Review · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS IN COPENHAGEN
Lyngby & Bagsværd Lake: Baadfarten Boat Ride
Quiet water, easy exploring. Baadfarten connects Lyngby and Bagsværd Lakes with a pleasant boat ride through Mølleåen, giving you a simple way to enjoy forest, open parkland, and lakeside sights. I like the freedom to hop off at places such as Sophienholm, and I like that one ticket works for a full day.
The main drawback is that return boats may not always have room when demand is high. You could face a wait of up to 1 hour and 20 minutes, so this works best when you have a flexible schedule. The boat ride is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- Why this lake cruise makes a good day out
- Starting at Sorgenfrivej in Lyngby
- Lyngby Lake: the opening stretch
- Nybrovej and the quieter Mølleåen
- Frederiksdal and Sinatur Hotel
- Bagsværdvej and the second lake
- Aldershvile Slotspavillon and open parkland
- Sophienholm: art beside the water
- The full circuit and the practical wait
- What the $20 ticket is worth
- Who should book Baadfarten
- Should you book this lake boat ride?
- FAQ
- Where does the Baadfarten boat ride start?
- Where does the boat ride end?
- How long is the ticket valid?
- Can I get on and off the boat?
- Can I stay on the boat for the whole route?
- Is the experience available in English?
- Are young children charged for a ticket?
Key points to know before you go

- A full day on the water: Your ticket is valid for one day, so you can stay aboard for the full circuit or get off and continue later.
- Six useful stops: You can leave the boat at Lyngby Sorgenfrivej, Frederiksdal, Nybro, Bagsværdvej, Aldershvile, or Sophienholm.
- Sophienholm is the standout stop: The former estate offers art exhibitions, concerts, and summer events.
- Mølleåen adds variety: The route moves beyond open lake views into a quieter waterway where nature and old industrial history meet.
- Good family value: At $20 per person, the ticket combines transport, sightseeing, and the option to build your own day.
- English help is limited: The host and main service are in Danish, but an English pamphlet about the sights is included.
Why this lake cruise makes a good day out

Baadfarten is less about a grand narrated tour and more about giving you access to a pleasant corner of Zealand. You board at Sorgenfrivej 23 in Lyngby, then travel through a chain of waterways and stops where you can shape the day around your own interests.
I like this setup because you are not locked into a single boat ride. You can remain seated and enjoy the full round trip, or step ashore for a walk, an art visit, a park stop, or a meal on your own. That flexibility matters for families, since younger children may enjoy the boat for a while but need a break before the ride is over.
The route includes Lyngby Lake, Bagsværd Lake, and Mølleåen. Each section offers a slightly different mood. The lakes bring broad water views and green banks, while the river section feels more enclosed and peaceful. Along the shore, you will see forested areas, open spaces, and parkland such as Aldershvile.
This is not a high-speed sightseeing ride. The appeal is the gentle pace. You can watch the shore pass by without worrying about traffic, parking, or finding the next attraction. It is a useful choice when you want a low-effort outing close to Copenhagen but still want fresh air and time outdoors.
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Starting at Sorgenfrivej in Lyngby

The stated starting point is Den Fælleskommunale Bådfart at Sorgenfrivej 23, 2800 Lyngby. From here, the boat begins the route that links the two lakes and the intervening waterways.
Because starting times can vary, check availability for the date you want. The ticket is valid for one day, but that does not mean you should arrive without checking the sailing schedule. A little planning helps if you want to visit Sophienholm or coordinate a stop with a particular event.
The host or greeter speaks Danish. You should not expect a full English commentary during the ride. An English pamphlet covering the main sights is included, which gives you basic context as you travel. If you want detailed explanations at each stop, you will need to read the pamphlet and explore independently.
At the start, think of the boat as both a cruise and a floating connection between shore attractions. You can use it for a sightseeing loop, or as a practical way to move between selected points without retracing your steps on foot.
Lyngby Lake: the opening stretch

Lyngby Lake is one of the main scenic sections of the trip. The route gives you a chance to see the lake from the water, with green shoreline and open views replacing the usual road-level perspective.
The Lyngby Lake stop is useful if you want to begin with a lakeside walk or simply break up the cruise early. The information provided does not specify a particular attraction at this stop, so treat it as an access point for the water and surrounding scenery rather than a must-see monument.
I would choose to remain aboard if your main goal is a complete boat circuit. If you are building a longer outdoor day, getting off here can give you time to explore before catching a later boat. Since the ticket is valid all day, you have more freedom than you would with a single point-to-point ride.
The first part of the journey is also a good test of your pace. If the children are happy on board, continue toward the later stops. If everyone wants to stretch their legs, use Lyngby Lake as an early pause.
Nybrovej and the quieter Mølleåen

Nybrovej is another hop-on and hop-off point along the route. Its importance is less about a named attraction and more about access to the waterway and nearby natural areas.
Mølleåen is one of the most appealing parts of the experience. The waterway offers a calmer setting where green surroundings and older cultural traces come together. You are not simply looking at a lake from a boat. You are moving through a route that has long connected nature, settlement, and industry in this part of Zealand.
The supplied information does not give a detailed walking route from Nybrovej, so avoid treating the stop as a fully planned excursion by itself. Instead, use it if you have a specific reason to explore this section or if you want to leave the boat and spend time beside the water.
I like the way this stop adds choice without forcing a formal schedule. You can take the boat as a short scenic ride, or use Nybrovej as part of a wider day around the lakes. The main caution is timing. If you get off, keep track of the next departure so a pleasant pause does not become a long unplanned wait.
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Frederiksdal and Sinatur Hotel

The Frederiksdal stop is listed beside Frederiksdal Sinatur Hotel & Konference. This gives the route a clear point of interest for anyone who wants to combine the boat ride with a hotel, conference, or nearby outing.
The stop also helps you understand how Baadfarten works. It is not limited to a sightseeing circuit with no practical purpose. The boat serves several points around the lakes, allowing you to reach different sections of the shore by water.
No meal or drink is included in the $20 ticket. If you plan to make Frederiksdal part of a longer stop, arrange food and refreshments separately. The information provided does not promise a particular restaurant service or a set dining arrangement, so keep your plans flexible.
For families, Frederiksdal can be a sensible place to pause. A boat ride gives you scenery, but children often enjoy the day more when they can alternate between sitting, walking, and looking at something new. The exact amount of time to spend here depends on the next sailing and what you want to see nearby.
Bagsværdvej and the second lake

Bagsværdvej is the route’s access point for Bagsværd Lake. This part of the ride broadens the experience beyond Lyngby Lake and gives you another section of open water to enjoy.
The value here is variety rather than a single famous sight. You get a different view of the shore, more green space, and another chance to step ashore before continuing. If you stay aboard, the passage between the waterways gives you a relaxed sense of the area as a whole.
Bagsværd Lake is a good section for simply watching the water and shoreline. You might find that the scenery changes with the weather and the season, but no particular wildlife sighting is guaranteed. The safe expectation is a peaceful boat ride through attractive natural surroundings.
If you want to cover both lakes without rushing, resist the temptation to get off at every stop. A full day sounds generous, but waiting for a later boat can use more time than expected. Pick one or two stops that match your interests, then enjoy the rest from the deck or cabin.
Aldershvile Slotspavillon and open parkland

Aldershvile Slotspavillon is one of the more distinctive names on the route. It sits by Aldershvile park, described as a wide, lovely open area beside the greener parts of the lakes.
This stop suits you if you want a break from the boat and a little room to walk. The parkland provides a change from the enclosed feeling of Mølleåen and the broad water views of the lakes. It is also a useful choice for families who need space rather than another indoor attraction.
The word slotspavillon refers to a pavilion connected with the former Aldershvile estate. The supplied details do not specify opening hours, entry arrangements, or a formal tour of the building, so check ahead if the pavilion itself is your main reason for getting off.
I would treat Aldershvile as a scenic pause, not a guaranteed full attraction visit. The real benefit is the combination of boat access and open parkland. You can enjoy the surroundings without committing to a long museum visit or event schedule.
Sophienholm: art beside the water

