Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig, Sønderborg
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.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig er en themed hiking route in Sønderborg that turns the town and waterfront into an open-air history book. Starting near Strandvej and Sønderborg Slot, the walk follows traces of World War I in Southern Jutland, where local men served in the German army despite Denmark’s neutrality. Along the way you encounter stories of barracks, soldiers, and everyday life under a borderland empire, framed by views over Als Sund and the harbour.
A brief summary to Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
- Strandvej 2A, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a light windproof layer; the waterfront stretch near Strandvej and Als Sund can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than the town streets.
- Download or print any available route map and background material in advance so you can match buildings and memorials to their stories as you walk.
- Allow time to combine the walk with a visit to Sønderborg Castle, which deepens the narrative with exhibitions about Southern Jutland in World War I.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the route is mostly on pavements and firm paths but can involve cobblestones and some gentle inclines.
- If you do not speak Danish, consider reading a brief overview of Southern Jutland’s World War I history beforehand to get the most from the trail.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Regional train and short walk
From within Southern Jutland, travel to Sønderborg Station by regional train, for example from Flensburg or Tinglev, which typically takes 40–70 minutes depending on the route and connections. A standard adult single ticket within the region usually falls in the range of 60–140 DKK. From Sønderborg Station it is around 20–30 minutes of easy, mostly level walking through the town centre to reach the Strandvej waterfront and the starting area near the castle. Trains run throughout the day but are less frequent in the evening, so check departure times in advance.
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Local bus within Sønderborg
If you are already in Sønderborg, use the local bus network to get close to Sønderborg Slot or the harbourfront near Strandvej; many lines serve the central area with travel times typically between 10 and 20 minutes from residential districts. A single adult ticket on local buses usually costs around 20–30 DKK, with discounts when using travel cards. Buses run more frequently on weekdays than on late evenings and weekends, and some lines operate only during the day, so plan your return journey accordingly.
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Car from the wider region
Arriving by car from towns in Southern Jutland, such as Aabenraa or Haderslev, usually takes 45–70 minutes depending on traffic and the chosen route. Fuel costs vary with distance, but for a typical return trip you might expect to spend roughly 80–200 DKK in fuel. Look for public parking areas in central Sønderborg; many spaces are time-limited or fee-based during the day, with hourly rates often in the range of 10–20 DKK. From central parking, plan on a 10–20 minute walk to reach Strandvej and the waterfront section of the historical walk.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig 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
Discover more about Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
World War I in a Danish border town
Sønderborg looks like a peaceful harbour town today, but during the First World War it belonged to the German Empire, and thousands of local men were drafted into the Kaiser’s army. On the route Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig, that complex past is pulled into focus as you walk through streets and along the waterfront around Strandvej and Sønderborg Slot. Denmark remained officially neutral between 1914 and 1918, yet Southern Jutland was still marked by trenches, mobilisation and loss. The walk explores how a small coastal community at the edge of Europe was drawn into a global conflict, leaving behind memorials, barracks buildings and quiet, personal traces in churchyards and neighbourhoods.From castle barracks to waterfront memories
One of the route’s anchors is Sønderborg Castle, which served as barracks for the III Battalion of Fusilier Regiment “Königin” No. 86 during the war. Here soldiers trained, waited for deployment and returned on leave, bringing the reality of distant fronts back to the town. Around the castle and nearby streets, you can still recognise the outlines of the old military complexes in façades, courtyards and drill grounds now turned into promenades. As you follow the path along the water near Strandvej, the view across Als Sund gives the narrative a broader horizon. The sound has seen war before, notably the 1864 conflict that reshaped the border and helped determine why men from Sønderborg later fought in German uniforms. The World War I trail connects these layers of history, showing how previous wars influenced loyalties, identities and everyday life in 1914–18.Stories of soldiers, families and frontlines
The experience is less about battlefields and more about people. Interpretive points along or associated with the route describe conscription, training, and the fate of soldiers from Southern Jutland who were sent to fronts as far away as Flanders and the Eastern theatre. Many never returned; others came home traumatised, changing the social fabric of the town. Behind the statistics are families who received field postcards, black-edged letters and, sometimes, returning sons who struggled to resume ordinary work on farms, in workshops or on the harbour. Memorial stones and plaques bear witness to these personal losses, tying the global scale of the war to the streets you are walking through.Walking as a way into the past
This is a hiking route designed by local walking enthusiasts, so the rhythm of the trail invites you to take in details at a human pace. You pass a mix of historical buildings, green spaces and waterfront stretches that soften the heavy subject matter. The town’s compact scale makes it easy to pause at points of interest, read information where available, and then let the impressions sink in as you continue. Even without a guide, the line of the walk is intuitive: castle, town centre, waterfront and residential areas that once housed soldiers and their families. The everyday character of the surroundings underscores how war and military structures were embedded in ordinary urban life.Borderland legacy and quiet reflection
Sønderborg’s World War I story does not end in 1918. The trail also hints at the later reunification of Southern Jutland with Denmark in 1920 and the long aftershocks of the conflict. Questions of language, allegiance and memory still shape the region, and this route offers an accessible way to sense that ongoing legacy. Although the subject is sombre, the overall mood of the walk is reflective rather than oppressive. Views over the water, the presence of the castle and the sound of gulls and harbour traffic place history within a living landscape. It is a route that suits curious walkers who enjoy combining a gentle outing with deeper historical understanding of this small but significant corner of Europe.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Windmill
0.2 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
Iskonditoriet
0.4 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.
Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
0.4 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
0.5 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
0.7 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.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
1.5 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Mindesten for Røde Kors
2.1 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
2.3 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Tysk skanse X
2.3 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
King's Redoubt
2.3 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
2.5 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.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
7.1 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
30.3 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
33.5 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
34.3 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sønderborg Beach
0.0 km
Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.
Fluepapiret
0.1 km
A compact, unspoiled urban beach where locals gather to swim in the Baltic's gentle waters.
Genforeningssten i Sønderborg
0.2 km
A monumental tribute to Denmark's 1920 reunification, nestled near historic Sønderborg Castle.
Sønderborg Castle
0.3 km
Centuries of royal drama, borderland wars and Southern Jutland stories unfold inside this waterfront fortress‑turned‑museum on the Alssund.
Dybbøl Strand
0.4 km
A peaceful Danish strand where sandy shores meet centuries of history and heritage.
Visselulles Have
0.4 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.
Rådhustorvet
0.5 km
Historic town square with a 16th‑century former town hall, Rådhustorvet is a compact, atmospheric hub in Sønderborg’s old quarter.
Spanske trappe
0.5 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.
Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade
0.7 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.
Ringridermuseet i Sønderborg
0.7 km
Danmarks eneste ringridermuseum i et bindingsværkshus fra 1643, hvor lanser, medaljer og lokale fortællinger bringer Sønderborgs festlige tradition til live.
Hønekilden
0.7 km
A tiny harbor-side spring where pure water, royal engineering and whispering legends blur into a tranquil urban nook of art and history.
Selfiebænken - Big yellow
0.8 km
Sønderborg's cheerful yellow bench—a playful symbol of local creativity and the perfect photo moment.
Sønderborghus
0.9 km
Cosy cultural house in central Sønderborg, blending live music, creative workshops and a welcoming café into one relaxed, community-focused venue.
Rønhaveplads
1.0 km
A peaceful, local-favorite park offering tranquil ponds, leafy lawns, and family-friendly relaxation just outside Sønderborg’s city center. Free, welcoming, and authentic.
Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig
1.0 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sønderborg at Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig, where history and interactive exhibits come to life.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Da Nico
0.3 km
Authentic Italian brick-oven pizza and homemade pasta in the heart of Sønderborg.
Grey Ghost ApS
0.3 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
0.3 km
Modern Nordic plates and inventive cocktails come together in a clean-lined, harbor-close restaurant that anchors Sønderborg’s contemporary dining scene.
Biehl
0.3 km
Honest Danish comfort food in the heart of Sønderborg's main street.
Fox And Hounds
0.3 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.
Cafe Stjernen
0.3 km
Hearty Danish café classics, candlelit brasserie ambience and specialty beers in the heart of Sønderborg’s compact historic centre.
Niso Sushi ApS
0.3 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.
Bella Italia
0.3 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and small hotel in Sønderborg’s historic heart, pairing brick-vaulted charm with classic pizzas, pasta, and relaxed evening dining.
Hotel Bella Italia
0.4 km
A cozy Nordic-style boutique stay with a lively Italian trattoria downstairs, set right in the historic heart of Sønderborg.
Lazy Dog Burgers - Worldclass Burgers from Sønderborg
0.4 km
World-class burgers and cocktails in the heart of historic Sønderborg
Mongolian Barbecue
0.4 km
Create-your-own stir-fries on a sizzling grill at this lively Asian buffet in central Sønderborg, mixing Mongolian barbecue theatre with Chinese favourites and casual comfort.
Bistro Grand Mère
0.5 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.
The Grand Café
0.5 km
Elegant Danish dining on Sønderborg's main square, where refined cuisine meets genuine hospitality.
Restaurant Colosseum
0.5 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.
Kong Kian Sønderborg
0.5 km
Central Sønderborg fast‑casual spot for roasted chicken, spareribs and build‑your‑own sandwiches, serving from lunchtime through late night right on Rådhustorvet.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Normal
0.6 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.
Twizt Fashion
0.6 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj
0.6 km
Classic Danish mens- and boyswear on Sønderborg’s Perlegade, blending everyday essentials, occasion outfits and local Ringridning traditions in one friendly shop.
Borgen
0.6 km
Sønderborg's complete shopping experience: 40 stores, dining, cinema, and culture under one roof.
JACK & JONES
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Jim P.
0.6 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
NEYE Borgen
0.6 km
Modern Danish bag and luggage specialist in Borgen Shopping, offering quality brands, expert guidance and everyday purchases that help fund cancer research.
Viller
0.6 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
ONLY
0.6 km
Scandinavian high-street style, denim-focused collections and easy everyday fashion inside Borgen Shopping in the heart of Sønderborg.
Kings & Queens
0.6 km
Contemporary multi-brand fashion in central Sønderborg, blending Scandinavian style, casual streetwear, and easygoing boutique vibes for men and women.
Tøjeksperten
0.7 km
Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.7 km
Scandinavian creativity and affordable joy in Sønderborg's premier shopping destination.
Vero Moda
0.7 km
Contemporary Scandinavian women’s fashion inside Borgen Shopping, offering wearable trends, layering pieces and accessories in Sønderborg’s central retail district.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
0.7 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nebula.dk ApS
0.4 km
Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
0.4 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.
Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
0.4 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.
Visselulles Vinbar
0.4 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
SKAAL Sønderborg
0.5 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
0.5 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.
Old Danish Pub
0.5 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.
Bar' Vinbar
0.5 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.
the tea house
0.6 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Den Lille Vinbar
0.6 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
0.9 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Caféen
1.0 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.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
1.0 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Freia Bar & Lounge
1.1 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
1.1 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
0.3 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
7.1 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
40.0 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ærø Jazzfestival
40.1 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
43.5 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.
Ommel
44.9 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.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
45.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Discothek Vineta
49.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
55.5 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Al Capone
58.7 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
58.8 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Kasket karl
59.3 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
60.1 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.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
66.2 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
