Brillesøerne: Esbjerg’s Sparkling Urban Oasis
Serene, spectacle-shaped twin lakes and nature trails at Esbjerg's edge—Brillesøerne offers peaceful walks, wildlife, and a quick natural escape from the urban energy.
Brillesøerne, or 'the Spectacles Lakes', are a cherished nature preserve west of Esbjerg, known for their twin, spectacle-shaped lakes and peaceful walking trails. Formed by gravel extraction and since rewilded, the area now offers a scenic escape into wetlands and woods, teeming with birdlife, wildflowers, and seasonal color displays. The site is a favorite among both locals and travelers for its tranquil ambiance, accessible paths, and close proximity to the city, making it ideal for a leisurely walk, birdwatching or a lakeside picnic.
A brief summary to Gummistranden
- Strandpromenaden, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4552772730
Local tips
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching—Brillesøerne is a hotspot for waterfowl and migratory species year-round.
- Picnic areas are plentiful, but there are no on-site cafés, so pack refreshments or snacks before you visit.
- Paths are mostly flat and well-maintained, suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and cyclists.
- Dogs are allowed but must be leashed, except in designated dog-friendly zones.
- Visit at sunrise or sunset to enjoy the lakes in their most atmospheric light and see wildlife at its most active.
Getting There
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Walking
Brillesøerne is situated to the west of Esbjerg’s central station and can be reached on foot within 30–40 minutes at a leisurely pace. Set off from the bustling city center, moving toward residential Esbjerg V; the walk provides an opportunity to transition from urban life into greenery, with the lakes appearing after you pass several parks and a large cemetery. Paths around the lakes are flat and well-maintained.
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Public Transport
Buses depart regularly from Esbjerg’s main bus terminal toward the western districts. Disembark near the cemetery, which acts as a noticeable local landmark; a short stroll from the stop brings you directly to Brillesøerne. A single adult bus ticket within Esbjerg typically costs DKK 24.
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Taxi
A taxi from Esbjerg city center to Brillesøerne provides a comfortable and direct option, taking around 10–15 minutes. The fare is usually in the range of DKK 90–120, depending on time of day and traffic. Taxis can drop you at the gravel lot or main entrance to the park area.
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Driving
Visitors arriving by car can head generally west from Esbjerg center, passing through residential neighborhoods until reaching the open green belt. Free parking is available in a small lot near the entrance, but be aware that parking spaces may be limited at peak times, especially weekends and holidays.
Discover more about Gummistranden
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.7 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.7 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Helsingør harbour
0.8 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
1.0 km
A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.
Kronborg Castle Church
1.1 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
1.1 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
Helsingor
1.2 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Heracles and the Hydra
1.2 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.3 km
A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
9.1 km
Experience world-class modern art where architecture and nature meet in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape just north of Copenhagen.
Hornbæk Batteri
9.6 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
11.2 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Observationsvärn nr 741
11.4 km
Explore the historical significance and scenic beauty of Observationsvärn nr 741 in Viken, a captivating landmark steeped in military history and stunning views.
Falkonergården
13.1 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
14.3 km
Discover the captivating history and serene beauty of Esrum Kloster & Møllegård, a former Cistercian monastery nestled in the heart of North Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Promenaden
0.3 km
A broad, breezy waterfront walk linking Helsingør’s old harbor, shipyard culture hub and Kronborg’s fortress headland with big views across the Øresund.
Øresund Aquarium
0.4 km
Intimate saltwater aquarium on the Helsingør waterfront, offering hands-on touch pools, a harbor Water Laboratory and sea safaris focused on Øresund’s rich marine life.
Kongens Have Helsingør
0.4 km
Historic royal gardens spilling down towards the Øresund, where formal lawns, sea views and Marienlyst Castle create Helsingør’s most quietly elegant green escape.
Udsigtsplateau
0.4 km
A dramatic sculpture marking Kronborg Castle’s entrance, 'Heracles and the Hydra' merges Greek mythology with Danish heritage for an unforgettable arrival in Helsingør.
Helsingør Havne
0.4 km
Twin harbours beneath Kronborg Castle, where ferries, yachts and culture share a historic waterfront on the narrow Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden.
Reberbaneparken
0.4 km
Waterfront park hosting seasonal events and cultural performances in historic Helsingør.
Dancer's fountain
0.6 km
A delicate bronze trio of Royal Danish Ballet dancers, Danserindebrønden is a quiet green-corner fountain where Helsingør’s everyday life meets timeless grace.
Arte callejero
0.6 km
Industrial-era Helsingør splashed across a gable wall: a bold shipyard mural that fuses street art style with the town’s maritime past on Allegade 7B.
'The maritime history' mural
0.6 km
A harbour gable transformed into a sweeping, collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish seafaring, anchoring Helsingør’s shipyard era in vivid colour and form.
St. Vincent's Church
0.7 km
North Zealand’s only Roman Catholic church, a white-towered 1930 sanctuary in Helsingør offering quiet reflection, modest Romanesque-inspired architecture and living parish life.
M/S Maritime Museum
0.7 km
Award‑winning underground museum in a historic dry dock, where cutting‑edge design and interactive exhibits bring Denmark’s maritime heritage vividly to life.
