Glisholm Sø
Odense's largest lake where climate resilience meets natural beauty and community recreation.
Odense's largest lake and a modern climate adaptation landmark, Glisholm Sø combines essential flood management with recreational beauty. This 70,600 square meter water body protects the surrounding neighborhoods from flooding while creating a vibrant natural habitat and peaceful escape for visitors of all ages.
A brief summary to Glisholm Sø
- Odense, Odense S, 5260, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 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
- Visit during spring and early summer to observe migratory birds and nesting activity. The lake's edges are particularly active with wildlife during breeding season.
- Bring binoculars and a field guide to identify aquatic birds, dragonflies, and amphibians. The diversity of species makes this an excellent spot for nature observation.
- Walk the perimeter paths during different times of day to experience changing light and wildlife activity. Early morning and dusk often offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Combine your visit with exploration of the broader Lindved Å valley, which offers connected walking routes through Odense's green infrastructure network.
- Check weather conditions before visiting; the site is fully exposed and can be windy. Dress appropriately for changing conditions and bring sun protection.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drinking Water
Getting There
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Light Rail
Take the Odense Letbane (light rail) to Parkering Odense Syd station, approximately 1,164 meters from Glisholm Sø. Journey time from central Odense is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on your starting point. The station is served by regular service throughout the day with trains running every 10–15 minutes during peak hours. A single ticket costs approximately 24 Danish kroner for a standard journey within Odense.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the southern Odense area near Glisholm Sø. Journey times from central Odense range from 20–35 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. Bus fares are comparable to light rail at approximately 24 Danish kroner for a standard single ticket. Check the Odense public transport website for current route numbers and schedules, as service patterns vary by day and season.
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Walking from Hollufgård Station
Hollufgård station is approximately 1,095 meters from Glisholm Sø, roughly a 16-minute walk. The route follows local streets through residential neighborhoods with generally flat terrain and adequate sidewalks. This option is practical for visitors already in the southern Odense area or those combining the visit with other nearby attractions.
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Car with Parking
Parking is available in the Odense Syd area near Glisholm Sø. Street parking and designated parking areas serve the lake's recreational facilities. Driving from central Odense takes approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Note that parking availability may be limited during peak recreational periods on weekends and holidays.
Glisholm Sø location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Glisholm Sø
A Modern Solution to Ancient Challenges
Glisholm Sø stands as Odense's largest lake, a deliberately engineered landscape that addresses one of Denmark's most pressing urban challenges: stormwater management and flood prevention. Constructed between 2015 and 2016 at a cost of 8.5 million Danish kroner, this 70,600 square meter water body serves as one of the city's most significant rainwater basins. The lake's creation was driven by a critical need: the Lindved Å stream, which flows through southern Odense, was vulnerable to catastrophic overflow during heavy rainfall, threatening residential areas south of the city with dangerous flooding.Engineering Nature for Urban Resilience
The lake functions as an intelligent buffer system, capturing and temporarily storing excess rainwater during intense storms. By holding this water, Glisholm Sø prevents the Lindved Å from overflowing its banks and protects the neighborhoods downstream from inundation. This climate adaptation strategy represents a shift in urban planning—rather than simply channeling water away, the design works with natural processes to manage it sustainably. The lake is equipped with a sand trap that filters sediment, gravel, and oil residues carried by rainwater from roads and pavements, maintaining water quality and keeping the lake clean. The entire site, including surrounding natural areas, encompasses 127,000 square meters, creating a substantial green space within the urban fabric.A Living Ecosystem Emerges
Beyond its engineering purpose, Glisholm Sø has evolved into a genuine nature reserve that supports biodiversity and ecological health. The water and surrounding landscape have attracted diverse plant and animal species, transforming what could have been purely functional infrastructure into a thriving habitat. The lake's edges and shallow zones provide breeding grounds for aquatic insects, birds, and amphibians, while the vegetation supports a web of interconnected life. This ecological richness makes the site valuable not only for flood management but as a sanctuary for nature within an urban setting.Recreation and Community Connection
