Borgerhaven – Small Green Oasis in Kolding City Centre
A small 1930s garden tucked behind historic walls, where flowers, old brickwork and a cannonball in the gable tell Kolding’s story in a single quiet courtyard.
Tucked just off Helligkorsgade in Kolding’s historic centre, Borgerhaven is a compact garden laid out in the 1930s as a calm retreat from city life. Enclosed by the town’s oldest citizens’ house, Det Gamle Borgerhus, the space blends flowerbeds, mature shrubs and benches with a tangible sense of local history, including a cannonball embedded in a gable wall from the 1849 Battle of Kolding. It is an inviting pause point for a quiet break, a short stroll or a moment of contemplation between sights.
A brief summary to Borgerhaven
- Helligkorsgade 20B, Kolding, 6000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Take a moment to locate the cannonball set into the gable wall above the garden; it is a rare, tangible trace of the 1849 Battle of Kolding.
- Combine a short stop in Borgerhaven with a wider stroll along Helligkorsgade and nearby historic streets to appreciate the contrast between busy city life and this calm courtyard.
- Visit in late spring or summer for the most colourful flower displays, when the planting softens the edges of the old buildings and the benches are most inviting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Local bus from Kolding Station
From Kolding Station, several city bus lines run toward the central area around Akseltorv and Helligkorsgade, with journeys typically taking 5–10 minutes depending on the route and traffic. A single adult ticket within the city zone usually costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day but less often in the evening, and you should expect short walks on mainly flat, paved streets from the nearest stop to the garden.
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On foot from central Kolding
If you are already in central Kolding, Borgerhaven is best reached on foot as part of a stroll through the historic streets. Walking from Kolding Station to the garden takes roughly 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace along mostly level, paved routes. Surfaces are generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though sections of cobblestone near the older streets may feel a little uneven.
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Bicycle within Kolding
Cycling is a convenient way to reach the area from residential districts around Kolding, with typical journey times of 5–20 minutes depending on distance. The city has a mix of cycle lanes and calm side streets, and you will need to dismount and walk your bike the last short stretch through the pedestrianised centre. Many visitors use free public racks near the main shopping streets, and there is no additional cost beyond any bicycle rental you may already have arranged.
Borgerhaven location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Borgerhaven
A hidden courtyard in the heart of Kolding
Borgerhaven sits just behind Helligkorsgade, one of Kolding’s most characterful old streets, and feels almost like a secret once you step inside. Shielded from the traffic and everyday bustle, this modest garden opens as a sheltered courtyard framed by historic buildings. Flowerbeds, shrubs and small lawns soften the edges, while gravel paths lead you past low borders and simple planting. The atmosphere is deliberately unhurried. A few benches are positioned to catch both sun and shade, inviting you to sit with a book, a coffee or simply your thoughts. Despite its central location, the garden retains a quiet, almost introspective feel that contrasts with the busy shopping streets only a short walk away.A 1930s garden with deep local roots
The garden was laid out in the 1930s as a civic space, intended to give residents a green breathing hole in the middle of town. Modest in scale, it focuses on seasonal flower displays and clear sightlines rather than elaborate landscaping. Beds of perennials and annuals bring changing colour through spring and summer, while hardy shrubs and climbers keep structure in the colder months. This simple planting scheme reflects the period in which Borgerhaven was created, when many Danish towns invested in accessible public gardens. The result is a place that feels both nostalgic and practical: easy to maintain, yet still full of small details that reward a closer look as you wander past.The backdrop of Det Gamle Borgerhus
One side of the garden is dominated by Det Gamle Borgerhus, the Old Citizens’ House, regarded as one of Kolding’s oldest preserved townhouses. Its timbered façade and steep roof form a striking contrast with the soft greenery in front. The building has had many roles over the centuries, from civic meeting place to municipal office, and today it often hosts cultural activities and exhibitions. Viewed from Borgerhaven, the house becomes almost like a living backdrop. Architectural details such as leaded windows, exposed beams and brickwork can be appreciated at close range, giving a sense of how Kolding’s merchants and citizens once lived and worked around this courtyard.A cannonball and echoes of the Three-Year War
