Birke Sø

Denmark Lake 1 - Excellent

Birke Sø is a freshwater lake approximately 250 metres long and 100 metres wide, located near Dalgas plantation and Gammelstrup Hede in hilly terrain. The bathing area features a sandy and soft bottom with clear water, becoming relatively deep quickly, though a designated bathing pier provides a shallow bathing area. The shoreline is 3–5 metres wide with sand and grass, bordered by trees and shrubs, with a large grassed recreational area.

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Water

Freshwater lake approximately 2 hectares in area, 250 metres long and 100 metres wide. The lake has no inlets or outlets and water depth increases relatively quickly from the shore, though a designated bathing pier provides shallow water. Water temperature in summer ranges from 15–23 degrees Celsius. The bottom is sandy and soft.

Location

Birke Sø is located near Stoholm, approximately 3 kilometres to the south. The lake is accessible from Highway 26, which runs between Skive and Viborg. Parking available on-site.

Facilities

Parking area, toilet, tables and benches, waste bins, bathing pier, and grilling/campfire area.

Season

Routine monitoring occurs during the bathing season. Optimal conditions for algal growth can occur from April to October.

Water Quality

Water quality classification for 2023 is Excellent, based on data from 2020–2023. Routine monitoring during the bathing season measures E. coli and enterococci bacteria. The lake's overall ecological status is classified as Poor, as per state water area management plans 2022–2027, though this does not reflect bathing water safety. Monitoring shows leaching of nutrients and pesticides from agricultural areas in the catchment, but not at levels causing direct problems for bathing water quality.

Risks

Algal blooms occur regularly in the lake due to nutrient loading; risk of problems with algae is present during warm, calm, sunny weather from April to October. Blue-green algae may cause problems, particularly in late summer after extended warm and sunny periods, though none have been observed in the last 4 years. Occasional glass shards and litter may occur at the beach.