Glisholm Sø has become a cherished destination for families, walkers, and nature enthusiasts throughout Odense. The lake offers accessible pathways and open spaces where visitors can observe wildlife, enjoy peaceful moments by the water, or engage in outdoor activities. Children and adults alike discover the rhythms of nature here—watching birds, spotting fish, and experiencing seasonal changes. The site demonstrates how infrastructure designed for climate resilience can simultaneously enhance quality of life and create meaningful public spaces. The combination of water, vegetation, and open sky creates a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the urban surroundings.Sustainable Urban Planning in Practice
Glisholm Sø exemplifies contemporary approaches to sustainable city development, where environmental challenges are met with solutions that generate multiple benefits. Rather than hidden pipes and underground systems, this visible, accessible lake makes climate adaptation tangible and integrated into daily urban life. The project was developed by Odense Municipality and VandCenter Syd, with engineering support from COWI and construction by Arkil, representing collaboration between public institutions and technical expertise. The success of Glisholm Sø has positioned it as a model for other Danish cities facing similar climate pressures, demonstrating that functional necessity and recreational value can coexist harmoniously.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det gamle vandtårn
4.0 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
5.4 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Oceania
5.6 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
5.7 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
6.0 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
6.1 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
6.8 km
A submerged bronze protest against bureaucracy, honouring Denmark's greatest storyteller beneath the harbour.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
6.9 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Bolbro vartegn
6.9 km
A bold neighbourhood landmark celebrating Bolbro's vibrant community identity in western Odense.
Richard Møller Nielsens Plads
7.0 km
Copenhagen’s Jægersborggade is a vibrant hub for coffee lovers, foodies, and creatives, blending artisan shops, eco-eats, and street art in Nørrebro’s heart.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
7.0 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Fredens Kirke
7.2 km
Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
TheDoorOdense
8.3 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Rolfshøj
8.5 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
10.5 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hollufgård slotspark
0.8 km
Historic manor grounds turned sculpture-filled green escape on Odense’s edge, blending woodland trails, meadows and contemporary art in a free, year‑round park.
Sneglehøjen
0.9 km
Serene woodland trails through Odense's natural heart, perfect for peaceful forest walks and nature immersion.
University Library of Southern Denmark
1.8 km
Light-filled academic heart of SDU Odense, offering calm study zones, extensive collections and 24/7 access for students in a modern Scandinavian campus setting.
University Press of Southern Denmark
1.8 km
Explore the historic Odense Castle and its picturesque Kongens Have park in the heart of Odense, Denmark.
Brickworks
3.1 km
A small creative brick studio in southern Odense where Danish design spirit meets hands-on LEGO-style imagination in a low-key, family-friendly setting.
Go monkey odense
3.1 km
Tree‑top ziplines, bouncing net universes and nerve‑testing free‑falls bring forest‑style adventure to the edge of urban Odense at GoMonkey’s outdoor climbing park.
The Funen Village
3.2 km
Step into a living Funen countryside village of thatched farms, mills, orchards and heritage animals, where 18th- and 19th-century rural Denmark comes vividly to life.
Parsonage
3.3 km
Experience authentic 18th-century Danish village life through restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on traditional crafts.
Marie-Kilden
3.6 km
A small historic spring hidden in Odense’s riverside green belt, Marie-Kilden offers a quiet glimpse of parish history and folklore amid trees, paths and gentle birdsong.
Rosengårdcentret
3.6 km
Funen’s largest shopping centre, blending over 150 stores, 25 eateries and a cinema into a bright, weather-proof hub for everyday errands and relaxed days out.
Bunkermuseum Of Odense
4.0 km
Step into a fully preserved Cold War command bunker beneath Odense and explore an atmospheric maze of control rooms, exhibits and civil defence history.
Bøgetoppen i Odense Zoo
4.5 km
A gentle treetop adventure above Odense Zoo, Bøgetoppen lets you wander through the beech canopy, combining forest views, local nature stories and family-friendly fun.
Odense Zoo
4.6 km
Leafy riverside zoo in Odense where manatees, penguins and savannah wildlife meet treetop walks, play areas and hands-on encounters in a certified green attraction.
Munke Mose Park
5.0 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Odense Dyrskueplads
5.1 km
Odense’s flexible fairground, where quiet open fields transform into bustling arenas for Det Fynske Dyrskue, major concerts and large outdoor events.
