Lyngby & Bagsværd Lake: Baadfarten Boat Ride

The best thing about Baadfarten is its mix of slow sightseeing and simple freedom. You cruise along Mølleå, Lyngby Lake, and Bagsværd Lake, then step ashore when a park, historic house, or lakeside stop catches your eye. It feels less like a fixed tour and more like a gentle day out beside the water.

I like the chance to visit Sophienholm for art exhibitions, concerts, and summer events. I also like that your ticket lasts all day, so you can ride a section, explore the shore, and catch a later boat. The main catch is timing: one boat filled for the return trip, leaving one passenger waiting about 1 hour and 20 minutes for the next departure.

Key points

• All-day flexibility: Hop on and off at six stops, or remain aboard for a round trip.
• Three waterways: See Mølleå, Lyngby Lake, and Bagsværd Lake from the water.
• Sophienholm stop: Add art, concerts, and seasonal events to your boat ride.
• Green shorelines: Aldershvile park and the lake banks offer open spaces and wooded views.
• Family-friendly pricing: Children ages 0 to 5 ride free with a paying adult.
• Practical limitation: The route is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and return boats may fill up.

A gentle cruise through northern Zealand

Baadfarten gives you a different way to see the waterways north of Copenhagen. Instead of rushing from sight to sight, you move at the pace of the lakes and the narrow Mølleå. The water links wooded banks, open lawns, historic sites, and several places where you can stop for a walk.

The route begins at Sorgenfrivej 23 in Lyngby, at the Den Fælleskommunale Bådfart meeting point. From there, the boat follows the water toward Lyngby Lake, continuing through the connected waterways toward Bagsværd Lake.

I would treat this as a flexible day excursion rather than a short sightseeing ride. The ticket is valid for one day, and you can use it to create your own rhythm. Stay aboard for the full circuit if you want a quiet view from the water, or get off at one of the stops and continue later.

The host and crew speak Danish. An English pamphlet covers the main sights, so you can still follow the route and understand what you are seeing even without a guided narration in English. Do not expect a full live commentary in English. The appeal here is the scenery and freedom to explore.

Lyngby Lake and the first stretch of water

Lyngby Lake is a calm start to the ride. From the boat, you see water edged by trees, open spaces, and walking areas. The views are not grand in the way of a fjord or mountain lake. Their charm is quieter, with green banks and a sense of escape from city routines.

This section works well for families because the boat itself becomes part of the outing. Young children can watch the shore pass by, while adults get a break from navigating roads and paths. Children from 0 to 5 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult, which improves the value for families with small children.

The Lyngby Lake stop is useful if you want to get off early and explore before continuing. The exact appeal of your stop depends on how much time you have and which direction you plan to take next. Since the ticket is valid all day, you do not need to treat the first boat as your only chance to see the route.

Nybrovej and the peaceful Mølleå

At Nybrovej, the route feels closely tied to Mølleå. This waterway offers a peaceful setting where nature and older cultural surroundings meet. The ride is especially pleasant when you want a break from busy streets and a chance to watch the banks move by without any effort on your part.

The waterway is one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience. You are not simply crossing a lake to reach a destination. The journey itself is the main event, with the boat carrying you through a green corridor between the larger bodies of water.

You can use Nybrovej as a hop-on or hop-off point. If you leave the boat here, allow yourself enough time to enjoy the shore before the next departure. The timetable matters more than it might on a standard sightseeing cruise, because a missed boat can create a long wait.

Frederiksdal and the lakeside retreat

The Frederiksdal stop gives you another chance to break up the boat ride. It is also linked with Frederiksdal Sinatur Hotel & Konference, giving the stop a clear point of reference when you are planning where to leave the boat.

This part of the route suits you if you prefer a day that combines transport and outdoor time. You can see the water from the boat, step ashore, and spend time among the trees and open spaces before continuing. The excursion does not force you to choose between sightseeing and a walk. It lets you combine both.

I would keep your plans loose here. The activity information does not promise a set walking route or a guided visit at Frederiksdal, so think of it as a useful access point rather than a packaged attraction. Your best experience comes from using the boat as a link between places rather than expecting every stop to have a formal program.

Bagsværdvej and the second lake

The boat continues toward Bagsværdvej and Bagsværd Lake. This changes the feel of the trip slightly, since you are now exploring the second major lake in the route rather than simply repeating the first stretch.

Bagsværd Lake adds variety to the day. You get another shoreline, another set of views, and another place to decide if you want to stay aboard or go ashore. The banks are marked by trees and open areas, so the ride remains more about natural scenery than city landmarks.

For me, this is where the all-day ticket earns its keep. A one-way ride would show you the water, but the hop-on arrangement lets you shape a longer outing around your interests. You might stay aboard through Bagsværd Lake, then get off later at Aldershvile or Sophienholm. Or you can simply enjoy the complete circuit without adding extra planning.

Aldershvile park and open green space

Aldershvile is one of the more appealing stops for a pause on land. The nearby Aldershvile park offers green space and a change from the boat’s steady movement. If you want room to stretch your legs, this is a natural place to consider getting off.

The stop is also connected with Aldershvile Slotspavillon. The name points to the area’s historic character, though the activity does not include a separate admission or formal visit inside the building. I would see it as a scenic stop with cultural interest, not as a full palace tour.

