Ål Præstesø

Denmark Lake 1 - Excellent

Ål Præstesø is a brown-water lake located in the western part of Varde Municipality, approximately 1 km northwest of Oksbøl. The lake covers approximately 11.2 hectares with a maximum depth of about 3.5 metres. Swimming is permitted throughout the lake, though it is primarily used for put-and-take fishing rather than as a designated bathing beach. The lake underwent restoration between 1997 and 2000, during which approximately 48,000 cubic metres of nutrient-rich and ochre-laden sediment was removed from the lake bottom. The lake bed is now covered with aquatic plants, including rare species such as Lobelia dortmanna and shore dock.

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Water

Brown-water lake with an area of approximately 11.2 hectares and a maximum depth of approximately 3.5 metres. The lake has two inflows on its eastern end and one outflow on its western end. One inflow comes from Barnsø to the northeast and the other from Præstegården to the east; the eastern watercourse now carries only rainwater and surface water from Oksbøl Nord.

Location

Western part of Varde Municipality, approximately 1 km northwest of Oksbøl. Parking available at Præstegårdsvej approximately 150 metres north of the lake. Access to the lake is via a trail system, but this access is not suitable for wheelchairs, people with mobility difficulties, or prams.

Water Quality

Water quality classification: Excellent. This classification is based on analysis of bathing water samples from the last four years, testing for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci as indicator bacteria. The classification has been Excellent for each year from 2020 to 2023. Blooms of bacteria and algae are not a problem in the lake, as it is no longer highly nutrient-rich following restoration work.

Risks

Birds that frequent the lake (migratory birds) may contaminate the water, though this is not assessed as a significant problem. People with certain chronic diseases or weakened immune systems should be especially vigilant and consult a doctor if they become ill after bathing. Bathers are encouraged to contact Varde Municipality's operations department if significant algal blooms or other pollution are observed.