The Lakes (Søerne), Copenhagen
A graceful chain of three urban lakes curving along the heart of Copenhagen, perfect for scenic walks, runs, picnics and everyday glimpses of local life by the water.
Stretching in a graceful arc along the western edge of central Copenhagen, The Lakes (Søerne) are a chain of three long, narrow reservoirs: Sankt Jørgens Sø, Peblinge Sø and Sortedams Sø. Framed by tree-lined paths, historic bridges and distant spires, they offer one of the city’s classic urban walks and runs, plus grassy banks and benches for picnics, people-watching and sunset views, with cafés and bars dotted along the shore.
A brief summary to The Lakes
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Walk at least one full lake rather than just cutting across a bridge; the changing perspectives and reflections are more impressive over a longer stretch.
- Time your visit for early morning or late evening golden hour, when the low light and calmer paths make for the best photos and a more tranquil atmosphere.
- Bring a takeaway coffee or picnic from nearby bakeries or supermarkets, but use the trash bins along the paths to keep the shoreline clean for wildlife.
- In colder months, check local information before stepping onto any ice; access to the frozen lakes is allowed only when officially declared safe.
- If you plan to jog the full 6.3 km circuit, choose comfortable footwear and be prepared to share the path courteously with walkers, prams and cyclists.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, the easiest access is via Nørreport Station, a major hub on the M1, M2 and M3 metro lines, as well as S-trains. Metro rides from stations like Kongens Nytorv or Copenhagen Central typically take 3–8 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. A standard single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK, and from Nørreport it is a short, level walk of several minutes to reach the paths along the lakes, suitable for most mobility levels.
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City bus to lakeside stops
Multiple city bus routes run along streets paralleling The Lakes, especially around Nørrebro and Østerbro. Depending on your starting point within Copenhagen, expect 10–25 minutes of travel time. A regular bus ticket costs about 20–30 DKK for one or two zones, and buses generally operate at least every 10–15 minutes during the day. Most stops involve only a brief, flat walk to the water, but check the nearest stop name in advance to minimise walking if you have limited mobility.
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Cycling from inner districts
For a local-style arrival, rent a city bike or standard bicycle from central Copenhagen and pedal to The Lakes in around 5–15 minutes from most inner neighborhoods. Daily rental prices typically range from 100–200 DKK, with app-based city bikes sometimes billed by the minute. Dedicated bike lanes lead almost all the way to the shoreline, and the terrain is flat, making this option accessible to most confident cyclists, though it is best avoided during heavy rain or strong winds.
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Taxi or rideshare within the city
Taxis are widely available in central Copenhagen and can bring you to streets directly bordering The Lakes, with journey times usually between 5 and 20 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Fares within the central zones commonly fall in the 80–200 DKK range. This is the most comfortable option if you are carrying luggage or have reduced mobility, though be aware that vehicle access is limited to surrounding streets rather than the pedestrian paths themselves.
The Lakes location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
- Snow
Discover more about The Lakes
Water, Light and City Life in One Long Curve
The Lakes form a striking blue ribbon between Copenhagen’s historic centre and the neighborhoods of Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Østerbro. Three elongated basins – Sankt Jørgens Sø to the south, Peblinge Sø in the middle and Sortedams Sø to the north – trace a gentle arc that reflects church spires, townhouses and the city’s soft northern light. From almost any point, your eye runs along the water to low bridges and lines of trees, giving a sense of openness rare in such a compact capital. Although they look like natural lakes, this is a carefully shaped landscape. The basins were created and expanded over centuries as part of the city’s defenses and water supply, with dams and embankments gradually taming the original marshy terrain. Today their defensive role is long gone, replaced by a gentler function: a linear park where the city catches its breath.From Fortress Moat to Urban Playground
Historically, the water here helped protect Copenhagen’s ramparts and powered mills at the city edge. Later the lakes became reservoirs, controlling levels with dams such as the one that shaped Peblinge Sø. As the city outgrew its fortifications in the 19th century, the banks were formalized, planted with trees and edged in granite, turning a utilitarian system into a grand promenade. Two small artificial islands, Fiskeøen and Fugleøen, dot Sortedams Sø, created as safe breeding grounds for birds. In winter, when conditions are right and the ice is officially declared thick enough, the lakes can transform into broad, white surfaces for cold-weather walks. In summer, the water comes alive with birdlife and the occasional slow-moving boat bike, while the paths host runners, cyclists and parents pushing prams.Experiencing the Full 6.3-Kilometre Circuit
A complete loop around all three lakes runs for just over 6 kilometres, almost entirely on level, well-maintained gravel and pavement paths. It is a favourite circuit for joggers, but it works equally well as a leisurely stroll broken up with coffee stops and photo breaks. Benches, low walls and grassy patches appear at regular intervals, inviting you to pause, dangle your feet over the edge and watch swans, geese and ducks trace their own routes across the water. Each section has its own character. Sankt Jørgens Sø feels slightly quieter, with wider expanses of water and views towards modern city landmarks. Peblinge Sø is tightly framed by avenues of trees and elegant façades, its straight lines ideal for long, reflective walks. Sortedams Sø, with its islands and slightly more irregular outline, offers some of the most photogenic vistas, especially where bridges and towers line up in the distance.Cafés, Pavilions and Everyday Copenhagen Rituals
Part of the charm of The Lakes lies in how thoroughly they are woven into local daily life. On any given morning you may see commuters on bikes skirting the water, dog walkers tracing the same route in all seasons, and friends meeting on the banks with takeaway coffee. Along several stretches you will find lakeside cafés, modern restaurants and classic pavilions whose terraces fill whenever the sun appears, their tables positioned to catch both the light and the view. These buildings tell their own stories: 19th-century pavilions once linked to skating clubs or rowing now house contemporary dining rooms or bars, while newer venues slide glass fronts open to blend indoors and outdoors. Yet there is no single focal point or monument; the attraction is the continuous, lived-in edge between city and water.Seasonal Moods and Practical Details
The atmosphere around The Lakes shifts with the seasons and weather. On bright spring mornings, fresh leaves frame clear reflections, and bird calls carry over the paths. High summer brings long evenings when the sun lingers low over the water and the embankments turn into informal picnic terraces. Autumn paints the trees in warm tones that ripple across the surface, and even in winter, mist and low cloud create a quiet, cinematic quality. As an open public space, The Lakes are accessible at all hours and free to enjoy. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for prams and wheelchairs along the main paths, with frequent opportunities to sit. Simple amenities such as occasional public restrooms, nearby kiosks and plentiful trash bins support lingering, while the surrounding streets offer quick access to supermarkets, bakeries and restaurants. For many visitors, tracing even a short stretch of shoreline becomes a reference point for understanding Copenhagen’s scale, rhythm and relationship with water.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkets Park
0.8 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.8 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
0.8 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
The Tower Playground
0.9 km
Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Assistens Cemetery
1.1 km
Historic, leafy burial ground in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, home to Hans Christian Andersen’s grave and tranquil paths where Danish history and urban life intertwine.
Church of Our Lady
1.1 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Varehuset Messen
1.1 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Gråbrødretorv
1.2 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Hans Tavsens Park
1.2 km
Explore the peaceful retreat of Hans Tavsens Park in Copenhagen, a perfect blend of nature and tranquility for every traveler.
Jorcks Passage
1.2 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Gammeltorv
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Nørrebrogade
1.2 km
Copenhagen's creative heartbeat: independent design, multicultural energy, and authentic Nordic cool.
St. Paul's Church
1.3 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Nytorv 2
1.3 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Nørrebro
1.3 km
Copenhagen's most vibrant multicultural neighbourhood where creative energy, street culture, and authentic local life converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Lakes in Copenhagen
0.2 km
Step inside Denmark’s royal history at Rosenborg Castle, home to the dazzling Crown Jewels and set in Copenhagen’s oldest public gardens near Østerbro.
Dronning Louises Bro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s granite social bridge, arching over the city lakes with historic elegance, everyday bike traffic and some of the best urban sunsets in town.
Søtorvet 2
0.3 km
An ornate 19th‑century lakeside residence where French‑inspired façades, poetic café lore and everyday Copenhagen life meet at the city’s watery front door.
Nørrebros Theater
0.4 km
Historic 1886 theatre turned contemporary cultural hub, blending bold performances, visual art and neighbourhood atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
Sankt Hans Torv
0.4 km
A relaxed, café-lined square in the heart of Nørrebro where church spires, classic façades and everyday streetlife capture contemporary Copenhagen.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Workers Museum
0.5 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s glass‑walled food market, where Nordic produce, global flavours and local craftsmanship meet in two buzzing halls beside Nørreport Station.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's labor history at The Workers Museum in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
Botanical Garden
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Museum of Natural History
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.7 km
Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.7 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Rosenborg castle
0.7 km
A compact Renaissance palace of kings, crowns and stories, Rosenborg Castle pairs glittering Crown Jewels with tranquil gardens in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Skaal
0.8 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Essential places to dine
ARK
0.4 km
Michelin Green Star vegan fine dining in central Copenhagen, where seasonal Nordic produce, foraging and low-waste philosophy shape an intimate tasting-menu experience.
