The Lakes (Søerne) Circuit

The Lakes (Søerne) Circuit is a paved waterside loop of about 5 km around Peblinge, Sortedam and Sankt Jørgens lakes in central Copenhagen, Denmark. The lakes are long rectangular reservoirs that separate the old town from the districts of Nørrebro and Østerbro. A common starting point is Dronning Louises Bro, 2200 København N, about 10 minutes on foot from Nørreport Station, which is served by metro lines M1 and M2 and the S-train. The circuit is free, open at all hours and needs no permit. Difficulty is easy: the path is flat at about 5 m above sea level, and the surface is paved with separate lanes in places for cyclists, joggers and walkers. Shade is patchy, with trees along some banks and open sections near the bridges. Landmarks include Dronning Louises Bro, the bridge at the centre of the loop, the lakeside benches, the Sortedam Dossering embankment with its cafes, and the view across the water to the city skyline. Walkers can leave the circuit at many road crossings and bridges, so the loop can be shortened or turned around at will. Water, cafes, bakeries and public toilets are found around Nørreport, Dronning Louises Bro and the Nørrebro and Østerbro sides. There are no huts, but the many cafes offer shelter in bad weather. Walkers should expect cyclists and joggers, so keeping to the pedestrian side helps. A full circuit takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, more with a coffee stop.