History is literally set into the walls here: in one of the gables overlooking Borgerhaven, a cannonball from the Battle of Kolding in 1849 is embedded in the masonry. This relic from the Three-Year War between Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein is easy to overlook at first glance, yet it adds a dramatic layer to the otherwise peaceful surroundings. The contrast between the tranquil garden and this fragment of conflict is striking. It offers a tangible reminder that Kolding’s streets and houses once stood on a frontier of political upheaval, and that everyday buildings have borne witness to events far larger than themselves.A quiet pause between city sights
Borgerhaven is not a place for big attractions or extensive facilities; instead, it excels as a brief, restorative stop woven into a wider exploration of the city. Visitors often pass through on their way between Akseltorv, Helligkorsgade and other historic corners, using the garden as a spot to rest their feet or enjoy a packed snack. Because of its compact size, visits tend to be short, but the space lends itself well to sketching, photography or simply observing the play of light on old brick and foliage. For families, it can be a manageable, enclosed place for younger children to pause, while adults appreciate the combination of greenery and built heritage.Seasonal moods in a compact green space
Throughout the year, Borgerhaven changes character with the seasons. Spring brings fresh leaves and early blossoms that brighten the beds, while summer sees the garden at its most colourful, with flowers spilling over low borders. In autumn, warm tones in the planting echo the deep reds and browns of the surrounding brickwork. Even in winter, when the beds are subdued, the strong architectural lines of Det Gamle Borgerhus and the quiet of the courtyard create a contemplative mood. Whatever the season, the garden remains a gentle reminder that even in the densest part of the city, a small, thoughtfully kept green space can shift the pace of your day.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Borchs Gård
0.2 km
A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
Saint Nicolas Church
0.3 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
0.4 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Kolding St.
0.5 km
The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
0.5 km
St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.
Saint Michaels Church
0.6 km
A modest 19th-century Catholic red-brick church in central Kolding, offering quiet reflection, intimate architecture and a glimpse of Denmark’s Catholic life.
Fredericia Vold
19.8 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Troldborg Ring
22.7 km
Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.
Vejle Vindmølle
23.7 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
VisitVejle
24.5 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
The Midgård Well
24.9 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum
26.1 km
Discover ancient artefacts and hidden history at Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum in Haderslev—a fascinating window into Denmark's past from the Stone Age to Vikings.
Tirsbæk Gods
27.0 km
Experience Tirsbæk Gods, an enchanting Renaissance estate on Vejle Fjord offering historic architecture, idyllic gardens, and immersive events in Denmark’s scenic countryside.
Træskohage fyr
27.3 km
An awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral at the heart of Odense, steeped in royal history as Denmark’s only sainted king’s final resting place.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
30.0 km
Experience contemporary art in Vejle's historic 1950s vending machine gallery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Helligkorsgade 18
0.0 km
A beloved, free-entry family park in central Kolding featuring creative playgrounds, lakeside pedal boats, mini-golf, picnic spots, and open-air relaxation for all ages.
The Passage
0.1 km
Encounter the legacy of pioneering sculptor Anne Marie Carl Nielsen through this evocative public artwork in the vibrant central square of Kolding.
The Spanish stairs
0.2 km
A broad, tile-clad staircase with Lin Utzon’s art, the Spanish Stairs link Kolding’s old streets to its castle hill in a gently Mediterranean-feeling urban pause.
Anne Marie Carl Nielsen
0.2 km
Intimate bronze tribute to Denmark’s trailblazing female sculptor, quietly anchoring Kolding’s central square amid markets, daily life and shifting Jutland light.
Little Kolding Å Park
0.2 km
A small, quiet green pocket along Kolding Å where river, trees and town meet, perfect for a brief pause, a dog walk or a gentle riverside stroll.
Galleri Pagter
0.2 km
Intimate gallery in the heart of Kolding showcasing distinctive Danish ceramics and graphic art in a calm, carefully curated setting.
Stable Yard
0.3 km
Historic whitewashed stables turned city museum, where royal horses, design heritage and Denmark’s only preserved Gestapo cell share one atmospheric courtyard.
Guldtunnel
0.3 km
A once-ordinary underpass turned into a glowing golden light tunnel, Guldtunnelen adds a surprising touch of playful design to everyday Kolding strolls.
Koldinghus
0.3 km
A 750‑year‑old royal fortress reborn as an award‑winning museum, where raw brick ruins, modern timber and sweeping tower views tell the story of Denmark in one castle.
Castle Garden
0.3 km
A tranquil belt of lawns, trees and lake reflections wrapped around Koldinghus, where everyday life and 750 years of castle history share the same green hillside.
Søpromenaden
0.4 km
A modest lakeside ribbon where central Kolding slows down, Søpromenaden offers a quiet urban waterside walk, everyday greenery, and simple benches by the shore.
Old Cemetery
0.5 km
Historic 1806 cemetery turned tranquil green refuge, where copper beeches, cast‑iron fences and war memorials quietly tell two centuries of Kolding’s story.
Slotssøen
0.5 km
A small castle lake with big atmosphere, Slotssøen pairs medieval walls, swans and leafy paths to create Kolding’s most quietly evocative waterside walk.
Mindesten for Kolding Havns 100 Års Jubilæum
0.5 km
Discover 'Uffe hin Spage,' Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen's iconic bronze statue in Kolding's Byparken, celebrating Danish folklore and artistic heritage.
Springvandet ved slotssøbadet
0.6 km
Et moderne springvand på Slotsøens overflade, hvor vandsøjler, borgsilhuet og byliv mødes i et kort, gratis åndehul midt i Koldings historiske hjerte.
Essential places to dine
A Hereford Beefstouw - Kolding
0.0 km
Classic Danish steakhouse dining in Kolding’s second-oldest gabled house, where expertly grilled beef meets candlelit old-town atmosphere and a serious wine list.
Naz Barbecue Restaurant
0.0 km
Authentic Turkish barbecue in central Kolding—casual, accessible, and expertly grilled.
Spirit Sushi
0.1 km
Authentic Japanese sushi crafted with precision and fresh ingredients in central Kolding
Den Blå Bistro
0.1 km
French-inspired bistro at the heart of Kolding, blending classic Gallic dishes, Danish ingredients and a cosy, candlelit atmosphere ideal for both lunch and long dinners.
Rafaels Restaurant
0.1 km
Cosy Italian restaurant on Kolding’s historic Slotsgade, serving generous pizzas, pastas and classic dishes in a warm, lively setting ideal for dinners and celebrations.
the mokka café
0.1 km
Modern Danish hygge in a hidden city passage, blending generous brunches, café classics and cocktails in a warm, all‑day living room in the heart of Kolding.
Kål&co
0.1 km
Bright, veggie-forward café on Kolding’s Slotsgade, turning seasonal greens into hearty salad bowls, pitas and panini in a relaxed, modern setting.
Vinbaren Kolding
0.1 km
Discover the perfect blend of fine wines and tantalizing tapas at Vinbaren Kolding - your cozy retreat in Denmark.
Xin Chào Vietnamese Restaurant
0.1 km
Compact, central and casually modern, Xin Chào brings steaming pho, crisp dumplings and fresh Vietnamese flavours to Kolding’s historic Slotsgade every evening.
Cafe Marcello's
0.1 km
All‑day cafe‑restaurant in central Kolding serving generous brunches, burgers, pasta and steaks in a relaxed, sociable setting just off the river.
Restaurant Over Aaen
0.2 km
Casual Spanish‑inspired dining with brunch, tapas and steaks served on a heated year‑round terrace overlooking Kolding’s central stream and pedestrian street.
Restaurant Johansens
0.2 km
Refined Danish smørrebrød and modern Nordic plates in an intimate, candlelit dining room at the heart of Kolding’s historic center.
Madkassen
0.2 km
Hearty pizzas, grill favorites and ice cream in the heart of Kolding, a casual local spot that fuels busy days and late nights in the city center.
Bone's Kolding
0.2 km
Bustling American-style BBQ joint in central Kolding, serving big plates, salad bar and soft-ice in a memorabilia-filled setting made for easygoing family meals.
Skagen Fiskerestaurant Kolding
0.2 km
Fresh fish and shellfish with a Skagen harbour feel, served in a bright, maritime restaurant on Kolding’s historic Akseltorv market square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kims Kiosk Skateshop - Koldings skatebutik
0.0 km
Core skate shop and community hub in central Kolding, blending boards, shoes and streetwear with the laid-back energy of a classic Danish kiosk.
Red Barnet genbrugsbutik
0.0 km
Compact, community-driven second-hand shop in central Kolding where bargain hunting, sustainability and support for Save the Children come together under one roof.
HARRESØ
0.0 km
An intimate Kolding concept store where Scandinavian minimalism meets international menswear, blending gallery-like interiors with a sharply curated selection of designer brands.
Kul og Koks
0.1 km
Intimate Kolding menswear boutique pairing Scandinavian simplicity with curated, ready-to-wear outfits for everyday life and special occasions.
Rituals
0.1 km
A softly lit Rituals boutique on Østergade in Kolding, where serene design, layered scents and thoughtful gift sets turn everyday routines into small indulgent rituals.
Janne K Kolding
0.1 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering seasonal clothing and accessories in central Kolding.
Sinnerup Kolding
0.1 km
Scandinavian design, contemporary living, and lifestyle inspiration under one expansive roof.
Kop & Kande Kolding C
0.1 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Only
0.1 km
Compact, trend-focused ONLY store in central Kolding, offering accessible Scandinavian women’s fashion, strong on denim and everyday outfits for quick wardrobe updates.
Bog & idé Kolding City
0.1 km
Central Kolding’s one-stop book and gift shop, combining Danish reads, games, stationery, hobby items and handy photo services in a bright, well-organised space.
Femina Tønder ApS
0.1 km
A central Kolding women’s clothing shop offering practical, Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion in a compact, easy-to-browse high-street space.
DNA Kolding
0.1 km
Stylish menswear and footwear in the heart of Kolding's downtown shopping district.
Store No 1b ApS
0.1 km
Boutique fashion in the heart of Kolding's charming pedestrian shopping district.
Gundtoft KOLDING CITY
0.1 km
Elegant women's fashion in Kolding's design-forward city centre, featuring curated Danish and international brands.
Filurfifi
0.2 km
A cosy Kolding design boutique filled with playful ceramics, Nordic home décor and character-inspired gifts for women, children and the home.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
0.1 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
Vegas Bet & Beer
0.1 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
The Cavern
0.1 km
A cozy, low-lit lounge tucked inside Den Engelske Pub, offering intimate drinks, warm conversation and a calm escape from Kolding’s lively weekend nightlife.
The Old Irish pub
0.2 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
Rabalder Bar Kolding
0.2 km
Small, loud and laid-back, Rabalder Bar Kolding delivers sing-along hits, cheeky drink deals and late-night energy in a compact, central Kolding setting.
Knuds Garage
0.2 km
Garage‑themed neighborhood bar in central Kolding with affordable drinks, board games, foosball and a cozy courtyard that turns evenings into easygoing social nights.
8eren
0.2 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Jernbanecaféen
0.2 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
Papegøjen
0.4 km
A no-frills corner bodega in central Kolding where cold beer, card games and easy conversation keep the classic Danish pub culture very much alive.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
0.4 km
Unpretentious Kolding bodega in a former girls’ school, serving cold beer, nostalgic “mormor” music and everyday hygge in a cosy red-brick corner bar.
Domhuset Sportsbar
0.6 km
Straightforward Kolding sports bar with darts, big screens and cold beers in a relaxed pub setting on central Låsbygade.
Jazz 6000
0.6 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
Kontoret Øl og Vinstue
0.7 km
Atmospheric Kolding bar in a historic townhouse, pouring beer and wine in warmly lit, wood‑paneled rooms that feel like the city’s convivial living room.
Snapstinget
1.1 km
One of Kolding’s oldest pubs, Snapstinget pairs ice-cold beer with billiards, darts and a warmly local atmosphere on a quiet street off the city’s sports grounds.
Daddys's Pub
1.2 km
Cosy neighborhood pub on Tvedvej in Kolding, serving cold beers, bar‑side conversation and a generous dose of everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Discoteque Tordenskiold
0.2 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
0.2 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
0.4 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Koldingtivet Engen
0.6 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
9.3 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
Fishi
14.4 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
AHA Livestage
19.8 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
21.3 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
NOX Network Ltd.
21.8 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
temabar APS 23-05
24.7 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
42.4 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
45.4 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
PDD
46.8 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Oskar hossman
47.4 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Sölibat Natklub
47.7 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly