Safirsøen (Sapphire Lake) – peaceful lake in a former clay pit near Hasle
Safirsøen (Danish for “sapphire lake”) is one of the colourful ponds formed by former workings south of Hasle — today a calm, easily reached lake in Sandflugtsskoven forest, popular with families and anglers. The poetic name evokes the colour of the water; nearby lie Rubinsøen, Smaragdsøen and Pyritsøen — the whole area of former clay pits and mines shapes the distinctive landscape of western Bornholm.
Former clay pit of Hasle Klinker- og Chamottestensfabrik
The lake formed in the pit left after clay was extracted between 1968 and 1975 for Hasle Klinker- og Chamottestensfabrik — a brick and refractory materials factory. Suitable clay was never found, so work was soon abandoned and the pit naturally filled with water. Because extraction lasted a relatively short time, Safirsøen is not a deep lake — rather a shallow woodland pond surrounded by the pine stands of Sandflugtsskoven, where pine forests spread on dune sands in the 19th century.
Walks, fishing and family outings
Safirsøen is a good spot for a short trip with children or a quiet pause on a hike across western Bornholm. The shores are easy to reach, and Sandflugtsskoven offers forest paths that link into the wider network of walking routes around Hasle and Sorthat.
The lake is also known among anglers — there are plenty of fish, though usually smaller than in Smaragdsøen; according to tourist information no fishing licence is required. In and around the water live the Bornholm latterfrø (laughing toad) and common toads — on summer evenings you may hear their characteristic “laughter” during the breeding season.
Nearby: Rubinsøen and other “mining lakes”
Safirsøen lies in the group of vividly named lakes from former workings south of Hasle — alongside Rubinsøen (a former coal mine), Smaragdsøen and Pyritsøen. The same area includes famous Kultippen with its “lunar” landscape — worth combining a visit to Safirsøen with a short walk between the ponds.
Good to know about Safirsøen
- Former clay pit (1968–1975) – Hasle Klinker- og Chamottestensfabrik
- Shallower lake after a short extraction period; naturally flooded with water
- Good for fishing (fish smaller than in Smaragdsøen); no fishing licence required
- Population of Bornholm laughing toad (latterfrø) and common toads
- Location: Sandflugtsskoven, Sorthat – south of Hasle
Lokalizacja
| Safirsøen | |
| Havvej, Sorthat, 3790 Hasle | |
| The lake lies in Sandflugtsskoven forest in the Sorthat area south of Hasle. Reach it on foot or by bike along forest roads; other former mining ponds are nearby (Rubinsøen, Smaragdsøen, Pyritsøen). | |
| No large car park directly at the lake — it is easiest to leave your car in Hasle and walk or cycle in along forest paths. |
