Suddenly, floodings and unpleasant odors became Damhusengen’s unwelcome guests in the 1920s and 1930s. We are standing at Damhusengen. It is a green space with a fascinating history. Once, this recreational area was part of Damhus Lake.
Let’s journey back to the Middle Ages. Damhus Lake was artificially created then. A dam was built on the Harrestrup River. The first mention of the lake is from 1561. King Frederick II gave it to the University of Copenhagen.
By 1618, the lake played a role in Copenhagen’s water supply. It was then known as Langevadsdam. This name came from the “Lange vad” or “long ford” south of the lake. The southern shoreline we see now was created in 1620-21. An embankment was built for the new Roskilde Road. It protected the road from floods. It also secured Copenhagen’s water supply by raising the lake’s water level. The water flowed into St. Jørgen’s Lake. It went through the artificial Ladegård Canal.
Roskilde Road was a toll road until 1915. A building called Langevadsdamhuset served as a toll house. People called it Damhuset. Around 1800, the lake gradually got its current name from this toll house.
Another change came in 1849. An embankment was built across the lake. This separated it into two parts.
Then, in 1938, a major decision was made. The city decided to regulate Harestrup Å. This was due to frequent floodings and bad smells. This happened when the city established Vigerslevparken. The stream was disconnected from the northern part of the lake. This area was known as Bagsøen or “The Rear Lake”. It was drained and became today’s Damhusengen. By 1941, both the lake and Damhusengen became a public park. They were protected by the Conservation Authority in 1966.
Originally, Damhusengen and the lake were one wetland. Together, they covered 75 hectares. In 1855, Copenhagen Municipality took over the area. They carried out extensive regulations. The lake was surrounded by embankments. This allowed for an increase in water level. It also protected surrounding fields. A canal was created along the eastern side of the northern part of the lake. Back then, this was called “bagsøen”. This canal diverted water from Harrestrup Å. Later, a dam was built across the lake. This fully separated Damhusengen from the lake.
In 1936, a proposal was published by Oluf Forchhammer. It suggested securing green spaces for recreation. These spaces should connect to beaches, lakes, and streams. The proposal envisioned green paths for pedestrians and cyclists. It highlighted the western park belt. This belt stretched along Harrestrupaadalen and Damhusaadalen. It also noted the population growth in Rødovre and Hvidovre. Damhusengen was already considered a recreational area.
Finally, Damhusengen was drained in 1941. The lake and meadow were protected together in 1966.
Today, Damhusengen stands as a testament to Copenhagen’s evolving landscape. It is a recreational area born from a lake’s transformation. It reminds us of the city’s efforts to manage water and create green spaces for its residents. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of nature and history here at Damhusengen.