La Neta Nørrebro
0.5 km
Sizzling Mexican street food, artisanal tortillas, and Mikkeller craft beer unite at La Neta Nørrebro—a bustling culinary hotspot in Copenhagen’s vibrant heart.
SAFARI
0.5 km
Colorful Pan-African bistro in creative Nørrebro serving bold sharable plates, natural wines, and community spirit in a welcoming, art-filled setting.
Mæxico Nørrebro
0.5 km
Colorful cantina vibes, creative tacos, and festive cocktails bring a lively taste of Mexico’s street food culture to vibrant Nørrebro in central Copenhagen.
Selma
0.5 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Kate's Joint
0.6 km
Kate’s Joint brings Nørrebro’s multicultural energy to the table with creative Asian fusion, communal dining, artful interiors, and a famously laid-back vibe.
Høst
0.6 km
Experience exceptional Scandinavian fine dining at Høst in Copenhagen, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Tèrra
0.7 km
Celebrated for organic Italian-Danish tasting menus and eco-conscious fine dining, Tèrra offers a memorable culinary experience in Copenhagen’s vibrant Østerbro.
Aroii - Nørrebro
0.7 km
Savor inventive Asian fusion cuisine in lively Nørrebro, where Aroii delivers creative Thai-inspired plates and vibrant ambiance in one of Copenhagen’s buzziest districts.
Kiin Kiin
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro, offering inventive tasting menus and modern fine dining that blend Southeast Asian flavors with Nordic influences.
Hooked Nørrebro
0.8 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Hooked Nørrebro in Copenhagen - a culinary gem celebrating local flavors in a vibrant setting.
Bæst
0.8 km
Experience Nørrebro’s celebrated Bæst, where organic Italian pizzas and in-house charcuterie meet Scandinavian sustainability and vibrant Danish hospitality.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.9 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.9 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Gaarden & Gaden
1.0 km
Discover Gaarden & Gaden, a stylishly laid-back bistro in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, serving inventive local cuisine and natural wines in a warm, communal setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Bungalow
0.3 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
McKorman
0.4 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
PRAG Nørrebro
0.6 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
Exotic Mix
0.6 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Fjällräven
0.9 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.9 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Time's Up Vintage
1.0 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
1.0 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
1.1 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.1 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Quirky Lane
1.1 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Wasteland
1.2 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Notre Dame
1.2 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
København K
1.2 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kind Of Blue
0.3 km
Discover the lively charm of Kind Of Blue, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen offering creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Barking Dog
0.3 km
Discover The Barking Dog, a trendy bar in Copenhagen offering expertly crafted cocktails and a vibrant nightlife experience.
Léanowski Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Léanowski Bar, a local favorite in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, known for its craft beers and creative cocktails.
PULP bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at PULP Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Escobar København
0.5 km
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Escobar København, a must-visit bar in the heart of Nørrebro offering great cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Harbo Bar
0.5 km
Cosy, candlelit café‑bar on Blågårdsgade blending daytime coffee and snacks with intimate, bohemian evenings at the heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
Ølbaren
0.6 km
Experience the heart of Copenhagen’s beer culture at Ølbaren, a cozy bar with an extensive selection of craft brews and vibrant atmosphere.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Mudhoney
0.6 km
Discover The Mudhoney, a stylish cocktail bar in Copenhagen, blending coffee shop charm with expertly crafted cocktails for a perfect night out.
BRUS
0.8 km
Discover the best craft beers and seasonal dishes at BRUS, Copenhagen's top brewpub for foodies and beer lovers alike.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.8 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Ørsted Ølbar
0.9 km
Cozy basement craft-beer bar opposite Ørstedsparken, mixing candlelit pub charm, expert pours and an impressive Danish microbrew lineup in central Copenhagen.
No Stress Bar
0.9 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
Paloma Vermuteria
0.9 km
Mediterranean vermut culture meets Nordic hospitality in Copenhagen's creative heart.
Dexter's
1.0 km
A cosy African–Caribbean rum bar by Copenhagen’s lakes, blending tropical cocktails, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and warm Jamaican hospitality in an intimate setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
RUST Natklub
0.5 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
0.7 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Mirage
0.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
0.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
1.1 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
La Terraza
1.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
1.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Rumors
1.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Hive
1.2 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mini Bar
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Zoo
1.2 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Viral Moments
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
