Lynghøj Lake (Lynghøjsøerne)

A reclaimed gravel pit turned blue-lake playground, Lynghøj Lake blends clear water, trails and a friendly wooden troll into Roskilde’s easiest nature escape.

4.5

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Home
Denmark
Roskilde
Lynghøj Lake

Lynghøj Lake is part of Lynghøjsøerne, a former gravel pit west of Roskilde that has been transformed into a recreational landscape of clear blue lakes, low hills and green banks. Locals come here to swim from the sandy lakefront and pontoons, cast a fishing line for pike and carp, or ride the dedicated mountain bike trails that weave through the area. With picnic spots, shelters and the whimsical wooden troll Runde Rie by artist Thomas Dambo, it is an easy nature escape close to the city.

A brief summary to Lynghøj Lake

Lyngageren 61, Roskilde, 4000, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
Free
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

Bring swimwear and a towel in summer; the clear water and marked bathing areas are ideal for a refreshing dip after walking the lakeside trails.
If you plan to fish, make sure you hold the required Danish national angling licence and practise catch-and-release to help preserve the fish stock.
Seek out Thomas Dambo’s troll Runde Rie by the middle lake; it is a fun stop for photos and a highlight for children.
Pack a picnic or food for the public barbecue areas; evenings by the water can be cool, so layer up even in late summer.
For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or on cooler days when swimmers are few and birdlife is more active.

Getting There

Local bus from central Roskilde

From central Roskilde, take a local bus towards the Svogerslev or Lynghøj residential areas; typical journey times are around 10–20 minutes depending on route and traffic. Expect ticket prices in the range of 20–30 DKK for a single adult within the city zones. Buses generally run at least twice an hour during the day, with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends. From the nearest stop, there is a short, gently sloping walk on paved and gravel paths to reach the lakes, suitable for most visitors but less ideal for very heavy wheelchairs in wet conditions.
Bicycle from Roskilde centre

Cycling from Roskilde’s historic centre to Lynghøj Lake typically takes 20–30 minutes, using a mix of city streets and local routes through the western suburbs. The ride involves a few moderate hills but no long climbs, and is manageable for anyone comfortable riding in light urban traffic. There is no cost beyond bicycle rental if you need one; city bike rentals in Roskilde usually start around 100–150 DKK per day. Bike stands or suitable lock-up points are available near the residential edges of the area, after which you can continue on foot along gravel paths.
Taxi from Roskilde station

A taxi from Roskilde railway station to Lynghøj Lake generally takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic through the western part of town. Fares are typically in the range of 130–200 DKK one way, with supplements possible in evenings or on weekends. Taxis can drop passengers close to the formal access points by the surrounding streets, making this the most convenient option for visitors with limited mobility or carrying bulky picnic gear and swimming equipment.

Lynghøj Lake location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Hot Weather
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather

Discover more about Lynghøj Lake

From Gravel Pit to Everyday Nature Escape

Lynghøj Lake is part of Lynghøjsøerne, a chain of three lakes in what was once Svogerslev gravel pit, reshaped into a gently undulating outdoor playground on the western edge of Roskilde. Instead of heavy machinery and bare sand, you now find blue water, grassy slopes and young woodland framing a surprisingly varied landscape. The old quarry contours remain in the steep sides and deep basins, giving the lakes an almost fjord-like feel in miniature. The water here has a distinctive clarity that immediately invites you closer. On still days, the banks and clouds reflect sharply in the surface, while reed belts and small stands of birch and willow soften the industrial past. Wide open skies make the place feel bigger than its footprint, especially in the golden light of late afternoon when the slopes glow and long shadows stretch across the water.

Swimming Lanes, Pontoons and Lakeside Picnics

In summer, Lynghøj Lake is one of Roskilde’s favourite spots for a freshwater swim. Designated bathing areas with a small beach, jetties and marked lanes make it easy to slip into the clear, cool water. Strong swimmers can follow the buoys for a proper workout, while families often stick to the shallower sections close to shore where entry is more gradual and the bottom is sandy or fine gravel. Grassy banks above the water serve as informal sun terraces where towels, picnic blankets and prams share space with cool boxes and ball games. Public barbecue setups and simple picnic tables turn the area into an open-air dining room on warm evenings. Even outside peak season, the shoreline is popular for a thermos of coffee and a quiet sit on a bench watching waterbirds trace ripples across the lake.

Trails, Mountain Bikes and Outdoor Overnights

Beyond the shoreline, paths loop around and between the lakes, varying from wide gravel tracks to narrower trails along the slopes. Walkers and runners circle the water for an easy-distance workout with frequent viewpoints, while dog walkers make use of the open spaces higher up. Elevation changes are modest but enough to offer shifting angles over the water as you move. For cyclists, purpose-built mountain bike tracks thread through the area, using the quarry terrain to create short but playful descents, berms and climbs. The trails are compact rather than extreme, making them accessible for improving riders and an easy session for more experienced locals. Simple shelters tucked into the greenery offer a chance to extend your stay with a night under the stars, listening to the faint hum of distant traffic and the closer chorus of birds and rustling reeds.

Fishing, Wildlife and Suburban Wilderness

Lynghøjsøerne is also known as an accessible fishing spot, where you can target species such as pike, perch, roach and carp from the banks if you hold the required national licence. The relatively clear, deep water and varied bottom give the lakes a healthy look, and anglers often spread out along the quieter stretches away from the main bathing area. Catch-and-release is encouraged to keep the semi-urban fishery in balance. Birdlife is a constant presence. Gulls, ducks and swans are resident, with seasonal visits from other waterfowl and songbirds using the young woodland and reeds for shelter. Despite the proximity of housing and a nearby motorway, the sloping banks and vegetation create pockets where the traffic noise drops away and the setting feels surprisingly removed from the city. Early mornings and cool-weather days are especially peaceful, when mist sometimes hangs lightly over the water.

Runde Rie and the Artistic Side of the Lakes

One of the most distinctive features here is Runde Rie, a giant troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Built from recycled wood and perched at the edge of the middle lake with a fishing rod in hand, she looks permanently absorbed in the hunt for a big catch. Children clamber around her feet, and adults often detour for a closer look or a photo before continuing around the path. Runde Rie adds a touch of fantasy that fits naturally with the reshaped landscape: a mythical figure occupying a human-made valley reclaimed by nature. The sculpture connects Lynghøjsøerne to a wider network of Dambo’s trolls scattered across Denmark, turning the lakes into a waypoint on an informal treasure hunt for fans. Combined with evening light over the water or a winter frost on the slopes, it gives Lynghøj Lake a quietly memorable character that goes beyond a typical urban park.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sct Hans Have

4.2 km

Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

4.3 km

Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

4.6 km

Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.

Roskildekrukkerne

4.6 km

Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.

Masterhøj udsigtspost

7.3 km

Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.

Køge Nord

17.1 km

A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.

Pangea Park

19.3 km

Experience global wildlife up-close in Zealand’s countryside, with interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and a strong conservation focus at Pangea Park near Bjæverskov.

Køge Ås

19.4 km

Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.

Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen

20.1 km

Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.

Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen

Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants

20.4 km

A welcoming wooden giant inviting you to sit, relax, and share the view from atop an Albertslund hilltop.

Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants

Roskilde Fjord

20.6 km

Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.

Bronzestien - Køge Ås

20.8 km

Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.

Gammel Køgegård

20.8 km

Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.

Gerlevparkens Venner

21.1 km

Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.

Visit

21.3 km

Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.

A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.

Essential places to dine

Svogerslev Kro

0.8 km

Historic countryside inn with Michelin-trained chef, seasonal Nordic cuisine, and overnight stays near Roskilde.

Disotto

3.4 km

Cozy southern Italian ristobar in central Roskilde, serving classic antipasti, Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian wines in an intimate, evening-only setting.

An No

3.5 km

Authentic Vietnamese street food in Roskilde, serving fresh homemade dishes from scratch with genuine Saigon spirit.

Restaurant That's Amore

3.8 km

Cozy, candlelit Italian restaurant in central Roskilde, serving wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta and Italian wines in a warm, romantic yet relaxed setting.

Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria

3.8 km

Unpretentious Italian comfort food in the heart of Roskilde, serving generous pizzas and hearty mains in a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood setting.

Nua Mama's Secret

3.8 km

Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.

Café Korn - Roskilde

3.9 km

Cosy all‑day café and brasserie on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving hearty brunches, burgers and salads in a warm, grocery‑style setting.

Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde

3.9 km

Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.

Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde

Halifax Burgers Roskilde

3.9 km

Casual build-your-own burger joint on Roskilde’s main street, pairing generous portions and craft drinks with a strong line-up of vegetarian and vegan options.

Basilico

4.0 km

Casual Italian comfort and generous pizzas in the heart of Roskilde’s old town, ideal for a relaxed, family‑friendly break between cathedral and shopping.

Restaurant Mumm I/S

4.0 km

Slow-food focused, seasonal small-plate dining in an intimate Roskilde townhouse with a leafy summer courtyard and a distinctly Nordic, wine-led evening atmosphere.

Gusto Giusto

4.0 km

Organic-minded Italian fine dining in a tiny Roskilde townhouse, where a Danish–Italian couple serves northern Italian cuisine, careful wine pairings and slow, candlelit evenings.

Primo Piano

4.0 km

Cosy neighbourhood Italian in Roskilde serving classic pizzas and hearty pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting just a short walk from the historic centre.

Leo’s Wok Café

4.1 km

Cozy Thai eatery in Roskilde’s Musicon district, serving fresh wok-fired curries, noodles and stir-fries inspired by northern Thai home cooking.

Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde

4.1 km

Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.

Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Roskilde Bodega

3.1 km

Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.

28 Live

3.8 km

A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.

PAUSE

3.9 km

Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.

Ruder Konge Bodega

3.9 km

A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.

Teatercaféen

4.0 km

Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.

Musicon Mikrobryggeri

4.0 km

Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.

Gullanden

4.1 km

An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.

Vinbaren Muicon

4.1 km

An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.

PROP Vin og Tapasbar

4.1 km

Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.

Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar

4.3 km

Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.

Klosterkælderen

4.5 km

Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.

Georges Bodega

4.6 km

Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.

Copé Lounge

4.6 km

Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.

Mulligans Irish Pub

4.6 km

Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.

Charlie Chaplin

4.8 km

An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Danseriet

3.6 km

Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.

Klubhuset

3.8 km

Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.

Tropicana DC

3.9 km

Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.

Garbos Roskilde

4.4 km

Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.

Dansebar Roskilde

4.4 km

Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.

Den Dansende Viking

19.0 km

High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.

The Flame

21.8 km

Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.

LUSIO

21.8 km

Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.

Bloom Nightclub

21.9 km

Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.

Club El Diablo

25.4 km

Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.

Haven - Events

32.6 km

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

Falafelberg

32.7 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.

Afrobeat Palace Nightclub

33.2 km

Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

The Union

34.0 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.

KB3

34.1 km

Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Lynghøj Lake with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Lynghøj Lake (Lynghøjsøerne)

A brief summary to Lynghøj Lake

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Local bus from central Roskilde

Bicycle from Roskilde centre

Taxi from Roskilde station

Lynghøj Lake location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Lynghøj Lake

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Lynghøj Lake

From Gravel Pit to Everyday Nature Escape

Swimming Lanes, Pontoons and Lakeside Picnics

Trails, Mountain Bikes and Outdoor Overnights

Fishing, Wildlife and Suburban Wilderness

Runde Rie and the Artistic Side of the Lakes

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sct Hans Have

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

Roskildekrukkerne

Masterhøj udsigtspost

Køge Nord

Pangea Park

Køge Ås

Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen

Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants

Roskilde Fjord

Bronzestien - Køge Ås

Gammel Køgegård

Gerlevparkens Venner

Visit

Unmissable attractions to see

Trolden Runde Rie

Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie

Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania

Kornerup Å Trækfærge

Rørmosen sti

Helligkors Kilde

Håndværksmuseet

Museum of Contemporary Art

Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead

Koncertkapellet

RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur

Maglekilde

Rektorkilden

Musicon-bydelen

Kildehuset

Essential places to dine

Svogerslev Kro

Disotto

An No

Restaurant That's Amore

Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria

Nua Mama's Secret

Café Korn - Roskilde

Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde

Halifax Burgers Roskilde

Basilico

Restaurant Mumm I/S

Gusto Giusto

Primo Piano

Leo’s Wok Café

Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Hobbii

Friluftsland

Guldfuglen A/S

Normal

Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde

Den franske vinhandel

Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth

Bog & Idé

Perssons Roskilde

Ros Bazar

NORII Roskilde

PURE Copenhagen