De Små Fisk – Lakeside Bathing and Green Escape by Silkeborg

Lakeside Haven Between Town and Forest

De Små Fisk sits in a natural bowl of greenery between Silkeborg and the village of Sejs, where the road briefly opens to reveal Brassø stretching out beside you. A broad grassy area leads down to the water, with stands of trees softening the edges and giving the place a sheltered, intimate feel despite its proximity to town. You are within easy striking distance of cafés and shops, yet the atmosphere is distinctly lakeside escape rather than urban park. This shoreline is part of the Silkeborg Lakes, a chain of interconnected waters that snake through central Jutland. Brassø itself is long and narrow, edged by forest, reed beds and small coves. From De Små Fisk you look across to wooded slopes and distant boats, while behind you the land rises gently toward the road and surrounding woodland trails.

Swimming, SUP and Barefoot Time on the Grass

The main draw here is the water. The lake usually feels calm and manageable, with designated bathing zones and jetties making it straightforward to slip in for a swim. The entry is gradual in many places, so less confident swimmers and children can enjoy the shallows before venturing further. On still days, the surface is often dotted with paddleboards, kayaks and the occasional canoe gliding past. On shore, the flat lawns are perfect for spreading out towels, setting up picnic blankets or simply lying back to watch clouds move over the treetops. There is space to throw a frisbee, let kids roam a little, or read in peace. Some visitors use De Små Fisk as a refreshing swim stop during longer hikes or bike rides through the Silkeborg countryside, while others settle in for a slow afternoon of bathing and sunbathing.

Gateway to the Silkeborg Outdoors

Beyond the immediate bathing area, De Små Fisk works as a small hub for outdoor exploration. Paths and quiet lanes nearby connect into longer walking and cycling routes that weave around the lakes and into surrounding forest. It is easy to combine a stop here with a ramble along the water, a loop through the woods or a scenic ride linking several viewpoints. From the lake itself, paddlers can set off to explore further corners of Brassø and the adjoining lakes, tracing shorelines lined with pines and beech. The feeling is of being at the edge of a much larger outdoor playground: linger here, or treat it as a stepping stone into deeper nature, depending on your time and energy.

Simple Facilities and a Laid-Back Rhythm

Facilities are deliberately simple, in keeping with the area’s character as a natural bathing park rather than a full-blown resort. You can expect basic amenities to support a comfortable visit, but the emphasis remains on grass, trees and open water rather than built structures. Bring what you need for the day, from snacks and drinks to a warm layer for after swimming. There is no set program of activities or loud entertainment here. The pace is unhurried, shaped by the seasons and the weather: long, lively summer evenings with families and groups enjoying the water, and quieter shoulder seasons when you may share the shoreline mainly with dog walkers, runners and hardy all‑weather bathers.

Seasons, Light and Changing Moods

The mood of De Små Fisk shifts with the calendar. In high summer, the lawns are sun‑warmed and the lake invites repeated dips, with golden light lingering late over the treetops. On bright spring days, the water can still be cool, but the first picnics of the year appear and the surrounding trees flush green. Autumn brings softer light and misty mornings, when the lake surface sometimes steams gently and fallen leaves collect at the water’s edge. Even in colder months, the area retains appeal as a fresh‑air stop on walks or bike rides, with crisp reflections on the water and a sense of quiet that is very different from summer’s bustle. Whenever you come, the combination of open sky, water and greenery creates a compact but rewarding pocket of nature just outside Silkeborg.