The Culture Yard
0.8 km
Glittering glass sails over an old shipyard, The Culture Yard fuses award‑winning library, stages and harbourfront café with unforgettable views of Kronborg Castle.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.8 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Danhostel Helsingør
0.8 km
Waterfront hostel with private beach access and garden terrace in historic Helsingør.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.8 km
Compact yet grand, this memorial fountain on Axeltorv turns a busy Helsingør square into a vivid snapshot of royal power, maritime trade and urban ambition.
Essential places to dine
Brasserie 1861
0.3 km
Fine Nordic-French dining with Øresund views and Kronborg Castle as backdrop
Marienlyst beach hotel
0.3 km
Historic seaside resort on the Danish Riviera with beach spa, private shore and views to Kronborg Castle and Sweden across the Øresund.
Marienlyst Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
0.3 km
Elegant seaside restaurant and lounge at Helsingør’s historic Marienlyst Strandhotel, blending Nordic flavours, crafted cocktails and sweeping Øresund views.
Restaurant Kaj
0.4 km
Modern Danish brasserie fare and generous seafood served in a light-filled dining room with sweeping Øresund views on Helsingør’s tranquil Nordhavn waterfront.
Café Kronborg
0.4 km
Waterfront seafood café where fresh fish, harbor views, and genuine hospitality meet in Helsingør.
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
0.6 km
Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
Værftets Madmarked
0.6 km
Bustling shipyard food hall on Helsingør’s waterfront, where industrial heritage, global street food stalls and sociable long tables create an easygoing harbour hangout.
Arabi Food
0.6 km
Authentic Arabic street food in Helsingør's vibrant food market—fresh, affordable, and genuinely delicious.
The black olive
0.6 km
Casual Greek street food served in Helsingør’s lively Værftets Madmarked, blending grilled gyros, warm pita and a buzzing shipyard‑hall atmosphere by the harbour.
HEY DARLING - Street Kitchen
0.7 km
Harbourfront street-food stall in Helsingør serving customizable gourmet meatball bowls and buns inside Værftets Madmarked, a short walk from Kronborg Castle.
The Fish Project
0.7 km
Exceptional hand-breaded fish and chips in a casual food market setting.
Suki Ramen
0.7 km
Relaxed Helsingør ramen stop serving generous bowls, colourful Asian comfort food and family-friendly warmth just a short walk from the harbor and Kronborg.
M/S Café
0.7 km
Bright, maritime café in Helsingør’s dramatic dry dock museum, serving Nordic-inspired lunches, coffee and cakes with tranquil views over the former shipyard basin.
Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
0.8 km
Bright, harbourfront café-restaurant in Helsingør’s Culture Yard, serving organic-leaning Nordic comfort food, brunch and cakes with views over the busy Øresund.
Restaurant Dansk
0.8 km
Cosy, low-key spot in Helsingør’s old town serving straightforward Danish comfort food in a lived‑in, neighbourhood setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danmission Op Shop
0.7 km
Ethical treasure-hunting in Helsingør’s old town, where ever-changing second-hand finds support Danmission’s humanitarian work far beyond Denmark.
Souvenir shop
0.9 km
Curated Danish souvenirs and castle mementos within Kronborg's historic walls.
Butik Chaplin
0.9 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Krystallen
0.9 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Levende Lys
1.0 km
A cosy, colour-filled fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Helsingør, blending contemporary women’s clothing with playful home décor and gift ideas.
Ide Nyt
1.0 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on lively Bjergegade, Ide Nyt blends Scandinavian style, quality brands and a calm atmosphere in Helsingør’s historic heart.
HL Mode A/S
1.0 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
1.0 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
1.0 km
Compact, cheerful and central, Happy Gifts & Souvenirs is Helsingør’s easy stop for Danish-themed keepsakes and Kronborg-inspired mementos after a day of exploring.
Østens Perle
1.0 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
1.0 km
A cosy, Nordic-style boutique on Helsingør’s main street, blending women’s fashion, skincare and homewares in a warm, living-room-like setting.
Jørgensen & Co.
1.0 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
1.1 km
A cosy Helsingør specialty shop where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, fine tea and Nordic delicacies fills a historic cobbled lane in the heart of the old town.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
1.1 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Helsingør Vinhandel
1.1 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Joker Bar
0.3 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.8 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Hold-An
0.8 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Axelhus
0.8 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.9 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Banana joe
1.0 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Holger
1.0 km
Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.
Helsingør Musikteater
1.1 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Strandborg
1.1 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Head/Foam
1.3 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Gefion Bodega
1.3 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
12`er Pubben
1.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Kardusen
3.4 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Brewski
6.1 km
Craft beer excellence in the heart of Helsingborg, where global brewing traditions meet Nordic innovation.
Oddies Beach Bar
18.3 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
1.0 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Rustik
1.3 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.6 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
22.9 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
SIGURD CPH
37.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
38.4 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
39.3 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
39.5 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
39.7 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
40.0 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Den Dansende Viking
40.2 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Mini Bar
40.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirage
40.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
40.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
40.3 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