Aldershvile may suit you better than Sophienholm if your main goal is open air and a relaxed walk. Sophienholm is the stronger choice for art and scheduled events. If you have enough time, you can use both stops, but keep an eye on departures so your day does not end with an unwanted wait.

Sophienholm for art and summer events

Sophienholm is the route’s most obvious cultural stop. The site hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the summer. That makes it more than a place to admire from the water. You can pair the boat ride with a specific exhibition or event, provided the timing fits your visit.

I like this combination because it gives the excursion a purpose beyond scenery. A quiet cruise can be enough for one afternoon, but adding an exhibition or concert makes the stop more memorable and gives you a clear reason to leave the boat.

The event schedule is not included in the boat ticket details, so check what is happening before you go. The boat ride includes the cruise and an English pamphlet, but food, drinks, and any separate activities are not included. Plan Sophienholm as an optional addition, not as an included attraction.

The return journey and the risk of waiting

You can remain aboard for a round trip on both lakes. This is the easiest choice if you want to focus on the views and avoid planning several shore stops. It is also a good option when you have limited energy or simply want a calm ride.

The less predictable part is finding a seat on the return boat. One passenger had to wait around 1 hour and 20 minutes because the next boat was full, even though the boat they were watching appeared to be only half full from the outside. The crew was described as very kind, and the wait took place in a pleasant setting, but it still changed the timing of the day.

My practical advice is simple: do not schedule a tight connection afterward. If you get off at a stop, give yourself a cushion before the last part of the route. When a departure is important, ask the crew about the next boat and return capacity rather than assuming you can board immediately.

What the $20 ticket is worth

At about $20 per person, this is good value if you use the ticket as an all-day transport pass. The price includes the boat tour and an English pamphlet, and children ages 0 to 5 ride free with a paying adult.

The value is strongest for people who plan to make several stops or spend a few hours on the water. A simple round trip may still be worthwhile, but the ticket becomes more useful when you combine the ride with Aldershvile park, Sophienholm, or another lakeside walk.

Food and drinks are not included. You will need to arrange those separately, and the supplied information does not specify onboard dining or refreshments. Bring a plan for the day, especially if you intend to remain near the lakes for several hours.

The ticket also gives you flexibility in case the weather or your energy changes. You can stay aboard if you want a restful outing, or get off when a shore stop appeals. That choice is hard to put a price on when you are planning a family day.

Who will enjoy Baadfarten most

I would recommend this ride to families, couples, and anyone who enjoys gentle sightseeing rather than a packed schedule. It is especially useful if you want to combine nature, water views, and a cultural stop without arranging separate transport between each place.

It suits you well if you enjoy making your own plan. You can use the boat as a round-trip cruise, a hop-on, hop-off service, or a link to Sophienholm and the nearby green spaces.

The experience is less suitable if you need step-free access or have mobility impairments. The activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, so check your needs before booking.

It may also frustrate you if you want a tightly timed tour with constant English narration. The host language is Danish, and the English support comes through a pamphlet. The scenery does most of the talking.

Practical planning for a smoother day

Start at Sorgenfrivej 23 in Lyngby, where the boat ride begins and ends. Check the available starting times before you book, since the ticket is valid for one day but does not give a single fixed departure time in the information provided.

Think about your day in sections. You might ride from Lyngby toward Sophienholm, spend time ashore, then continue or return later. You can also stay on the boat for the full circuit and avoid the uncertainty of coordinating several stops.

Bring enough time for delays between boats. The long wait reported on a return journey is a useful warning, especially if you have a restaurant booking, train, or other appointment afterward. A little spare time lets you enjoy the ride instead of watching the clock.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if you are still watching the forecast or organizing a family day.

Should you book this lake cruise?

Book Baadfarten if you want a relaxed day beside the water, with the freedom to combine a boat ride, green spaces, and Sophienholm. The route offers more than a short cruise because your ticket remains valid all day and covers several useful stops.

I would be more cautious if you require accessible boarding, need a fully English-speaking guide, or have a strict timetable. For everyone else, the $20 price is fair, particularly if you make several stops or stay aboard for the full route.

The best plan is to arrive without a packed schedule, use the English pamphlet to follow the main sights, and allow extra time for the return. Do that, and Baadfarten gives you a peaceful way to see Mølleå, Lyngby Lake, Bagsværd Lake, and the cultural corners along their shores.

FAQ

Where does the Baadfarten boat ride start?

The ride starts at Den Fælleskommunale Bådfart, at Sorgenfrivej 23, 2800 Lyngby.

Where does the boat ride end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Den Fælleskommunale Bådfart.

How long is the Baadfarten ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. You should check availability for the starting times offered on your chosen date.

Can I hop on and off the boat?

Yes. You can get on or off at Lyngby Sorgenfrivej, Frederiksdal, Nybro, Bagsværdvej, Aldershvile, or Sophienholm.

Can I stay on the boat for the whole route?

Yes. You can remain aboard and enjoy a round trip on Lyngby Lake, Bagsværd Lake, and the connecting Mølleå.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

The host language is Danish. An English pamphlet about the main sights is included with the boat tour.

Are young children charged for the ride?

Children ages 0 to 5 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Is the boat ride suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.