Essential places to dine
Sortebro Kro
3.3 km
Thatched-roof country inn on Odense’s historic edge, blending classic Danish kro charm with refined, seasonal fine dining and warmly polished hospitality.
Restaurant Carlslund
3.7 km
Historic forest inn serving legendary Danish æggekage and traditional Funen cuisine in a charming woodland setting.
Restaurant Knudsens Gaard
3.9 km
Refined Danish cuisine in a half-timbered hotel farmhouse, where seasonal Funen produce meets candlelit country-house ambience on Odense’s tranquil south side.
Restaurant Bondestuen
4.6 km
Historic half-timbered traktørsted in Odense C serving hearty traditional Danish dishes in a cosy, rustic setting with the feel of a local countryside inn.
Restaurant Wienerstuen
4.7 km
Unpretentious Danish comfort food in a cosy Odense C neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty classics and generous portions from late morning into the evening.
Vår
4.8 km
Intimate, light-filled fine dining in Odense, where a Michelin-recognized chef crafts calm, seasonal tasting menus rooted in local Funen produce and thoughtful wine.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
5.6 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
5.6 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
5.6 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
Restaurant Bacchus
5.6 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Druen & Bønnen
5.6 km
Cosy Danish–French bistro and café in the heart of Odense, serving comforting classics, plant‑friendly dishes and relaxed all‑day meals on lively Vestergade.
The Burger Odense
5.6 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Den Lille Smalle
5.6 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
5.6 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Café Cuckoo's Nest
5.6 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
GenbrugsHallerne
3.2 km
A vast indoor thrift hall in Odense where hundreds of private stalls turn second-hand shopping into an urban treasure hunt of everyday finds and quirky curios.
Det Gamle Apotek POP UP - Rosengårdcentret
3.5 km
A cosy Det Gamle Apotek pop-up in Rosengårdcentret, filling Odense’s biggest mall with Danish Christmas charm, nostalgic décor and atmospheric Scandinavian hygge.
StiLia ApS
4.4 km
Curated Scandinavian gifts and homeware where design meets everyday living.
Bohemian Wonders
5.1 km
A color-soaked vintage and boho showroom in Odense, where one-of-a-kind finds and small-batch designs turn slow fashion into a tactile, story-filled experience.
aneBane
5.3 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
All About Kids
5.4 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Moby Disc
5.5 km
Odense’s long-standing record shop, where forty thousand-plus vinyl and CD titles, cozy aisles and music-savvy staff keep the spirit of crate-digging alive.
Summerbird
5.5 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Dr. Adams
5.5 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Magasin Odense
5.6 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Bog & idé - Odense C
5.6 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
5.6 km
Central Odense lingerie and swimwear boutique offering feminine designs, expert bra fitting help and relaxed browsing right on the city’s main shopping street.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
5.6 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
5.6 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Aunt Green ApS
5.6 km
A long-loved, family-run yarn universe on Odense’s main pedestrian street, where colour, fibre and Scandinavian knitting traditions come together in one cosy shop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjallese Puben
2.6 km
Vibrant neighborhood bar where Odense locals gather for music, drinks, and authentic Danish pub atmosphere.
Den Lille Kro Odense
5.0 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
Carlsens Kvarter
5.0 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
Den Brølende And
5.5 km
Odense’s roaring dance basement where karaoke Thursdays, sing-along party hits and shared buckets of cocktails fuel carefree, late-night dancing on tables.
City Club
5.5 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Den Røde Bar
5.5 km
A cozy, crimson-toned bar inside Teater Momentum, serving relaxed drinks, local Arnbitter cocktails and cultural vibes in the heart of Odense’s creative scene.
No Stress Odense
5.5 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
Champagniet
5.5 km
Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
Proud Mary Odense
5.5 km
Big, boisterous and central, Proud Mary Pub Odense turns a former arcade into a vast English-style party pub with sports screens, cocktails and dancing till late.
James Dean Bar
5.5 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
5.5 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
Lalou Vinbar
5.5 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Tingstedet
5.5 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
The Flower and the Bee
5.6 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Kick Off - Sportspub
5.6 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Nature Escape
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Modern
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly