Dybbølstenen (Dybbøl Glacial Boulder), Sønderborg
A solitary Ice Age boulder resting in the fields near Dybbøl Banke, Dybbølstenen quietly links deep geological time with South Jutland’s historic landscape.
Half-hidden in the fields near Sønderborg, Dybbølstenen is a striking glacial boulder that quietly links Denmark’s deep geological past with the historic landscape of Dybbøl Banke. Carried here by Ice Age glaciers and left standing in the rolling South Jutland countryside, this protected erratic stone offers a peaceful, low-key stop for anyone exploring the famous 1864 battlefield and the surrounding hills. Expect open skies, wind in the grass and a simple, contemplative encounter with deep time.
A brief summary to Dybbølstenen
- Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear waterproof footwear in wet seasons; access to the stone usually involves walking along field margins that can be muddy or uneven.
- Combine a short stop at Dybbølstenen with visits to Dybbøl Banke and Dybbøl Mill for a fuller picture of both natural and cultural history.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light and more atmospheric photographs of the stone against the open sky.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car from Sønderborg town centre
From central Sønderborg, driving to the Dybbøl area typically takes around 10–15 minutes, using local roads that wind through low hills and farmland. Parking is usually found near the Dybbøl Banke historic area or by small lay-bys on country lanes; expect short, unsigned walks of several hundred metres along field edges to reach the stone. There is no specific parking fee in the immediate rural surroundings, but observe any local signs and avoid blocking farm access.
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Local bus and short countryside walk
Regional buses serving the Dybbøl and Sønderborg outskirts run at modest intervals during the day, with journey times from Sønderborg of about 15–25 minutes depending on the route. A standard single ticket within the local zone typically costs around 20–30 DKK. From the nearest bus stops on Dybbøl Banke or nearby village roads, expect an additional 15–25 minutes on foot along quiet lanes and farm tracks. Surfaces are mostly unpaved, so this option suits visitors comfortable with informal rural walking.
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Bicycle from Sønderborg and surroundings
Cycling from Sønderborg to the Dybbøl area is a pleasant option, taking roughly 20–30 minutes each way along lightly trafficked country roads and signposted cycle routes. The terrain is gently hilly with some short climbs. There are no dedicated bike racks at the stone itself, so bring a lock and secure your bike to a fence or sign without obstructing access. This option is free aside from bicycle rental, which in Sønderborg generally ranges from about 100–200 DKK per day depending on the type of bike.
Dybbølstenen 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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Hot Weather
- Snow
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Dybbølstenen
An Ice Age Traveller in the Dybbøl Landscape
Dybbølstenen is a large glacial erratic – a boulder transported over long distances by moving ice and deposited as the ice sheet retreated at the end of the last Ice Age. Today it rests in gently undulating farmland near Sønderborg, its rounded form and weathered surface making it stand out from the softer shapes of the surrounding fields and hedgerows. To know it was once locked inside moving ice is to see the landscape differently: this quiet corner of South Jutland was once buried beneath hundreds of metres of ice. Unlike sculpted monuments or reconstructed ramparts nearby, Dybbølstenen is entirely natural. Its dimensions are modest compared with famous Scandinavian boulders, but at close range it dominates its immediate clearing. Lichens and patches of moss cling to its surface, tracing micro‑worlds on the stone while fine fractures and crystals hint at its original bedrock far to the north. It is both an object and a story – a tangible remnant of forces that shaped the entire region.Geological Story Written in Stone
Standing beside the boulder, you are effectively reading a short chapter of Danish geology. The stone’s mineral makeup differs from the local subsoil, showing that it was imported by the ice rather than formed in situ. Subtle colour variations – perhaps grey, speckled or faintly reddish depending on the light – reveal the type of ancient rock it once belonged to before glaciers tore it free. The fields around Dybbølstenen rest on a thick cover of glacial deposits, and the boulder helps make that abstract idea visible. It anchors big concepts – ice sheets, climate shifts, erosion – in something you can touch. Many such giants were once broken for building stone; the fact that this one remains gives a rare sense of the pre‑agricultural landscape that early inhabitants would have known. On a still day, with only birdsong and the rustle of crops, it is easy to imagine Stone Age people using such a landmark to navigate or gather.Quiet Counterpoint to the Battlefield Hills
Dybbøl and its heights are famous for the 1864 battle that helped redraw the Danish‑German border, and the nearby mill, redoubts and memorials carry that history vividly. Dybbølstenen offers a very different kind of contemplation. Where the mill tells a story of artillery fire and national symbolism, the boulder speaks in slower time scales, measured not in decades but in millennia. The setting is characteristically South Jutland: open fields, distant farm buildings and low horizons that glow in soft northern light. From the stone you may glimpse the slightly higher ground of Dybbøl Banke, tying geological and cultural landscapes together in a single view. The contrast between human fortifications and this unworked block of ancient rock is part of the site’s quiet appeal.A Small, Unhurried Stop in the Countryside
A visit to Dybbølstenen is brief but rewarding. There are no formal facilities at the stone itself, and that simplicity is part of the experience. You walk a short distance along field edges, the ground usually firm but potentially muddy in wet weather, and then the boulder suddenly appears ahead of you. There is time to circle it slowly, notice how its profile changes, run your fingers over smoothed facets and rough edges, and perhaps sit nearby for a few minutes. Because it is unsupervised and unfenced, this is a place for considerate behaviour: staying on existing tracks, avoiding damage to vegetation and leaving the stone exactly as you found it. Combined with the more structured museums and memorials on Dybbøl Banke, a pause here adds a different layer to a day in the Sønderborg area – one that foregrounds nature’s long memory as much as human history.Seasonal Moods and Photographic Moments
Dybbølstenen changes character with the seasons. In spring, new growth and bright green crops almost lap against its base, while skylarks provide a constant soundtrack overhead. Summer brings warmer air, deeper colours and long evenings when the stone casts an elongated shadow. In autumn, ploughed fields and low sun emphasise its form, and in winter a dusting of frost or snow can turn it into a monochrome sculpture. Photographers will find satisfying compositions here: the isolated boulder against big skies, combining leading lines of tracks or crop rows with the solid, simple geometry of the stone. Yet even without a camera, the site invites you to pause, breathe and feel the scale of time that brought this solitary block to rest in a Danish field.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten for Røde Kors
0.6 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
King's Redoubt
0.7 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Tysk skanse X
0.7 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
1.2 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Iskonditoriet
1.6 km
Byparkens Legeplads in Roskilde fuses creative play equipment and green park scenery for a free, family-friendly experience in the heart of the historic Danish city.
Windmill
1.8 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
1.8 km
A vibrant family-friendly playground in central Roskilde, Byparkens Legeplads offers open-air fun, creativity, and relaxation in the heart of the city’s beloved Byparken.
Memory stone
1.8 km
A modest monument on Sønderborg’s town-hall square, the Memory Stone offers a quiet pause for reflection amid the everyday bustle of this historic border town.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
2.2 km
Hidden beneath Kongevej lies Sønderborg’s former Cold War nerve center, an underground command bunker built to keep the city running in times of crisis.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
2.3 km
A modest stone on Sønderborg’s former shooting range honouring two fallen wartime servicemen, inviting a brief but powerful pause for remembrance and reflection.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
3.2 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
5.5 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
29.2 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
35.2 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
35.9 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dybbøl Mill
0.4 km
Historic Dybbøl Mill: a powerful symbol atop Sønderborg’s battlefield landscape, blending dramatic heritage, immersive exhibitions, and unforgettable views over southern Denmark.
Memorial Stone for du Plat, Schau and Rosen
0.5 km
A modest stone on a Sønderborg side street commemorating three resistance fighters, offering a brief but powerful pause for reflection on Denmark’s wartime past.
Mindesten for Løjtnant Rothenborg Muus
0.5 km
Mølleparken in Sønderborg offers green open spaces, shaded paths, and playgrounds—the perfect urban escape for families, picnickers, and those seeking serenity.
Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke
0.5 km
Step onto the ridge where Denmark’s fate was decided in 1864, with immersive battle films, reconstructed trenches and a living soldiers’ camp on historic Dybbøl Banke.
Mindesten for løjtnant A.P.Dorscheus
0.7 km
A modest roadside memorial stone in Sønderborg, honouring a fallen 19th‑century officer and quietly anchoring the turbulent history of the Schleswig wars in the everyday landscape.
Genforeningstavle på Dybbøl tysk skanse X
0.7 km
A modest reunification plaque on Dybbøl’s former German Redoubt X, linking the 1864 battlefield to the peaceful border changes of 1920 in a quiet, open landscape.
Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke
0.8 km
A modest field of shared graves crowns Dybbøl Banke, where simple stones, open sky and rolling hills commemorate the fallen of Denmark’s fateful 1864 battlefield.
Dybbøl Strand
1.4 km
A peaceful Danish strand where sandy shores meet centuries of history and heritage.
Sønderborg Castle
1.5 km
Centuries of royal drama, borderland wars and Southern Jutland stories unfold inside this waterfront fortress‑turned‑museum on the Alssund.
Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade
1.6 km
Colorful gable murals on Sønderborg’s harborfront, where evolving large-scale artworks turn an everyday building into a vivid portrait of local life and heritage.
Hønekilden
1.6 km
A tiny harbor-side spring where pure water, royal engineering and whispering legends blur into a tranquil urban nook of art and history.
Genforeningssten i Sønderborg
1.6 km
A monumental tribute to Denmark's 1920 reunification, nestled near historic Sønderborg Castle.
Visselulles Have
1.6 km
Small in size but rich in stories, Visselulles Have is a tranquil memorial garden that honours Sønderborg’s legendary female dockworker in her old neighbourhood.
Spanske trappe
1.7 km
A once-grey stairway turned into a colourful nature mural, the Spanske Trappe is Sønderborg’s playful urban shortcut and small-scale landmark between two city streets.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
1.7 km
A quiet harbour walk in Sønderborg that traces the invisible footprints of World War I through barracks, memorials and everyday streets in a former borderland town.
Essential places to dine
Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl - Sønderborg
0.7 km
Experience the best pizza, barbecue, and burgers in Sønderborg at Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl – where flavor meets comfort!
Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen
1.3 km
Relaxed harborfront restaurant in Sønderborg serving hearty Danish comfort food and pub classics in a cozy, down-to-earth bar atmosphere by the water.
Restaurant Alsik
1.5 km
Contemporary waterfront restaurant in the Alsik Hotel, blending South Jutland ingredients with classic European flavours in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Syttende
1.5 km
Michelin-starred sky dining on the 17th floor of Alsik, where New Nordic cuisine meets sweeping waterfront views over Sønderborg and Alssund.
Torve-Hallen
1.6 km
Eclectic waterfront restaurant in Sønderborg pairing Italian-inspired comfort food, creative interiors and harbour views from morning coffee to late-night dinners.
Promenaden - Is med udsigt
1.6 km
Casual harbourfront ice cream and hot dogs with wide-open views towards Sønderborg Castle, outdoor seating only and a playful, family-friendly seaside atmosphere.
Bistro Grand Mère
1.6 km
Harborfront French bistro in Sønderborg, blending classic Gallic comfort dishes, thoughtful wines and a cozy green-paneled setting with views of the lively marina.
Restaurant Colosseum
1.6 km
Harbourfront Danish comfort food in a cosy, family-friendly setting with views over Sønderborg’s waterfront and a welcoming slice of Southern Jutland hygge.
Grey Ghost ApS
1.6 km
Candlelit Danish brasserie in Sønderborg’s old town, blending hygge, seasonal cooking and carefully chosen wines in a warm, intimate setting.
Karikatur Restaurant og Bar i Sønderborg
1.6 km
Modern Nordic plates and inventive cocktails come together in a clean-lined, harbor-close restaurant that anchors Sønderborg’s contemporary dining scene.
Curry Leaves
1.7 km
Authentic Indian flavors and attentive service in the heart of Sønderborg
Biehl
1.7 km
Honest Danish comfort food in the heart of Sønderborg's main street.
Restaurant Da Nico
1.7 km
Authentic Italian brick-oven pizza and homemade pasta in the heart of Sønderborg.
Fox And Hounds
1.7 km
Scottish-style gastropub in central Sønderborg, pairing hearty ribs, burgers and steaks with an expansive beer and whisky selection in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
Niso Sushi ApS
1.8 km
Lively running-sushi and Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Sønderborg, serving endless plates of sushi and Asian bites in a relaxed, central setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj
1.9 km
Classic Danish mens- and boyswear on Sønderborg’s Perlegade, blending everyday essentials, occasion outfits and local Ringridning traditions in one friendly shop.
Twizt Fashion
1.9 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Jim P.
1.9 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
Viller
1.9 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
Kop & Kande
1.9 km
Welcoming Danish homeware and gift shop on Sønderborg’s main street, stocked with practical kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and thoughtful presents.
Juhl Bolighus A / S
1.9 km
A vast Danish design furniture house in Sønderborg’s historic center, blending showroom and museum to showcase timeless craftsmanship and iconic interiors.
Tøjeksperten
1.9 km
Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
Noa Noa
1.9 km
A small Danish fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main street, showcasing Noa Noa’s feminine, bohemian-inspired style in a calm, easy-to-browse setting.
Masai
1.9 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
1.9 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
JACK & JONES
2.0 km
Straightforward Scandinavian menswear in the heart of Borgen Shopping, ideal for denim, casual basics and smart-casual outfits under one convenient indoor roof.
Zizzi - Sønderborg
2.0 km
Modern plus-size fashion for women in the heart of Sønderborg’s Borgen Shopping centre, combining Scandinavian style, generous sizing and friendly fit-focused advice.
Borgen
2.0 km
Sønderborg's complete shopping experience: 40 stores, dining, cinema, and culture under one roof.
Janne K Sønderborg
2.0 km
Colorful Danish womenswear with Italian-made fabrics in the heart of Sønderborg’s main shopping street on the island of Als.
Normal
2.0 km
Bright, budget‑friendly beauty and everyday essentials in the heart of Borgen Shopping, perfect for quick top‑ups and casual browsing between Sønderborg sights.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Caféen
1.2 km
Lively, low‑priced bar inside Sønderborg’s Alsion complex, where students and locals meet for music, dancing and late‑night drinks by the harbour.
Freia Bar & Lounge
1.5 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Visselulles Vinbar
1.6 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
1.6 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Nebula.dk ApS
1.8 km
Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.
Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
1.8 km
Tiny in size but big on volume, Rabalder Bar Sønderborg packs sing‑along hits, simple drinks and late‑night energy into one compact old‑town party den.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
1.8 km
Lively late‑night bar in central Sønderborg serving cocktails, beer and loud tunes from evening warm‑up to near‑club energy on weekend nights.
Old Danish Pub
1.8 km
Classic hygge-filled pub near Sønderborg’s main square, with affordable drinks, games, sports on screen and lively karaoke evenings on two cosy floors.
SKAAL Sønderborg
1.8 km
Modern craft beer bar and kitchen on Sønderborg’s main square, pouring rotating Danish brews and serving hearty comfort food in a stylish, urban setting.
Bar' Vinbar
1.8 km
Central Sønderborg’s relaxed corner wine bar, pouring around 50 wines by the glass plus cocktails, coffee and light bites in a warm, informal atmosphere.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
1.9 km
Loud alpine-themed beer hall and late-night party bar bringing après-ski energy, big steins and sing-along hits to Sønderborg’s central Rådhustorvet.
Den Lille Vinbar
1.9 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
the tea house
2.0 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
2.2 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
2.2 km
Classic brown beer hall on Sønderborg’s main street, serving simple drinks, local atmosphere and everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kaizen ApS
1.8 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Dance All Over
5.6 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
41.7 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ærø Jazzfestival
41.7 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Ela-Ela Schleswig
43.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
44.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
45.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Ommel
46.6 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Discothek Vineta
49.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
56.9 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Al Capone
57.0 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
57.1 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Kasket karl
60.9 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Langelands Jazzklub
61.7 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Carlsens Kvarter
66.7 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly