Store Økssø

Store Økssø is a 33-hectare forest lake centrally located in Rold Skov between Arden and Skørping in Rebild municipality. It belongs to the rare natural type Brown-water lake, which despite the brown color is completely pure; the brown color is due to a high content of humic acids.

Two marshes at Store Økssø, Havemosen north of the lake and St. Økssø Mose west of the lake, are part of an EU-funded nature conservation project Life High Marshes, totalling 142 ha. The lake is part of Natura 2000 area No 18 Rold Skov, Lindenborg Ådal and Madum Sø and is both a habitat area and a bird protection area.

It has been a very popular destination, as it is located near the railway, where until 1972 there was a footbridge, established in 1870, so people could take the train from nearby towns, such as Aalborg or Hobro, and get directly to the beautifully situated lake.There is a bathing bridge and a cabin that in winter serves as a sauna for winter bathers. Fishing is permitted with a fishing licence and pike, perch and eel can be caught.