Brillesøerne: Esbjerg’s Tranquil Nature Oasis
Discover the peaceful twin lakes of Brillesøerne, a beloved nature reserve in Esbjerg V, ideal for strolling, birdwatching, and escaping into the heart of Danish greenery.
Brillesøerne, nestled in the Esbjerg V borough, is a peaceful nature reserve defined by its twin lakes and lush surroundings. Favored by walkers, birdwatchers, and anglers, this serene spot offers a rejuvenating escape within the city. Formed from former gravel pits, the lakes are now alive with reeds, wildflowers, and local wildlife, making the area both a haven for biodiversity and a beloved recreational space for Esbjerg locals and visitors alike.
A brief summary to Guldager Mølledam
- Møllevej, Esbjerg V, Esbjerg V, 6710, DK
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring binoculars for a closer look at the diverse birdlife, especially during spring and autumn migrations.
- Early mornings and late afternoons are the quietest times, perfect for relaxing or photography.
- Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a leash to protect wildlife habitats.
- Public benches and small piers around the lakes offer tranquil picnic spots with scenic views.
Getting There
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Walking
From Esbjerg's main center, Brillesøerne can be reached with a leisurely 30–40 minute walk, leading west through residential neighborhoods until you spot open green spaces and water—look for parkland views as you approach. The area is ideal for those seeking a scenic stroll with the reward of lakeside tranquility at the end.
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Public Transport
Buses regularly run from Esbjerg’s central station toward the western districts; the journey takes roughly 10–15 minutes. A single ticket costs DKK 22. From the nearest neighborhood bus stop, it’s just a short walk to the lakes, following visible green spaces.
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Taxi
A taxi from the city center typically covers the distance to Brillesøerne in under 10 minutes, costing around DKK 80–120, depending on traffic and starting point. The drop-off is directly by the lakes, making this a convenient choice for families or those with limited mobility.
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Driving/Parking
For those arriving by car, parking is available close to the lakes and is generally free. Spaces may be more limited during weekends or school holidays, so arriving outside peak times helps ensure a spot.
Discover more about Guldager Mølledam
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hjerting Badehotel
2.5 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Begravet bunker
5.3 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
Vadehavskysten
7.5 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
7.6 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
7.7 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Namaste Esbjerg
7.7 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Esbjerg Water Tower
7.8 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.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
7.9 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
8.6 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
8.8 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
9.0 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.
Sønderho Church
20.2 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
20.6 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
27.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
31.7 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
Hjerting Strand
2.4 km
A gently shelving Wadden Sea beach north of Esbjerg, where a long wooden promenade, shallow waters and wide skies create a relaxed slice of everyday coastal life.
Sædding Mellem Fyr
3.2 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.
Sjelborg Beach
3.8 km
A gentle, family-friendly stretch of sand on sheltered Ho Bay, where shallow waters, big skies and Wadden Sea tides create a quietly relaxing coastal escape.
Bilka-søen
4.1 km
A serene Danish lake offering year-round tranquility and natural beauty in Esbjerg's northern district.
Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet
4.3 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.
Brillesøerne
4.3 km
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.
Men by the Sea
4.5 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.
Dyrehaven
4.7 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.
Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev
5.0 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.
Fishermen memorial
5.0 km
A quiet granite grove on Esbjerg’s windy coast, honoring generations of local fishermen who never returned from the sea.
Vognsbølparken
5.7 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.
Esbjerg Havn
5.9 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.
Tarp Bunkermuseum
5.9 km
Step into a restored World War II bunker on Esbjerg’s former air base and experience Denmark’s occupation history at close quarters in Tarp Bunkermuseum.
Skulptur “Frihedskæmpere”
6.0 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
6.1 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Strandpavillonen
2.5 km
Gourmet Nordic cuisine overlooking the Wadden Sea at a historic Danish seaside hotel.
Catering i Esbjerg
4.0 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine in the heart of Esbjerg at Spisestuen.
Den Røde Okse
4.0 km
Long‑running Esbjerg restaurant and catering house serving classic Danish menus, festive banquets and sustainable “mad ud af huset” in warm, roomy surroundings.
Jensens Bøfhus
4.4 km
Casual Danish steakhouse in Esbjerg Nord’s shopping district, serving crowd-pleasing grills, ribs and burgers in a relaxed, family-focused setting.
Restaurant Parken I/S
5.2 km
Classic Danish cooking with park and lakeside views, combining bright modern interiors and a terrace that opens directly onto Esbjerg’s green Vognsbølparken.
ECH Restaurant
5.8 km
Relaxed buffet-style dining inside the ECH Park complex, serving hearty grill dishes and Scandinavian breakfasts on Esbjerg’s leafy Stormgade.
Restaurant Plates Esbjerg
5.9 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
6.1 km
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
Asia Restaurant Esbjerg
6.5 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
6.9 km
Compact, award‑winning Thai takeaway on Strandbygade, serving wok‑fresh curries and noodles that bring Southeast Asian warmth to the heart of Esbjerg.
Spyddet Le Grill
7.0 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.
Café Danmark
7.0 km
Old-school Danish lunch café in central Esbjerg, serving generous smørrebrød and stjerneskud in a warm, nostalgic dining room with relaxed midday atmosphere.
O-Shi Sushi
7.1 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
7.1 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
7.4 km
Century-old Esbjerg institution serving hearty Danish classics, local seafood and regional specialties in a cosy, wood-accented setting on lively Skolegade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Esbjerg Storcenter
4.1 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
4.1 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.
dansk Esbjerg
5.6 km
Curated Danish fashion and Nordic design in the heart of Esbjerg.
Gaveshop.nu
6.0 km
Curated corporate gifts delivered with elegance—where business appreciation meets thoughtful selection.
LE Kirk
6.5 km
Curated women's fashion in Esbjerg's vibrant city center with personalized service and contemporary style.
Esbjerg Asian Shop
6.8 km
Compact Asian grocery on Strandbygade, stocking noodles, spices, sauces and snacks that bring East and Southeast Asian flavours to everyday life in Esbjerg.
Victoria N Friends
7.1 km
Neighbourhood fashion atelier in Esbjerg Ø, blending bespoke occasion wear, skilled tailoring and cosy beauty treatments in one intimate, owner-run boutique.
KORN180
7.2 km
A hidden courtyard workshop in Esbjerg where reuse, upcycling and social enterprise turn ordinary cast-offs into inventive, one-of-a-kind designs.
Greenfriends
7.2 km
Esbjerg's dedicated cannabis retail shop with convenient city-center location and flexible weekend hours.
Flittiglise
7.4 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.
SLIK FOR VOKSNE
7.4 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.
Collabo
7.4 km
Core skateshop and streetwear hub in central Esbjerg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with global board culture, sneakers and subculturally inspired apparel.
Boutique Elenor
7.4 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.
Kongehuset
7.4 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
7.4 km
A polished multibrand women’s fashion boutique on Esbjerg’s main shopping street, blending Nordic ease, international labels and attentive personal service.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Riverside Pub
2.3 km
Relaxed neighborhood pub in Ådalsparken, serving cold beer and cozy Danish hygge in a low-key, local setting west of central Esbjerg.
Pub Bibas i Esbjerg
3.3 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.
Corners Pub
6.4 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
6.6 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
6.9 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
7.5 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
7.6 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
7.7 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
7.7 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
7.7 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Skræddergården Esbjerg ApS
7.7 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.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
7.7 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.
King George
7.7 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
7.7 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
7.7 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.