A public hiking trail surrounds the lake, whose landscape varies from wide meadows and reed beds to dense woods.

There are several garden allotments ("kolonihaver" in Danish) near Brabrand Lake and it is a popular recreational spot.

[8] Local rowing and kayaking clubs have used the lake for practice and larger regattas for many years.

In 2005, Maria Pertl won silver in the World Rowing Championships in collaboration with Juliane Elander Rasmussen.

The excessive nutrients originate from waste water and agricultural activities and pose a constant environmental threat to the surrounding ecology and the Bay of Aarhus.

Phosphor is a key element in the eutrophication process but a valuable resource on its own and the water treatment plant is among only a few in the world to engage with this.

[13][14] It is hoped that the rich fen ecology which formerly characterized the lake, and is a threatened nature-type in general, can be restored in the future.

[2][15][16] The groundwater beneath and adjoining Brabrand Lake is very important, as it provides drinking water to more than 100,000 people in the greater Aarhus area.

[17] As a result, the waters in Brabrand Lake and the Aarhus River attained bathing quality in September 2012.

In prehistoric times, Brabrand Lake was part of a deep brackish water fjord, offering natural protection and food in abundance.