The Dons Lakes are situated 9 km northwest of Kolding. Drive towards Dons along Dons Landevej, 100 metres before the slip-road to Dons turn to the left along Søvej . Parking is best at the Soldaterbroen (the Soldiers' Bridge) on Søvej. Soldaterbroen crosses Alminde Å and separates Dons Nørresø (Dons North Lake) from Dons Søndersø (Dons South Lake).


At Dons Nørresø you can either follow the footpath of the anglers all the way around the lake. This trail of 3.5 km is not suited for walking-imparied and people in wheelchairs. The trip gives you some incredibly beautiful views of the lake, and you will be able to see a number of different birds all the year round.

The trail starts at the Soldaterbroen, where there is a lovely view of Dons Nørresø. In the cove to the left, which is called the lagoon, there are good chances to see coots and moorhens, golden crested grebes, herons and mallards can also often be seen.

After the Soldaterbroen across Alminde Å the trail follows the river to the right. From the firs and the small cabin there is a fine view of the lake and its bird lift. In a fir behind the cabin there is a kestrel nesting box.

Where the roads splits, cross the fence on the right, and follow the faint obliterated wheel track towards the lake. Here there are good chances to hear several of the birds of the forest of reeds (reed warbler, sedge warbler and the reed bunting). Follow the wheel track until you are standing opposite the 1 hectare large island ”Polden”, where 2000-3000 black-headed gulls have their breeding ground. They breed on the island from March until July, and in the autumn the island is used as resting place by grey lag-geese.

The trail continues around the lake, and at the northwest end you walk through an alder thicket, where you can see pecking traces made by the greater spotted woodpecker. At the north end you pass a small stream, and the trail moves on through a thicket with dog roses. You can make a stop here and listen to the many small birds, which live along the lake. After having passed a bridge, you are now walking along the east side of the lake on a small slope. From here you have again a view of the lake and the many birds.

Follow the small crossings around the lake until you end at Søvejen just around the edge of the forest. If you walk back along the gravel road into the deciduous forest/spruce forest you will be able to hear more of the Danish songbirds like willow warblers, yellowhammers larks, thrushes, chaffinches, goldcrests and variuous tits.

Follow the gravel road down to the Soldaterbroen and the place where you started.

The lakes can also very well be the target of a bicycle trip along the Troldhede Trail, which can be found by following small cosy roads at the Dons Lakes.