The Forest Lake, Fruens Bøge
Skovsøen in Fruens Bøge is one of those places where it feels as though the city takes a step back. Take a stroll around the lake, enjoy the views across the water, watch the local birdlife or pause for an ice cream by the shore. At the same time, Engen, The Funen Village and the Odense River are all close by, making it easy to combine several experiences in one visit.
A lake full of small discoveries
Skovsøen is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for green surroundings close to the city centre. The paths around the lake are ideal for a peaceful walk, while the shoreline offers plenty of opportunities to watch life on the water. Ducks, gulls and other bird species can often be seen here, and the lake’s fountain serves as a natural focal point in the landscape.
During summer, many people gather around the lake to enjoy the green surroundings, and throughout the year it remains a natural meeting place in Fruens Bøge. The lake is also close to Engen, an open green space that has hosted events and community activities for generations of Odense residents.
Surrounded by the greenery of Fruens Bøge
Skovsøen forms part of Fruens Bøge, one of Odense’s most popular recreational areas. A visit to the lake can easily be combined with a trip to The Funen Village, a coffee at Café Velodrom in Fruens Bøge Station, or a walk through the surrounding woodland.
The lake is also closely connected to the Odense River, which winds its way through the area. From here, visitors can experience the city from the water on a canoe trip, while the river itself is home to fish and wildlife living just beneath the surface.
History and nature beneath the surface
Skovsøen was created during the First World War as an employment project and has since served as a recreational gathering place for the city’s residents. The lake’s distinctive fountain was later donated to Odense as part of the city’s 1,000th anniversary celebrations and continues to help oxygenate the water.
The Odense River is much more than a scenic feature of the landscape around the lake. Sea trout pass through this stretch of the river on their way to upstream spawning grounds, and on calm summer evenings you may be lucky enough to spot rings on the water as brown trout rise for insects. It is details like these that make a walk around Skovsøen more than just a stroll around a lake.
Last updated by:VisitOdensejmjen@odense.dk
