Lynghøjsøerne & Runde Rie
Former gravel pits turned opal-blue lakes, winding trails and a wooden troll named Runde Rie make Lynghøjsøerne Roskilde’s playful pocket of wild nature.
On the western edge of Roskilde, Lynghøjsøerne transforms a former gravel pit into a surprisingly wild pocket of lakes, forested slopes and activity trails. Three clear, deep-blue lakes are tied together by paths for walking, cycling and mountain biking, with small beaches, picnic spots, shelters and a fenced dog area. Hidden by the middle lake sits Runde Rie, a large wooden troll sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo, fishing quietly at the water’s edge and turning this easy-to-reach green space into a family-friendly mix of outdoor play and imaginative art.
A brief summary to Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie
- Gyldenkærnevej 41, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring swimwear and a towel in summer; the western and middle lakes have simple bathing spots with clear, deep water and space on shore to dry off.
- If you want to see Runde Rie without crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon on weekdays when the trails are generally quieter.
- Pack a small picnic or hot drink; there are several informal spots around the lakes where you can sit and enjoy wide views over the water.
- Mountain bikers should check local trail conditions after heavy rain, as some sections can become muddy and more technical.
- If you bring a dog, use the fenced dog area for off‑lead exercise and keep it leashed elsewhere to protect wildlife and other visitors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Public transport from Roskilde Station
From Roskilde Station, use the local bus route that serves Svogerslev and Gyldenkærnevej; typical services run every 20–30 minutes on weekdays and slightly less often at weekends. The ride to the nearest stop takes about 10–15 minutes, followed by a short walk along local roads to the lakes. A single adult ticket within the city zones usually costs around 24–26 DKK, and low-floor buses make this option suitable for most visitors, including those with strollers.
-
Driving from central Roskilde
By car, reaching Lynghøjsøerne from central Roskilde generally takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. You follow main urban routes towards Svogerslev and the Gyldenkærnevej area, then continue to signed parking areas near the lakes, where parking is typically free but can fill up on sunny weekends and school holidays. Surfaces are mostly gravel, so take care in wet or icy conditions, and avoid blocking access roads used by service vehicles.
-
Cycling from Roskilde centre
Cycling from the historic centre of Roskilde to Lynghøjsøerne usually takes 20–30 minutes at an easy pace. The route uses ordinary city streets and local roads with some hills, reflecting the area’s gently rolling landscape. Most of the way is on asphalt with stretches of cycle lanes, making it manageable for confident riders and families with older children. There is no charge for access, and you can lock your bike at informal racks or railings near the main entrances to the lake paths.
-
Walking from nearby residential areas
If you are staying in the western districts of Roskilde or in Svogerslev, expect a pleasant walk of roughly 30–45 minutes to the lakes, depending on your exact starting point. Pavements and local paths lead through residential streets before you reach the edge of the former gravel pit and the main trails. The approach is generally gentle but can include some moderate slopes, so comfortable footwear is recommended, especially in wet or wintry weather.
Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Hot Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie
From gravel pit to green playground
Lynghøjsøerne began life as a raw gravel pit on the outskirts of Roskilde, carved out for decades by heavy industry before the machines moved on and a new idea took hold. Today those scars have softened into three deep lakes framed by sloping banks, young woodland and open skies, creating a city-near nature area that feels far more rural than the address suggests. The water has an unusually clear, almost opal-blue tint, and the steep sides of the old pit give the landscape a dramatic, bowl-like shape. Grassy shelves and reclaimed tracks have been turned into paths, small bathing areas and viewpoints. It is a place that tells a quiet story of how an exhausted industrial site can be patiently reshaped into somewhere people seek out for picnics, swims and evening walks.Walking, riding and swimming between the lakes
A well-developed network of trails loops between the three lakes, making it easy to stitch together anything from a short stroll to a longer circuit. Wide gravel tracks hug the water, while narrower paths wind through stands of birch and pine, up and down the banks with changing views across the water surface. On the western and middle lakes you find simple bathing beaches where locals slip into the cool water on warm days. Nearby, picnic tables and open grass invite you to spread out a blanket. Around the western lake, a pair of shelters and designated fire sites mean you can extend your stay into the evening, cooking over embers as dusk drops into the steep-sided basin and the last light catches the lake.Mountain bikes, dog runs and active corners
Lynghøjsøerne is not just for quiet contemplation. Woven through the slopes is a purpose-built mountain bike trail with multiple loops, using the terrain of the old pit for berms, climbs and flowing descents. It offers options for different skill levels, from families trying off-road cycling for the first time to regular riders looking for a quick blast after work. Those on four legs are catered for as well. An enclosed dog area with agility elements lets dogs run freely and practice obstacles without the need for a lead. Elsewhere, open lawns double as informal play and ball-game zones, and small jetties and boat places serve local anglers and paddlers who use the lakes in season.Meeting Runde Rie at the water’s edge
Perhaps the most distinctive inhabitant of Lynghøjsøerne is Runde Rie, one of the giant wooden trolls created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. She sits at the edge of the middle lake, legs dangling over the water, a fishing rod in her wooden hands and a calm, slightly mischievous expression watching the ripples in front of her. Built from recycled wood and raised with help from local volunteers, Runde Rie is part artwork, part folk tale come to life. Children clamber onto her feet and peer into her face, while adults enjoy the way she anchors the otherwise natural scene with a touch of fantasy. For many families, seeking her out turns a simple lake walk into a small-scale treasure hunt.Café life and seasonal atmosphere
In the warmer months, the atmosphere by the lakes shifts again when a small volunteer-run café named after Runde Rie opens on selected weekends. Here you can pause for a coffee, ice cream or simple snack, often sharing the terrace with cyclists, hikers and neighbours using the area as an extended backyard. As seasons turn, the character of Lynghøjsøerne changes with them. Spring brings fresh leaves on the slopes and birds skimming the water. Summer is all about swims, long evenings and the buzz of activity on the trails. In autumn the banks glow with colour, and in cold winters the exposed basin feels crisp and quiet. Throughout the year, the lakes remain a close-to-town escape where nature, recreation and a wooden troll coexist in an unusual but very Danish harmony.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
3.6 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Sct Hans Have
3.6 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
3.9 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
3.9 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
6.7 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
17.0 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
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
19.6 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Pangea Park
19.6 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.
Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants
19.8 km
A welcoming wooden giant inviting you to sit, relax, and share the view from atop an Albertslund hilltop.
Roskilde Fjord
20.3 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
20.7 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
20.7 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
Gerlevparkens Venner
20.9 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
21.2 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lynghøj Lake
0.6 km
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.
Trolden Runde Rie
0.7 km
A friendly wooden giant by Roskilde’s lakeside, Trolden Runde Rie pairs recycled art with open skies, easy walks and a touch of Nordic fairytale magic.
Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania
1.9 km
A long, tree-lined Baroque avenue stretching through rural Zealand, guiding travellers in stately symmetry towards the distant silhouette of Ledreborg Palace.
Rørmosen sti
2.7 km
A small, tranquil nature path with pond, reeds and everyday birdlife, tucked behind Roskilde’s Hørhusene homes for easy, close-to-town walks.
Kornerup Å Trækfærge
2.7 km
A hand-powered cable ferry in the Kornerup River Valley, turning a simple stream crossing into a playful pause amid open meadows, big skies and quiet Danish nature.
Helligkors Kilde
2.8 km
Once a famed holy spring and royal water source, Hellig Kors Kilde is now a quiet stone-framed reminder of Roskilde’s deep bond with its life-giving springs.
Håndværksmuseet
3.2 km
An intimate upstairs museum in historic Roskilde, where traditional woodcraft tools and workshops trace the journey from forest timber to finely made everyday objects.
Museum of Contemporary Art
3.3 km
Denmark’s nomadic museum for performance, sound and time-based art, transforming Roskilde’s spaces into ever-changing stages for contemporary creativity.
Koncertkapellet
3.3 km
Roskilde's intimate chapel-turned-concert hall for classical and acoustic music in a historic restored setting.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
3.3 km
Volunteer-run jazz and world-music association energising Roskilde’s Musicon district with intimate concerts, creative collaborations and open jam sessions.
Maglekilde
3.4 km
A modest timber wellhouse over Roskilde’s most powerful spring, where centuries of mills, spas and industry once turned the steady flow of water into the city’s lifeblood.
RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur
3.4 km
A dazzling gold rock museum in Roskilde’s Musicon district where immersive sound, bold architecture and youth culture history collide in a full‑volume experience.
Rektorkilden
3.4 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Kildehuset
3.4 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Musicon-bydelen
3.4 km
A former concrete factory reborn as Roskilde’s bold creative district, where architecture, skateparks, art and music fuse into a constantly evolving urban playground.
Essential places to dine
Svogerslev Kro
1.0 km
Historic countryside inn with Michelin-trained chef, seasonal Nordic cuisine, and overnight stays near Roskilde.
Disotto
2.8 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
2.9 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in Roskilde, serving fresh homemade dishes from scratch with genuine Saigon spirit.
Restaurant That's Amore
3.2 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
3.2 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
3.2 km
Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.
Café Korn - Roskilde
3.3 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
3.3 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
3.3 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
3.3 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
3.3 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
3.4 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
3.4 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.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
3.4 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Restaurant Upstairs
3.5 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hobbii
3.3 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Friluftsland
3.3 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Guldfuglen A/S
3.4 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Normal
3.4 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
3.4 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Den franske vinhandel
3.4 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
3.5 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Bog & Idé
3.5 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Perssons Roskilde
3.6 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Ros Bazar
3.6 km
Bustling local bazaar-style supermarket by Roskilde Station, packed with fresh produce, spices and everyday groceries for a taste of everyday Danish city life.
NORII Roskilde
3.6 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
PURE Copenhagen
3.6 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
3.6 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
3.7 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Inspiration Roskilde
3.7 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roskilde Bodega
2.5 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
3.1 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
PAUSE
3.2 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Ruder Konge Bodega
3.3 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
3.3 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
3.4 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Gullanden
3.4 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
3.5 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.
Vinbaren Muicon
3.5 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
3.7 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
3.9 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Georges Bodega
4.0 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
4.0 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
4.0 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Charlie Chaplin
4.2 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
