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Brillesøerne: Esbjerg’s Lakeside Nature Refuge

Experience the quiet beauty of Brillesøerne, Esbjerg’s peaceful lakeside oasis—a beloved green retreat ideal for walking, birdwatching, and unwinding amidst nature.

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Brillesøerne is a tranquil natural sanctuary nestled on the outskirts of Esbjerg, consisting of serene lakes and a lush nature preserve. Popular among locals and visitors for walking, birdwatching, and peaceful escapes, this green oasis offers a blend of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and moments of quiet reflection, all within easy reach of Denmark’s west coast city.

A brief summary to Kattinge Vig

  • Roskilde, 4000, DK
  • 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

  • Bring binoculars for the best birdwatching, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active.
  • There are no public toilets or cafés within the park, so prepare accordingly before your visit.
  • Pack a picnic—there are several scenic spots by the water, but bins may be limited so take your rubbish with you.
  • Paths are generally flat and well-trodden, making the area suitable for strollers and prams, though some sections may be muddy after rain.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Esbjerg’s city center, a pleasant walk—often under 30 minutes—leads through residential areas and local parks to Brillesøerne. As you approach, the city’s urban architecture gives way to open greenspaces and clusters of trees signaling the edge of the lake reserve. The transition from town to nature is gradual, making the arrival feel like a gentle escape from urban life.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses from the Esbjerg central station regularly serve the neighborhoods near Brillesøerne. Bus fares are typically 24–30 DKK one way for adults. The closest stops are within a short walk of the lakes, passing small shops and playgrounds before the open water and grassy banks come into view.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the center of Esbjerg to Brillesøerne usually takes 8–12 minutes and costs around 100–130 DKK. The ride transitions quickly out of the city core, offering glimpses of local life before dropping you near the entrance to the lakes.

  • Driving

    Travelers driving can reach Brillesøerne in less than 15 minutes from central Esbjerg. Parking is available nearby and typically free, but spaces can fill up on sunny weekends or holidays. No tolls or permits are required, but be aware of occasional muddy conditions after rainfall.

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Discover more about Kattinge Vig

Hidden away on the edge of Esbjerg, Brillesøerne—literally ‘the Glasses Lakes’—presents a calm world far from the city’s bustling docklands. The twin lakes, whose shape inspired their memorable name, are embraced by long grasses, birch groves, and wildflowers, attracting walkers, joggers, and families throughout the year. Once part of a peat- and gravel-extraction area, this landscape has been reclaimed by nature, transforming into a haven for native Danish flora and fauna. Visitors stroll along meandering paths, the water’s surface reflecting the broad Danish sky and the occasional flight of a heron, grebe, or shy kingfisher. Wooden piers and quiet benches invite reflection or a leisurely picnic. For nature-lovers, Brillesøerne offers more than just tranquil scenery: it’s a hotspot for birdspotting and butterfly-watching, especially during spring and summer when migratory and resident species are most active. The gentle hum of insects, rustle of reeds, and chorus of birdsong make this reserve a notable spot for urban nature immersion. Accessible all year round, Brillesøerne maintains a welcoming, low-key vibe. There are no formal gates or admission—which ensures an unbroken link between city life and the wilder landscapes of Jutland’s west. Local conservation efforts keep the area tidy and ecologically rich, with informative signposts dotting the walkways about the reserve’s history and species diversity. Although it is just a short distance from Esbjerg’s busy commercial heart, Brillesøerne offers a feeling of seclusion, especially on misty mornings or golden summer evenings when the lakes take on a painterly tranquility.

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