Sophienholm is the most compelling stop for many people. Here, you can combine the lake cruise with art exhibitions, concerts, and other events held through the summer.
That makes Sophienholm more than a photo stop. You can use the boat to reach a cultural venue, spend time at an exhibition or event, then continue by water. If you are interested in art, this is the stop most likely to give the $20 ticket extra value.
The exact exhibition or event depends on the date. Check the current program before you go, especially if you want to attend a concert or plan the boat around a particular opening time. The boat ticket does not include food, drinks, or event admission.
Sophienholm also offers the kind of contrast that makes this outing work well. You start with water and wooded banks, then step into a place connected with art and organized cultural activities. Afterward, you can return to the boat and finish the ride at a much slower pace.
If you have only enough time for one stop, I would first check Sophienholm’s schedule. If an exhibition or concert fits your day, it gives the trip a stronger purpose. If nothing is scheduled, Aldershvile or a simple full circuit may suit you better.
The full circuit and the practical wait

You can stay on the boat for the full round trip and return to Den Fælleskommunale Bådfart. This is the easiest option when you mainly want scenery and do not want to plan several shore stops.
The full ride also lets you see how Lyngby Lake, Bagsværd Lake, and Mølleåen fit together. You get the peaceful river section, the open water, and the green banks without worrying about finding your way back from a walk.
The important practical issue is seating on the return. One passenger faced a wait of 1 hour and 20 minutes because there were not enough places on the next return boat, even though the boat appeared to be half full. That person still found the wait manageable because the setting was pleasant, but you should not assume that every departure will take everyone who wants to board.
I would build spare time into your plans, especially during a busy summer day. If you have a concert reservation, a train connection, or a child who is losing patience, do not cut the schedule too closely. The best attitude is to enjoy the route as a flexible day outing rather than as strict transport.
What the $20 ticket is worth
At $20 per person, the ticket is reasonably priced if you use it for several hours or combine it with one of the shore stops. You are paying for the boat tour, the ability to hop on and off throughout the day, and the freedom to see both lakes without arranging separate transport.
The value is weaker if you only want a very short ride and have no interest in getting off. In that case, you are paying for flexibility you may not use. The ticket makes more sense when you plan a round trip, add Sophienholm, or use the boat to break up a full day outdoors.
Children aged 0 to 5 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. That improves the family value, especially if you have several young children. Food and drinks are not included, so budget separately for refreshments.
The overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 11 ratings. The strongest praise centers on the pleasant ride, cozy feel, and friendly service. Those qualities fit the nature of the outing: it is a simple, scenic experience rather than a large-scale attraction with a packed program.
Who should book Baadfarten
I would recommend this boat ride to families who want an easy day outdoors, couples looking for a quiet change from city sightseeing, and anyone who enjoys combining scenery with a flexible cultural stop.
It also suits you if you prefer to set your own pace. You can stay aboard, get off at one location, or build a day around Sophienholm and Aldershvile. The English pamphlet helps, but you should be comfortable with a Danish-speaking host and a largely self-guided experience.
This is less suitable if you need step-free access or have a mobility impairment. It is also not ideal for a tightly timed itinerary. The possible return wait means you should leave room in your day and accept that the boat operates at a relaxed pace.
Should you book this lake boat ride?
Book it if you want an affordable, unhurried way to see Lyngby and Bagsværd Lakes, especially if Sophienholm’s exhibitions or summer events interest you. The hop-on option gives the $20 fare real value, and young children ride free with a paying adult.
Skip it if you want detailed English guiding, guaranteed tight departure times, or easy access for someone with limited mobility. For everyone else, check the sailing times, choose one or two stops, and leave your schedule loose enough to enjoy the water properly.
FAQ
Where does the Baadfarten boat ride start?
The activity starts at Den Fælleskommunale Bådfart, Sorgenfrivej 23, 2800 Lyngby.
Where does the boat ride end?
The ride ends back at the starting point, Den Fælleskommunale Bådfart.
How long is the ticket valid?
The ticket is valid for one day. Check availability for the starting times on your chosen date.
Can I get on and off the boat?
Yes. You can hop 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 across Mølleåen, Lyngby Lake, and Bagsværd Lake.
Is the experience available in English?
The host or greeter speaks Danish. An English pamphlet about the main sights is included.
Are young children charged for a ticket?
Children aged 0 to 5 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
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