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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.

4.5

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
  • Environment icon 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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Hot Weather

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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.

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