Søndermarken, Frederiksberg
A former royal hunting ground turned woodland-style city refuge, Søndermarken blends hilly greenery, hidden monuments and the underground art venue Cisternerne.
Søndermarken is a gently hilly, woodland-style park in Frederiksberg, just across Roskildevej from the formal lawns of Frederiksberg Gardens. Once a royal hunting ground for Frederiksberg Palace in the 18th century, today it is a wilder, more intimate green escape with old trees, meadow-like grass, a playground, historic monuments and the atmospheric underground art space Cisternerne housed in former water cisterns.
A brief summary to Søndermarken
- Pile Allé 55, Frederiksberg, 2000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Pair a walk in Søndermarken with a visit to Cisternerne to experience the contrast between sunlit woodland and the cool, cavernous art space below.
- Bring comfortable shoes; the park’s hilly, mostly unpaved paths are ideal for strolling and jogging but can be uneven and muddy after rain.
- Visit around early morning or late afternoon for softer light through the trees and a good chance of spotting or hearing birdlife such as owls.
- If travelling with children, allow extra time at the playground and open lawns, and consider packing a simple picnic to enjoy in the clearings.
- In cooler months, layer up; the dense tree cover and wind exposure on the hills can make the park feel colder than surrounding streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro to Frederiksberg station, then transfer to a bus heading along Roskildevej towards the zoo area; the combined journey typically takes 20–30 minutes. A standard adult ticket for the necessary zones usually costs around 24–36 DKK, and services run frequently during the day. From the nearest bus stop, expect a short, gently sloping walk on paved paths into Søndermarken, suitable for most visitors including those with strollers.
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S-train and walk from Valby
Take an S-train to Valby station, one of the main local hubs west of the centre, and walk from there to the park in about 15–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route uses ordinary city pavements with some gradual inclines and is manageable for most fitness levels, though it may feel longer for young children. A single S-train ticket within the city typically costs 24–30 DKK depending on zones, and trains run every few minutes throughout the day.
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Bicycle within Copenhagen and Frederiksberg
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to reach Søndermarken from neighbourhoods like Vesterbro, Nørrebro or the inner city, with typical travel times of 10–25 minutes depending on your starting point. Copenhagen’s network of dedicated bike lanes makes the ride straightforward, though you should be comfortable sharing space with other cyclists and occasional traffic. Renting a city bike or standard bicycle usually costs from about 75–150 DKK per day, and you can park at bike stands near the park’s edges before continuing on foot.
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Taxi from central areas
A taxi from central Copenhagen or the main station area to Søndermarken generally takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic, and drops you near one of the park entrances along the bordering streets. Fares typically range between 120 and 220 DKK, with surcharges in late evenings or on holidays. This option offers a direct, step-free approach for travellers with limited mobility, though once inside the park some paths are gravel and may be uneven.
Søndermarken location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
- Snow
Discover more about Søndermarken
A royal hunting ground turned city refuge
Laid out in the 18th century as part of the landscape around Frederiksberg Palace, Søndermarken began life as the king’s private hunting terrain rather than a public park. Its name, “The Southern Field,” hints at those earlier days when it formed the southern flank of the palace grounds and was only occasionally opened to select members of society. Over time, access widened, and by the mid-19th century the gates stood open in daylight hours, a symbolic shift from royal preserve to common green. That layered past is still tangible as you wander under the tall canopy. The broad clearings and long sightlines echo aristocratic hunting rides, while the more naturalistic planting reflects changing ideas about landscape design. Today the park sits between Frederiksberg and Valby, a bridge of greenery along the edge of the Carlsberg district, yet it still feels slightly removed from the surrounding streets.Wooded paths and quietly dramatic terrain
Søndermarken’s character is defined by its gently rolling topography and forest-like atmosphere. Instead of manicured flowerbeds, you find winding paths, clusters of mature beech and other old trees, and pockets of long, meadow-style grass alive with insects in summer. The hills are modest but enough to offer changing viewpoints, occasional glimpses of Frederiksberg Palace, and the sense of entering and leaving different rooms of green. Birdlife thrives here; owls and other species make use of the dense tree cover, and their calls can sometimes be heard in the softer hours of the day. Joggers and dog walkers trace familiar loops through the woods, while open lawns invite picnics and informal games. Compared with the neighbouring Frederiksberg Gardens, the mood is less formal, more introspective, as if the city has stepped back a little.Hidden histories beneath the grass
One of Søndermarken’s most intriguing stories lies underground. Beneath a section of the park sits a complex of former water cisterns, once part of Copenhagen’s early clean-water infrastructure. These vast, cool chambers no longer hold drinking water; instead they host Cisternerne, an art venue where contemporary exhibitions play with darkness, echo and moisture in a uniquely atmospheric setting. Elsewhere, the park is dotted with monuments and memorials that speak to Denmark’s broader narratives. A memorial mound funded by Danish emigrants commemorates those who left the country, its turf-covered form hiding an interior chamber reached along a narrow passage. Statues at key axes recall figures from the nation’s cultural and political life, subtly linking the landscape to the country’s intellectual history.A playground of light, shadow and everyday life
Despite the weight of history, Søndermarken functions first and foremost as a lived-in urban park. A children’s playground tucked among the trees gives families a natural setting to play, while the mix of shade and sunlit clearings means you can seek coolness on hot days or find a patch of light in winter. Seasonal changes are pronounced: spring brings fresh greens to the canopy, summer turns lawns into social spaces, autumn sets the foliage ablaze with colour, and winter strips the landscape back to its sculptural bones. The park’s design encourages both movement and lingering. Runners follow soft, looped routes on gravel paths, and informal benches and low walls invite you to pause and watch. The slightly wilder planting, part of modern efforts to blend urban nature with cultural heritage, gives the sense that the park is allowed to breathe and evolve rather than present a static picture.Between palace gardens, zoo and Carlsberg district
Location is part of Søndermarken’s appeal. It forms a green counterpart to the more formal Frederiksberg Gardens directly across Roskildevej, while Copenhagen Zoo lies just beyond, its sounds occasionally drifting over the trees. To the west, the Carlsberg area adds an industrial-heritage backdrop of brick towers and converted brewery buildings, making the park a natural pause point between cultural visits. This position also makes Søndermarken an easy choice for a short restorative walk or a longer half-day that includes an underground art experience. Whether you are cutting through on your way elsewhere or arriving with the park as your main goal, the impression is of a slightly wilder pocket of green that still carries traces of royal ceremony beneath its roots.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Elefantporten
0.6 km
Four monumental granite elephants carry a historic brewery tower on their backs, blending whimsy, symbolism and industrial heritage in the heart of Carlsberg Byen.
Storm P. Museum
0.7 km
Delve into the world of Danish humor and satirical art at the Storm P. Museum, where whimsical cartoons, eccentric inventions, and cultural history come alive in Frederiksberg.
CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
0.9 km
Scandinavia's largest cemetery: a 54-hectare landscape of history, architecture, and remembrance in Copenhagen.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
0.9 km
Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Møstings Hus
0.9 km
Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
1.0 km
Brick-clad beacon of Frederiksberg’s independence, this 1950s functionalist town hall blends civic power, mid‑century Danish design and views across leafy Copenhagen.
Enghaveparken
1.2 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Frihedsstøtten
2.5 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Cykelslangen
2.5 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Copenhagen Central Station
2.6 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
2.6 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Folkets Park
2.7 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
2.7 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Havneholmen 33
2.7 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Tivoli Gardens
2.8 km
Discover the magic of Tivoli Gardens, a historic theme park in Copenhagen that offers thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and captivating performances.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cisterns in Søndermarken
0.1 km
Discover Danish celebrity history and culture under the trees of Frederiksberg Allé, where handprints and names honor the stars of Denmark’s stage and screen.
Copenhagen Zoo
0.2 km
Historic canal in Indre By weaving past royal palaces, stately bridges, and cultural icons—offering tranquil walks and quintessential Copenhagen views.
Frederiksberg Palace
0.2 km
Renaissance splendor, regal treasures, and royal intrigue await within Rosenborg Castle, set amid the enchanting King’s Garden in central Copenhagen.
Frederiksberg Gardens
0.5 km
Royal waterways, baroque palaces, and pacifier traditions in Copenhagen's most romantic green escape.
The Hill House Museum
0.5 km
Step into a preserved Danish Golden Age home where intimate rooms, a romantic garden and literary memories of Hans Christian Andersen bring 19th‑century Frederiksberg to life.
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
0.7 km
Step into the original 1847 Carlsberg brewery for immersive beer history, interactive exhibits, courtyard drinks and encounters with the brewery’s iconic draught horses.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
1.0 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Allé
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s historic royal boulevard, where linden trees, theatres and elegant facades lead from city bustle to the green calm of Frederiksberg Gardens.
Falkonerbrønden
1.4 km
A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Landbohøjskolens Have
1.6 km
A 19th‑century university horticultural garden in Frederiksberg, where scientific plant collections and everyday park life blend into a calm green refuge.
Værnedamsvej
1.6 km
Copenhagen’s “Little Paris”: a short, atmospheric street where historic food shops, French-inflected cafés and design boutiques create an intimate, everyday city buzz.
Folkehuset Absalon
1.7 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.8 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Det Ny Teater
2.0 km
Historic Belle Époque playhouse turned musical powerhouse, Det Ny Teater blends gilded grandeur, modern stagecraft and big‑scale productions in the heart of Copenhagen.
Istedgade
2.0 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Essential places to dine
Enomania
0.5 km
Intimate Italian restaurant in Frederiksberg celebrated for expertly paired wine menus, exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, and an atmospheric, welcoming dining experience.
Hansens Gamle Familiehave
0.5 km
Hansens Gamle Familiehave—a historic Frederiksberg garden restaurant famed for classic Danish cuisine, family-friendly charm, and over 170 years of tradition in scenic surroundings.
Restaurant Frederiks Have
1.0 km
Frederiksberg’s cherished fine dining hub, blending Nordic tradition with modern cuisine in a welcoming, neighborhood setting—perfect for an authentic Danish gastronomic experience.
Ewalds Brasserie
1.0 km
Classic Danish-French brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, offering seasonal menus, a cozy atmosphere, and stunning garden views for an authentic local dining experience.
Café Lindevang
1.2 km
A beloved Frederiksberg institution, Café Lindevang serves up hearty Danish classics and authentic smørrebrød in cozy, vintage surroundings steeped in local charm.
Frederik the VI
1.3 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Restaurant Polly København
1.5 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
Bevi Bevi
1.6 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Spuntino
1.8 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Madklubben Vesterbro
1.8 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Delphine
2.0 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Cofoco
2.1 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Paté Paté
2.1 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Maple Casual Dining
2.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
Je t'aime
2.1 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
0.9 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage and timeless design at discounted prices in Frederiksberg’s celebrated Royal Copenhagen Outlet, close to the city’s green heart.
Frederiksberg Centret
1.4 km
Frederiksberg Centret offers a sleek, Scandinavian shopping experience with 90+ stores, cafés, and events in the chic heart of Frederiksberg, steps from the Metro.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.8 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
Artikel København
1.8 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Funky Junky
1.8 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
2.5 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
2.5 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Souvenir Gift Shop
2.6 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Tivoli Gift Shop
2.7 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
2.8 km
Discover handpicked vintage gems and timeless fashion in the heart of Nørrebro’s creative district at Perfectly Worn Vintage, Copenhagen’s haven for unique style.
København K
2.9 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Wonderful Souvenirs
2.9 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
PRAG Nørrebro
2.9 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
Danish Souvenirs
3.0 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Carmen Copenhagen
3.0 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe Intime
0.9 km
Discover the charm of Cafe Intime, a cozy bar and cafe in Frederiksberg offering delightful drinks and a warm ambiance for every visitor.
Berlin Bar
1.2 km
Experience the eclectic vibe and creative mixology at Berlin Bar, the perfect spot for memorable nights in Frederiksberg.
JOJO
1.2 km
Colourful neighbourhood cocktail bar in Vesterbro, serving freshly crafted drinks on tap in a relaxed, sociable setting that suits pre-drinks, dates and casual nights.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
1.3 km
Experience the craft of brewing at Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar, Frederiksberg's premier destination for beer lovers with an extensive selection and vibrant atmosphere.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
1.3 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Märkbar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
bird
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
La Fée Verte
1.5 km
Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Riesen Bar
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
Tap 21 Craft Beer
1.7 km
Explore the vibrant craft beer scene at Tap 21, a cozy Frederiksberg bar offering a wide selection of local and international brews in a welcoming atmosphere.
Lidkoeb
1.7 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Amigo Bar
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.8 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Gensyn Bar
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg C at Gensyn Bar, known for its innovative cocktails and inviting atmosphere.
1656 Cocktail Bar
2.1 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Haven - Events
0.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
1.8 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
The Union
2.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
2.1 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
2.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
KB3
2.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
CristalClubCopenhagen
2.2 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Baggen
2.2 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Den Anden Side
2.5 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Moon Club
2.5 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
2.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
2.7 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
2.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Cosy Bar
2.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Temple Bar
2.9 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
