The best city hikes and walks around Søby Sø
4.3
(40)
560
hikers
6
hikes
Urban hiking trails around Søby Sø offer a distinctive landscape that combines natural tranquility with a unique, historical industrial environment. The region features Søby Sø, a natural lake known for its clear waters and diverse flora and fauna, surrounded by heath, bog, and forest. Adjacent to the lake are the Søby Brunkulslejer (Brown Coal Fields), a hilly, man-made area shaped by past coal extraction, featuring numerous small lakes and elevated "tipper" piles. This terrain provides varied experiences for hikers, from flat lakeside paths to undulating, post-industrial landscapes.
Best urban hiking trails around Søby Sø
- The most popular urban hiking route is Hjallese Station – Glisholm Lake loop from Hjallese, a 5.1 miles (8.2 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 4 minutes to complete. This moderate route features a gentle elevation gain of about 49 feet (15 meters).
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Odense City Hall – Odense city center loop from Fruens Bøge, a moderate 6.6 miles (10.6 km) path. This route includes an elevation gain of about 238 feet (72 meters) and typically takes around 2 hours 46 minutes.
- Local hikers also love the Hjallese Station loop from Hjallese, a 2.3 miles (3.6 km) trail leading through urban and natural areas, often completed in about 55 minutes. This easy route has a minimal elevation gain of about 22 feet (7 meters).
- Hiking around Søby Sø is defined by the contrast between the serene natural lake, the unique post-industrial brown coal fields, and the surrounding heath and forest. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate trails with more varied terrain.
- The routes in Søby Sø are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Søby Sø's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4
hikers
8.19km
02:04
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
3.64km
00:55
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
11
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Very well maintained
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The park dates back to the 18th century and lies between the train station and the castle. It features a sculpture by H.C. Andersson and many rare and old trees.
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Odense, with approximately 200,000 inhabitants, is the third largest city in Denmark and one of the oldest. It has a pretty city center with many half-timbered houses.
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A 13th-century Gothic church in the heart of the city center. Hidden away in a narrow, narrow-street neighborhood, it was just leaving the church as we passed by.
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St. John's Church is a redstone Knights Hospitaller monastery church located right in the center of Odense, near Kongens Have and Odense Castle. When the church was built, it was located in the northernmost part of Odense, as the city appeared in the Middle Ages. The earliest mention of the church dates back to 1295, when it was actually St. Michael's Church. Later, in 1329, there is a written reference to St. John's Monastery. The church is built in the Gothic style and has some fine details, including an outside pulpit on the south side, where services could probably have been held for lepers and outlaws who were not allowed to come to church. During World War II, the church's two pastors used the outside pulpit for a series of devotions for the Odense citizens in attendance. Not much remains of the original church, which was most recently modernized three times in 1997-98.
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Great place to relax and unwind.
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There are also some beautiful green spaces and parks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes urban hiking around Søby Sø unique?
The area around Søby Sø offers a distinctive blend of natural tranquility and a fascinating industrial past. You can explore the serene, clear waters of Søby Sø itself, surrounded by heath and forest, or venture into the unique, hilly landscape of the former brown coal fields. This contrast provides a varied and engaging experience for urban hikers.
How many urban hiking trails are featured in this guide?
This guide features 6 urban hiking trails, offering a range of experiences from easy strolls to more moderate walks. These routes are carefully curated to showcase the diverse landscapes and points of interest in the broader region.
Are there any easy urban walks suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are several easy urban walks. For instance, the Hjallese Station loop from Hjallese is an easy route covering about 3.6 kilometers, perfect for a relaxed outing.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these urban hikes?
The terrain varies significantly. Around Søby Sø, you'll find generally flat paths through heath, bog, and forest. However, the nearby Søby Brunkulslejer (brown coal fields) feature a much more undulating, man-made landscape with hills and former sand piles, offering a more challenging walk in places. Always stay on marked paths, especially in the brown coal areas, due to potential unstable ground.
What are some interesting landmarks or historical sites to see?
The region is rich in history, particularly related to its brown coal mining past. You can visit the Søby Brunkulsmuseum to learn about this era, or explore historical points like the memorial grove and Elmer's House, which offers public facilities. The brown coal fields themselves are a unique man-made landscape shaped by decades of industry.
Are there any viewpoints with panoramic scenery?
Yes, within the brown coal fields, there's a 30-meter high observation point that provides extensive views over the distinctive landscape. Another viewpoint is located on top of the 'Mount Søby' waste deposit, offering broad vistas of the area.
Can I bring my dog on these urban hiking trails?
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in Denmark, but it's important to keep them on a leash, especially in natural areas to protect wildlife and other visitors. Always check local signage for specific rules in different sections of the trails.
Are there any family-friendly urban hiking options?
Many of the easier routes are suitable for families. The varied landscape, from the natural lake to the unique industrial remnants, offers plenty to keep children engaged. The designated barbecue and swimming area on the east side of Søby Sø also provides a great spot for a family break.
What do other hikers say about the urban trails in this region?
The urban hiking experience in this region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 39 ratings. Hikers often praise the unique landscapes, the blend of nature and history, and the well-maintained paths.
Are there any circular routes available?
Yes, this guide includes several circular routes. For example, the Hjallese Station – Glisholm Lake loop from Hjallese is a moderate 8.1-kilometer loop, and the Odense City Hall – Odense city center loop from Fruens Bøge is a longer, moderate loop of about 10.6 kilometers.
Is there public transport access to the urban hiking trails?
Some routes, like those starting from Hjallese Station, are directly accessible via public transport, making it convenient to reach the starting points without a car. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for specific routes and times.
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking?
The diverse ecosystems support various wildlife. In the brown coal areas, you might spot red deer, roe deer, fallow deer, and occasionally even wolves. Around Søby Sø and in some of the brown coal lakes, numerous bird species, including raptors, swans, and cranes, can be observed.
Most popular routes around Søby Sø
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