Bagsværd Lake represents two very different sides of Gladsaxe: it is part of an extensive water system and also serves as Denmark’s national rowing stadium. The Mølleå system stretches from its source in the area west of Bastrup Lake near Roskilde Fjord to its mouth at the Øresund. Competitive, recreational and leisure athletes train on the lake. Its geography and sporting use thus offer two distinct perspectives on Bagsværd Lake.
Getting around Bagsværd Lake
A network of paths runs all the way around the lake. Bagsværd Lake Park gives walkers free access along the entire shoreline. There is also a way to experience the lake from the water: canoes are available to rent from the boat rental. If you plan to do this, check availability before your trip. A circuit along the shore and a canoe outing offer two different ways to enjoy the lake.
Green spaces and Aldershvile
Høje Gladsaxe Park is a protected natural area covering just over 53 hectares. Grassland, hills and lakes shape its landscape. Smørmosen and Fedtmosen, including their meadows, form an almost untouched natural area of about 150 hectares. It includes bogs, small lakes, heathland, scrub bog, reed beds, meadows and wooded areas. The two areas offer contrasting landscapes: grassland and hills at Høje Gladsaxe Park, and a diverse mix of wetlands and wooded areas at Smørmosen and Fedtmosen.
A network of paths runs through Smørmosen and Fedtmosen; part of it belongs to the wider main trail network between Kalvebod and Værløse. There is also a birdwatching tower in Smørmosen. On the heath at Aldershvile Palace Park, common heather and lesser centaury grow—two species that are rare on Zealand. The park has been open to the public since 1927, and the Aldershvile Palace ruins are protected as an ancient monument. The Aldershvile area thus brings together the history of the park, a protected monument and distinctive plant species.
The Aldershvile walk starts at Bagsværd station and follows Aldershvilevej to Aldershvile Park and the palace ruins. The walk is short and can be taken at a leisurely pace. If you would like to combine a stroll with a specific destination, this route takes you to both Aldershvile attractions.
Routes and activities
The Svaleruten is a nature, culture and experience route with a continuous cycle path of about 28 kilometres in Gladsaxe. By contrast, Vandledningsstien is a green cycling link between Høje Gladsaxevej and Vandtårnsvej/Tinghøjvej. It runs alongside several interconnected rainwater basins. The Svaleruten is notable for the approximate length of its continuous cycling route; the named endpoints and the path along the basins help you find your way on Vandledningsstien.
Cykelbanen i Mørkhøj gives children the opportunity to practise balance, traffic rules and greater confidence on a bike through play and physical activity. The facility is open to everyone. It offers a different way to engage with cycling than the two routes: here the focus is on practice and activity, while the routes connect paths and landscapes.
Architecture, history and cultural venues
Bagsværd Church was designed by Jørn Utzon. Its interiors are inspired by clouds, and the curved ceilings bring this motif to life in the architecture. Gladsaxefortet represents a different building history and has a site made up of several features: the fort is protected as a historic monument under the Danish Museum Act. The site includes the casemate building, the caponier, the fortification, remains of the rampart and dry moat, as well as a surrounding park.
Cultural venues also bring together a range of interests. Bibliografen combines a cinema and library under one roof as a cultural centre. Telefonfabrikken has creative workshops for ceramics and jewellery making, painting and stone carving. Spillestedet Richter at Telefonfabrikken gives young people a place to make music and enjoy music and a sense of community; other user groups are welcome too.
Community and events
Sharing a meal is one of the activities offered at BIBLIOTEK+ in Høje Gladsaxe. These include green community meals and the monthly shared meal “HG spiser sammen”. Gladsaxedagen is Gladsaxe’s annual festival and culture day, held in the grounds around the town hall. If you would like to attend during your stay, check the dates before you travel.
Behind Gladsaxe Swimming Hall, Caféhaven offers free, open access to a bouncy cushion, an outdoor pool, a sandbox, a swing and a panna court. Individual facilities may change, so check what is currently available before your visit. Theatre performances in Gladsaxe take place in the assembly hall at Grønnemose School, Høje Gladsaxe Torv 4, 2860 Søborg. The cultural and leisure offering thus ranges from architecture and stage performances to workshops, shared meals and an annual festival day.
Discover more destinations: Søborg, Brøndby Municipality, Hillerød Municipality, Rudersdal Municipality, Albertslund, Gribskov Municipality, Copenhagen, Frederikssund
For the broader travel overview: Capital Region.
