.
O-Shi Sushi
3.1 km
Compact, modern sushi spot in central Esbjerg serving fresh rolls and warm Japanese-inspired dishes for both casual dine-in and convenient takeaway.
Rådhuskroen
3.1 km
Traditional Danish kro-meets-pub in central Esbjerg, serving hearty plates and cold beer in a warm, wood-paneled setting filled with everyday local hygge.
Sand's Restauration ApS
3.2 km
Century-old Esbjerg institution serving hearty Danish classics, local seafood and regional specialties in a cosy, wood-accented setting on lively Skolegade.
Restaurant Lyokoi - Japansk Sushi
3.2 km
Compact, lively Esbjerg hotspot where colorful sushi platters meet sizzling Korean barbecue grills in a relaxed, social Skolegade setting.
La Scala Ristorante Pizzeria
3.3 km
Long-running Italian pizzeria in central Esbjerg, serving stone-baked pizzas, hearty pastas and relaxed, cosy dinners from Tuesday to Sunday evenings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
dansk Esbjerg
1.3 km
Curated Danish fashion and Nordic design in the heart of Esbjerg.
Gaveshop.nu
1.6 km
Curated corporate gifts delivered with elegance—where business appreciation meets thoughtful selection.
Esbjerg Asian Shop
2.5 km
Compact Asian grocery on Strandbygade, stocking noodles, spices, sauces and snacks that bring East and Southeast Asian flavours to everyday life in Esbjerg.
Esbjerg Storcenter
3.0 km
Spacious indoor shopping hub in northern Esbjerg, combining supermarkets, fashion, toys and cafés with plentiful free parking and easy, all-weather browsing.
KiDS Coolshop Esbjerg
3.0 km
A bright, family‑friendly toy universe inside Esbjerg Storcenter, packed with playful ideas, gifts and gadgets for children of all ages all year round.
LE Kirk
3.1 km
Curated women's fashion in Esbjerg's vibrant city center with personalized service and contemporary style.
SLIK FOR VOKSNE
3.1 km
Playful by name and refined in taste, SLIK FOR VOKSNE is Esbjerg’s grown‑up candy store for wine, spirits, chocolate and beautifully wrapped gourmet gifts.
KORN180
3.2 km
A hidden courtyard workshop in Esbjerg where reuse, upcycling and social enterprise turn ordinary cast-offs into inventive, one-of-a-kind designs.
Boutique Elenor
3.2 km
A small, stylish clothing boutique on Kronprinsensgade, offering a curated alternative to big-brand shopping in the heart of Esbjerg’s lively city center.
Greenfriends
3.2 km
Esbjerg's dedicated cannabis retail shop with convenient city-center location and flexible weekend hours.
Kongehuset
3.2 km
Curated fashion and quality outerwear in a handsome historic corner store on Esbjerg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style with international brands.
Coast Women
3.2 km
A polished multibrand women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, blending Nordic ease, international labels and attentive personal service.
Collabo
3.2 km
Core skateshop and streetwear hub in central Esbjerg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with global board culture, sneakers and subculturally inspired apparel.
Flittiglise
3.3 km
A cozy Esbjerg yarn haven where shelves of color, quality fibers and friendly advice invite you to slow down, browse and bring a bit of Danish craft home.
Incado City Roholt
3.3 km
Denmark's premier creative supply destination where artists find inspiration, materials, and community.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pub Bibas i Esbjerg
1.1 km
A classic brown Danish bodega in Esbjerg’s Sædding centre, serving cold beer, local stories and unpretentious bar life from late morning until late evening.
Riverside Pub
2.0 km
Relaxed neighborhood pub in Ådalsparken, serving cold beer and cozy Danish hygge in a low-key, local setting west of central Esbjerg.
Corners Pub
2.1 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
2.3 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Havkatten
2.6 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Vinbaren
3.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
HomeRun Esbjerg
3.5 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
James Bond Esbjerg
3.5 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Kasket Karl
3.5 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
3.5 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
3.5 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
3.5 km
Adult-friendly dance bar in Esbjerg’s Skolegade nightlife strip, mixing DJ sets, live music nights and easygoing drinks in a former tailor’s house.
King George
3.6 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
3.6 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
3.6 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
3.5 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
38.0 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
43.9 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
45.6 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
45.8 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
52.4 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Rotes Kliff
59.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Koldingtivet Engen
66.2 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
66.7 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
66.9 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
67.1 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
67.3 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Al Capone
68.0 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
68.1 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
70.8 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly