Viborg Søerne
Twin glacial lakes in Viborg's heart offering scenic walks, water sports, and rich medieval history.
Viborg Søerne comprises two beautiful interconnected lakes—Nørresø and Søndersø—situated in the heart of Viborg, Denmark. Spanning over 275 hectares combined, these glacial lakes are surrounded by lush nature and vibrant city life, offering an ideal escape for outdoor enthusiasts. An 11-kilometer circuit trail encircles both lakes, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing, swimming, and water sports like kayaking and SUP boarding.
A brief summary to Viborg Søerne
- Randersvej 2, Viborg, 8800, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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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
- Complete the full 11-kilometer circuit on foot or by bicycle to experience both lakes and encounter all six interpretive signs that reveal the area's fascinating geological and historical narrative.
- Visit during summer months for optimal conditions: water quality is best, boat rentals are available, and swimming and water sports like SUP and kayaking are in full operation.
- Bring a national fishing license if you plan to fish; the lakes are free to fish from boats and public shoreline areas, with excellent opportunities for pike, zander, and carp.
- Pack the printable "Tip en 10'er" quiz before your visit to add an interactive element to your walk and test your knowledge of the lakes' history and natural features.
- Explore Borgvold castle and the adjacent Biblical Garden (Bibelhaven) at the northern end of Nørresø to combine lakeside recreation with cultural and historical sites.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport from Viborg City Centre
From Viborg train station or city center, local buses operate routes to the lakes area. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on the specific stop. Buses serve multiple access points around both lakes, including stops near Borgvold and Nørresø bathing area. Fares are modest (typically 20–30 DKK for a single journey) and integrated into the regional transport system. Service frequency is regular on weekdays and reduced on weekends.
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Cycling from Viborg Centre
The lakes are easily accessible by bicycle from central Viborg, approximately 2–3 kilometers away via flat, well-maintained cycle paths. Journey time is 10–15 minutes. Viborg has extensive cycling infrastructure, and bike rentals are available at several locations in the city center. This is the most flexible and popular option for visitors, offering direct access to multiple entry points around both lakes.
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Car with Parking
Multiple parking areas are located around the lakes, including facilities near Borgvold (northern end of Nørresø), Nørresø bathing area, and various points along the southern shore near Søndersø. Parking is generally free or low-cost. From central Viborg, driving time is 5–10 minutes. The lakes are well signposted from main roads within the city.
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Walking from Viborg Centre
A scenic walk from central Viborg to the lakes takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on your starting point and destination. The route is flat and follows established paths through the city and surrounding areas. This option is ideal for those staying centrally and seeking a gentle introduction to the area before beginning the lakeside circuit.
Viborg Søerne location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Viborg Søerne
Geological Origins and Formation
Viborg Søerne are geological remnants of the last ice age, which ended approximately 15,000 years ago. The lakes occupy an ancient tunnel valley that extends from Mariager Fjord in the northeast to Hald Sø in the southwest—one of many glacial valleys carved through northern and eastern Viborg Municipality. During the Weichsel ice age, around 23,000 to 20,000 years ago, massive glaciers and meltwater eroded pre-existing river valleys, cutting them 50 to 100 meters deep into earlier sediment layers. When the ice retreated roughly 13,000 years ago, the valley was left with uneven bedrock and deposits of glacial material. The two lakes likely formed from melting ice blocks—dødisklumper—that were buried beneath sediment and slowly thawed over millennia, creating the distinctive basin landscape visible today.Medieval Transformation and Historical Development
In the early Middle Ages, Nørresø and Søndersø were separate bodies of water, divided by a narrow land bridge. This changed dramatically in 1313 when King Erik Menved constructed Borgvold castle on the peninsula between them. To strengthen the fortification, the lakes were dammed, raising the water level by approximately two meters. The submerged land bridge connected the two lakes into a single body of water, transforming the landscape and severing the ancient road that once crossed the isthmus. For nearly 500 years, travelers were forced to either cross by ferry or take a lengthy 5-kilometer detour around Nørremølle to the north. The unified lake became known simply as Viborg Sø in historical documents and maps from the 1300s onward. Only in 1854–1855, with the construction of the current dam, were the lakes artificially divided again into their present configuration as Nørresø and Søndersø, and the unified name gradually fell from use.Physical Characteristics and Water Quality
Nørresø, the northern lake, covers approximately 124 hectares, stretches 2.3 kilometers in length, and reaches a maximum width of 700 meters. Its deepest point, 12.2 meters, lies in the northeastern corner. Søndersø, the southern lake, is slightly larger at approximately 151 hectares. The shoreline of both lakes is developed with residential areas and public access points distributed around their perimeters. Historically, both lakes suffered from severe pollution, particularly Søndersø, which received untreated municipal wastewater throughout much of the 20th century. The lake bed remains covered with phosphorus-rich sediment from this period. Nørresø experienced less contamination and has benefited in recent years from artificial aeration systems that pump oxygen into the water during summer months, improving overall water quality and ecosystem health.Fishing and Aquatic Life
Viborg Søerne support a diverse fish population, including pike, zander, perch, lake trout, eel, and various coarse fish species. Common carp are particularly abundant, with many specimens weighing between 8 and 12 kilograms. Fishing is free from boats and from publicly accessible sections of the shoreline, provided anglers hold a valid national fishing license. The Viborg Fisheries Association manages fishing rights for most of Nørresø and offers daily permits and membership options. While the fish population includes numerous coarse species such as bream and roach, the lakes remain productive for both recreational and serious anglers seeking quality catches.Recreation and Modern Activities
The complete circuit around both lakes measures 11 kilometers and welcomes walkers and cyclists of all abilities. The route passes through varied landscapes, from the quieter, greener environment around Søndersø to the more urban character of Nørresø's shoreline. Six large interpretive signs positioned around the lakes—at Borgvold, the FDF sailing center, Nordisk Park, Søndermølle, Amtmandens Bro, and Sønæs—provide historical narratives and information about the natural environment. Interactive challenges for children are featured on each sign, making the walk engaging for families. A "Tip en 10'er" quiz allows visitors to test their knowledge by answering ten questions based on information gleaned from the interpretive signs. The lakes are also ideal for water-based activities: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and swimming are popular during warmer months. Boat rentals are available at a kiosk near Borgvold on Nørresø, providing access to the water for those without their own vessels.Integration with Urban Life and Accessibility
Despite their natural character, Viborg Søerne remain intimately connected to the city center, lying just east of the historic core. This proximity makes the lakes an accessible retreat for residents and visitors seeking outdoor experiences without traveling far from urban amenities. The well-maintained paths and abundant public access points ensure that the lakes serve as a vital green space for the community, supporting both active recreation and quiet contemplation. The combination of historical significance, ecological importance, and recreational opportunity has established Viborg Søerne as a defining feature of the region's landscape and cultural identity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vi er Viborg
0.9 km
Experience Danish innovation at Dokk1, Aarhus’ renowned waterfront library and cultural hub, blending architecture, technology, and vibrant community life.
Viborg View
1.3 km
Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
1.4 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
8.9 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
Bølling Lake
30.6 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Store Troldhøj
30.8 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Museum Salling
31.2 km
Dive into Denmark's past at Museum Salling, where Limfjord's heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, ancient artifacts, and engaging storytelling in scenic Skive.
Slotsholmen
31.7 km
Denmark's island of power: nine centuries of royal rule, government, and cultural heritage in Copenhagen's heart.
Springvand
31.8 km
Northern Europe's grandest fountain transforms Silkeborg's lakeside with water jets soaring 33 meters high and mesmerizing evening light shows.
Landal Søhøjlandet
31.9 km
Escape to Landal Søhøjlandet in Denmark's Lake District: Family fun, water park thrills, outdoor adventures, and tranquil nature await in this scenic holiday paradise near Silkeborg.
silkeborg
32.0 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
32.1 km
Historic main square in the center of Roskilde, surrounded by vibrant markets, cafés, and the iconic cathedral—where Danish tradition meets everyday city life.
Panorama Walking Route
32.1 km
Discover Denmark's natural beauty on the Panorama Walking Route in Hobro, offering stunning fjord views, diverse landscapes, and a certified premium hiking experience.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
32.1 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
32.1 km
Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Klosterskoven
0.4 km
Small, atmospheric woodland on Viborg’s edge, offering easy forest trails, quiet nature and a quick escape from city streets into soft, leafy calm.
Agern Skulptur
0.4 km
A small but striking outdoor artwork on Viborg’s edge, where clean contemporary lines meet soft Danish light and greenery in an open-air pause for reflection.
Borgvold Park
0.4 km
Historic fortress earthworks turned lakeside park, blending English-style landscaping, a unique Bible Garden and family-friendly play areas in central Viborg.
Viborg Kunsthal
0.5 km
Contemporary art in an 18th‑century lakeside distillery, Viborg Kunsthal blends bold exhibitions, residencies and events with a relaxed café and green surroundings.
Bible Garden
0.5 km
A living biblical library where over 100 scriptural plants bloom in thematic beds within historic Borgvold park.
Willow Garden
0.6 km
A small willow-framed oasis in central Viborg, perfect for a short, tranquil pause amid trees, lawns and soft light between the city’s historic sights.
Nordisk Park
0.7 km
A listed lakeside landscape where sculpted lawns, woodland edges and open water views create a calm green buffer between Viborg’s city streets and Søndersø.
Domkirkekvarteret i Viborg
0.7 km
Walk through Viborg’s Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled lanes, old townhouses and the granite cathedral weave a thousand years of Danish power, faith and law into one intimate streetscape.
Viborg Cathedral
0.7 km
Twin‑towered granite cathedral with a 900‑year‑old crypt, royal history and Joakim Skovgaard’s vivid biblical frescoes at the heart of Viborg’s old quarter.
Museum Wibergis
0.7 km
Autumn 2026: Step into 1000 years of Danish power struggles through vivid animation and immersive storytelling.
Skovgaard Museum in Viborg
0.8 km
An intimate art museum in Viborg’s former baroque town hall, celebrating the Skovgaard family’s Golden Age landscapes, church art and living artistic legacy.
Søparken
0.8 km
Atmospheric living museum in a historic 1820s papermill, featuring live demonstrations, hands-on crafts, and working steam machines in rural Viborg.
Sortebrødre Plads
0.8 km
A quiet little square in Viborg’s historic centre, where echoes of the Black Friars meet everyday city life between cathedral, church and cobbled streets.
Latinerhaven
0.8 km
A fragrant historical oasis where fire-scarred earth bloomed into Viborg's most peaceful garden.
Viborg Museum - Administration
0.8 km
Viborg Museum reveals the city’s fascinating evolution through hands-on exhibits, local artifacts, and engaging displays, nestled in the historic core of Viborg’s old town.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Salonen
0.2 km
Lakeside hotel dining in Viborg, where classic Danish and European dishes meet calm views over the town’s serene chain of lakes inside Golf Hotel Viborg.
Restaurant Golf Hotel
0.4 km
Calm, classic lakefront dining inside Golf Hotel Viborg, pairing polished Danish-European dishes with tranquil views of Viborg’s green lakeside setting.
Restaurant Arthur/ Brygger Bauers Grotter
0.6 km
French-inspired gourmet dining in atmospheric brick-lined cellars beneath Viborg’s historic streets, where candlelight, fine wines and thoughtful plates define the evening.
Brygger Bauers Grotter
0.6 km
Fine dining and tapas in atmospheric brewery caves beneath central Viborg, where candlelit stone vaults and local history frame a lingering evening of food and wine.
Restaurant Latinerly
0.8 km
Hearty steaks, live music and late‑night dancing in a historic Viborg cellar that blends cosy restaurant, buzzing bar and intimate nightclub under one vaulted roof.
Tortillaflats Viborg
0.8 km
Cosy Mexican family restaurant in Viborg’s old town, serving hearty northern‑style dishes, colourful drinks and relaxed, sociable evening meals at moderate prices.
Restaurant Kehlet
0.9 km
Cosy Italian comfort food on Viborg’s main square, serving stone-baked pizzas, hearty pasta and relaxed, family-friendly dining from lunchtime into the evening.
Smiling Sushi
0.9 km
All‑you‑can‑eat sushi and classic rolls in a simple, modern setting on one of Viborg’s central shopping streets, ideal for relaxed meals and casual meet‑ups.
Resturant ROD
0.9 km
Refined Nordic cuisine rooted in ingredient integrity and meticulous craftsmanship.
Nytorv 11
0.9 km
Lively family-run gastro bar on Viborg’s central square, serving generous brunches, modern comfort food and cocktails from late morning to late night.
OX-M
0.9 km
Refined European cuisine and premium beef in central Viborg
Cafe K Viborg
0.9 km
All-day brasserie-style café in central Viborg, blending cozy Scandinavian design, flexible dining and a relaxed social buzz from breakfast to late evening.
Guldkalven
0.9 km
Cosy cellar restaurant in central Viborg, serving creative mini smørrebrød in a relaxed, modern Danish setting just steps from the historic Hjultorvet square.
Den Gyldne Okse
1.0 km
Hearty Danish–American steakhouse in Viborg’s old town, serving generous grilled plates in cosy wood‑lined rooms and a sheltered courtyard off a cobbled side street.
Me Vietnamese Kitchen & Isbar
1.0 km
Casual Vietnamese comfort food and an ice-cream bar in the heart of Viborg’s old town, ideal for relaxed lunches, simple dinners and sweet breaks on Hjultorvet.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dahl Vinhandel A / S
0.8 km
Viborg's premier destination for wines with personality, craft spirits, and gourmet discoveries.
Saint
1.0 km
Contemporary Nordic fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of historic Viborg's shopping district.
Tine Lund Viborg
1.0 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion, footwear, and jewelry in the heart of Viborg.
Sinnerup Viborg
1.0 km
Stylish Danish lifestyle store in central Viborg, blending modern interiors, furniture, décor and women’s fashion in one inspiring, design-led space.
Creme Fraiche Viborg
1.0 km
A compact women’s fashion boutique on Viborg’s Vestergade, blending approachable Scandinavian style, practical basics, and seasonal outfits in a relaxed high-street setting.
Teenfashion.dk - House of Teens Viborg
1.0 km
Compact, trend-focused fashion boutique in Viborg’s centre, dedicated entirely to stylish clothing and outfits for tweens and teenagers.
Garnshoppen
1.0 km
A cosy central Viborg knit shop where colourful yarns, expert advice and inspiring patterns come together for creative makers of all levels.
Femilet
1.0 km
Premier intimate apparel specialist in Viborg with expert fitting and curated brand selection.
Common Company ApS
1.0 km
A compact women’s fashion boutique in central Viborg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with wearable, city-ready style for everyday wardrobes and weekend outings.
H&M
1.0 km
Contemporary fashion for every style and season in Viborg's shopping heart.
Viborg Vest Marked
1.1 km
Viborg's authentic market hall celebrating seasonal produce, organic goods, and local artisanal specialties.
Antik Og Gammel
1.1 km
A cosy antique trove in Viborg’s old town, where Danish vintage finds, homely charm and slow browsing turn a quick stop into a small journey back in time.
Kop & Kande
1.1 km
Specialist homeware and kitchenware in Viborg's town centre, staffed by passionate experts.
Only
1.1 km
Central Viborg women’s fashion store offering trend-led Danish style, strong denim selections and everyday wardrobe staples in a bright, modern boutique.
Louise Viborg Aps
1.1 km
Compact, city‑center women’s fashion boutique in Viborg, offering curated brands, flattering fits and friendly styling help in a relaxed, street‑level setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Holms Vinotek
0.9 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Bodega Hegnet
0.9 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Rockabilly Bar
1.0 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Mathias Kælderen
1.0 km
Cosy cellar bar in central Viborg offering hygge-filled evenings, rustic charm and relaxed drinks just steps below the historic streets of Sankt Mathias Gade.
Ølluminati Brewbar
1.0 km
Microbrewery bar in Viborg’s old town, serving ever-changing small-batch craft beers and ciders in a cozy, quirky setting with a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.
Café Børsen
1.0 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Sportspub Målet
1.1 km
Classic Danish sports bodega in central Viborg, where cold beer, big matches, karaoke and late-night hygge keep the lights on long after the final whistle.
Tema Bar
1.1 km
A loud, late‑night party bar in central Viborg with colorful lights, mainstream beats and no‑frills drinks, perfect for weekend dancing and a casual night out.
Rabalder Bar Viborg
1.1 km
Casual, colorful bar energy in the heart of Viborg’s old town, blending easygoing Danish hygge with lively late-night drinks and sociable weekend parties.
CRAVE Bar
1.1 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
1.2 km
Unpretentious central Viborg bar with friendly staff, late weekend hours, affordable drinks and occasional karaoke nights in a laid-back pub setting.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
1.3 km
High-energy après-ski style beer bar in central Viborg, pouring big drafts, loud music and late-night party vibes with free entry and group-friendly seating.
Roxy Malt Viborg
1.4 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
2.2 km
Cosy local bar and meeting place in Viborg, blending classic Danish pub vibes with flexible space for social events, dance evenings and everyday gatherings.
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
12.0 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Scenic Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
