Lakes in Aarhus: Walks and birdlife close to the city
Aarhus has three large lake areas, each with its own route and different experiences along the way. Walk around Brabrand Sø, continue to Årslev Engsø, or visit Egå Engsø north of the city.
Find the lake that suits your trip
The three lakes are located close to Aarhus, but the tours around them are different. Brabrand Sø has a paved route of almost 10 kilometers, while Årslev Engsø offers a longer tour on gravel paths through meadows and small forest areas.
At Egå Engsø, the route is 5,2 kilometers long. Here you will pass a shelter, a bird tower and the open meadows around the lake.
Lake Brabrand
Walk, run or cycle on the paved route around Brabrand Lake.
Egå meadow lake
A 5,2 kilometer long route with bird towers, shelters and open meadows.
Årslev meadow lake
Follow the gravel paths past streams, bird towers and Constantinsborg Castle.
For the shortest trip
The route around Egå Engsø is 5,2 kilometers long.
For running or cycling
Brabrand Sø has a paved route of almost 10 kilometers.
For the birdwatcher
Egå Engsø and Årslev Engsø have bird towers and views of the birds' resting areas.
For the longer walk
The route around Årslev Engsø is approximately 8,4 kilometers and primarily follows gravel paths.
For a full day on the bike
Brabrand Lake and Årslev Engsø are connected at Byleddet, so both lakes can be visited on the same trip.
Practical information about the lakes in Aarhus
Which lake is best with a stroller or wheelchair?
The paved Brabrandsti trail is the easiest choice. The route at Egå Engsø is registered as the Anemonerute and has a firm and even gravel path without stairs.
Can you swim in the lakes?
The lakes are natural areas and not designed as bathing areas. If you want to swim, you can instead visit one of the beaches around Aarhus.
Where can you park?
There are parking spaces at all three lakes. The exact addresses are on the pages about the individual lakes.
Are there toilets at the lakes?
At Egå Engsø there is a primitive earthen toilet at the shelter site. At Byleddet between Brabrand Sø and Årslev Engsø there is a public toilet.
Do dogs have to be on a leash?
Dogs must be kept on a leash near the lakes out of consideration for birds and grazing animals.
Brabrand Lake
Brabrand Sø is located west of Aarhus city center and has a paved route of almost 10 kilometers. The path is used by walkers, runners and cyclists and can also be used with strollers and wheelchairs.
On the tour you will pass by the Stadepladsen, Brabrand Søpark and Aarhus Å, among other places. From Brabrand Church there is a view of the lake and the areas on the opposite bank.
Egå Engsø
Egå Engsø is located between Risskov, Egå and Lystrup. The walk around the lake is 5,2 kilometers long and follows a wide gravel path through a flat area.
On the south side of the lake is a bird tower and a shelter area with five shelters, a communal campfire and a primitive toilet. Nearby you will also find the Labyrinth of the Dead Souls and wooden sculptures related to the area's Stone Age history.
Årslev Engsø
Årslev Engsø is located west of Brabrand Sø and was recreated in 2003. The approximately 8,4 kilometer long route primarily follows gravel paths along meadows, streams and small forest areas.
Along the way you cross the Aarhus River and Lyngbygårds River and pass several viewpoints. On the south side the route goes along the former Hammelbane and past Constantinsborg.
