Hønekilden – The Hen Spring of Sønderborg
A tiny harbor-side spring where pure water, royal engineering and whispering legends blur into a tranquil urban nook of art and history.
Tucked behind the old harborfront houses of Sønderborg, Hønekilden is a tiny urban oasis built around a legendary spring once famed for its crystal-clear water. In the 1500s the spring helped supply nearby Sønderborg Castle, while over the centuries it inspired a web of local tales about babies, brides and fate. Today, bronze water art by Vibeke Fonnesberg, low walls, plantings and the intimate scale of Havbogade create a calm corner perfect for a short pause, a photo stop and a quiet taste of local history.
A brief summary to Hønekilden
- Nørre Havnegade 34, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- +4561305019
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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
- Plan Hønekilden as part of a short harborfront walk through Havbogade and the nearby castle area rather than a stand-alone visit.
- Come in daylight to appreciate the bronze details and plantings; subtle textures and reflections are easiest to see when the sun is not too harsh.
- Carry a light jacket outside of high summer; the harbor breeze can feel cool even when the town center seems warm.
- Use the stop to read up on Sønderborg’s spring legends beforehand; knowing the stories adds an extra layer to an otherwise quiet corner.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Sønderborg town center
From the central shopping streets of Sønderborg, allow 10–15 minutes to walk to Hønekilden through the compact historic core. The route is almost entirely level on paved sidewalks and harborfront promenades, suitable for most visitors and strollers. Walking is free and lets you combine the spring with other nearby sights such as the castle and waterfront.
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Local bus within Sønderborg
City buses running between residential districts and the center stop within a few minutes’ walk of the harbor area near Hønekilden. Typical travel times inside Sønderborg are 5–20 minutes depending on your starting point, with services running throughout the day. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought on board or via local ticket apps.
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Bicycle from surrounding neighborhoods
Sønderborg is bike-friendly, and many residential areas lie within a 10–20 minute ride of Hønekilden. Expect mostly flat terrain with marked cycle paths leading toward the center and the harbor. Standard city bikes can be rented from local shops or hotels, typically from about 100–150 DKK per day, making it an easy way to link the spring with other attractions along the waterfront.
Hønekilden 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 Hønekilden
A legendary spring beside Sønderborg’s harbor
Hønekilden, the “Hen Spring,” hides in plain sight just a few steps from Sønderborg’s waterfront. Here, between small historic houses and the sound of gulls over the harbor, a low stone basin and discreet outflow mark a spring that once mattered far more than its modest size suggests. For centuries this water source was woven into daily life in Havbogade, a working quayside neighborhood of sailors, traders and craftsmen. The spring gained a reputation for exceptional purity. Long before modern plumbing, families from across town walked here with buckets and barrels, preferring Hønekilden’s clear water for cooking and drinking. The spot that now feels like a pocket park was once closer to the shifting shoreline, and the constant trickle from the underground source connected the bustling harbor with the freshwater inland world beneath the town’s feet.From royal waterworks to local lifeline
In the 16th century, Hønekilden’s importance rose all the way to the royal household. Queen Dorothea, widow of King Christian III, spent her later years at Sønderborg Castle and had an ambitious water system constructed to bring fresh spring water to the fortress. Hønekilden formed part of this early engineering, feeding a fountain at the castle where courtiers and servants drew water several times a day. Even after newer supplies appeared, the spring remained a practical lifeline for the surrounding streets. In an age when wells could easily be contaminated, a dependable source of flowing water was a quiet form of security. The people of Havbogade built steps and simple stonework around the spring, and the name “Hønekilden” stuck, perhaps evoking hens scratching around a farmyard watering place or simply reflecting the local dialect.Whispers of children, fate and forbidden glimpses
As with many old springs in Northern Europe, practical use soon mixed with folklore. In Sønderborg, people joked that babies from Havbogade were not brought by the stork like elsewhere; they were fished up from Hønekilden, where they splashed about unseen in the cold water until needed. The story added a playful twist to the street’s reputation for large families in earlier times. Other tales were darker. One legend said that on Twelfth Night, a young woman who dared lean over the well would see the face of her future husband reflected in the water. One ill-fated girl is said to have glimpsed herself instead, dressed in funeral clothes. Terrified, she confided in a friend; later that night, driven by fear and confusion, she fled into the winter darkness, and her body was found the next day in the harbor. Today the story lingers as a cautionary echo, adding a subtle shiver to an otherwise gentle setting.Water art and a pocket square for city life
In the 21st century, Sønderborg reshaped the site into a small urban square that highlights both the old spring and contemporary art. Bronze water sculpture by Vibeke Fonnesberg forms the focal point: abstract yet organic shapes suggest hens, waves and flowing water, inviting you to walk around, peer closely and listen to the splashing from different angles. Low walls, steps and plant beds define the space, planted with hardy perennials and aromatic shrubs that soften the stone. On sunny days, the scent of lavender drifts above the paving as water glints between bronze forms. The scale is intimate; it feels like a shared courtyard rather than a grand plaza, somewhere between artwork, fountain and neighborhood living room.A quiet pause on a walk through Havbogade
Hønekilden is less a destination for hours of exploration and more a rewarding pause on a stroll through Sønderborg’s historic core. It offers a moment to sit, trace the lines of the harbor houses and imagine buckets being lowered into the spring in the days of sail and wooden hulls. The subtle sound of water helps mask city noise, turning this corner into a brief refuge from traffic and shopping streets. Whether you stop for a few photographs, read the nearby information about the site’s background, or simply rest on the steps and watch everyday life glide past, Hønekilden connects past and present in a few square meters. It is a reminder that even in a modern town, essential stories often begin with something as simple as clean, flowing water.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Iskonditoriet
0.3 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
0.4 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.
Windmill
0.6 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
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.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
1.7 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
2.1 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
2.2 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
King's Redoubt
2.3 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
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.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
2.5 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
6.7 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
30.7 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
33.6 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
34.4 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade
0.1 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
0.2 km
Danmarks eneste ringridermuseum i et bindingsværkshus fra 1643, hvor lanser, medaljer og lokale fortællinger bringer Sønderborgs festlige tradition til live.
Spanske trappe
0.3 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.
Visselulles Have
0.3 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.
Selfiebænken - Big yellow
0.4 km
Sønderborg's cheerful yellow bench—a playful symbol of local creativity and the perfect photo moment.
Rådhustorvet
0.4 km
Historic town square with a 16th‑century former town hall, Rådhustorvet is a compact, atmospheric hub in Sønderborg’s old quarter.
Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig
0.4 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sønderborg at Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig, where history and interactive exhibits come to life.
Rønhaveplads
0.5 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.
Genforeningssten i Sønderborg
0.5 km
A monumental tribute to Denmark's 1920 reunification, nestled near historic Sønderborg Castle.
Sønderborghus
0.5 km
Cosy cultural house in central Sønderborg, blending live music, creative workshops and a welcoming café into one relaxed, community-focused venue.
Sønderborg Castle
0.5 km
Centuries of royal drama, borderland wars and Southern Jutland stories unfold inside this waterfront fortress‑turned‑museum on the Alssund.
Mølleparken
0.7 km
Grassy amphitheatre and open-air stage, where Sønderborg’s quiet green slopes transform into a vibrant summer concert arena under the evening sky.
Lysvang Vandtårn
0.7 km
A modest 1930s water tower in a quiet Sønderborg neighborhood, blending industrial heritage, wartime stories and occasional panoramic views over town and fjord.
Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig
0.7 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.
Sønderborg Beach
0.8 km
Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.
Essential places to dine
Torve-Hallen
0.0 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
0.2 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.
Curry Leaves
0.2 km
Authentic Indian flavors and attentive service in the heart of Sønderborg
Peking Restaurant
0.2 km
Spacious Chinese buffet, sushi and Mongolian barbecue in central Sønderborg, ideal for relaxed group meals, family dinners and easy, inexpensive feasts.
KING FOOD SØNDERBORG
0.2 km
Quality döner and burgers in Sønderborg's vibrant city center, open late for hungry diners.
Rainbow Sushi v/Thi Trinh
0.3 km
Compact, central Sønderborg sushi restaurant and takeaway serving fresh, generous rolls and classic nigiri in a relaxed, low-key setting on Jernbanegade.
Sønderborg Pizza og Grill
0.3 km
Central Sønderborg pizzeria and grill serving classic Danish‑style pizzas, burgers and takeaway favorites in a simple, no‑frills setting on Jernbanegade.
Restaurant Colosseum
0.3 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.
Kina Grill
0.3 km
Generous portions of Chinese and grill fare in casual, unpretentious Sønderborg.
Bistro Grand Mère
0.3 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.
Syttende
0.3 km
Michelin-starred sky dining on the 17th floor of Alsik, where New Nordic cuisine meets sweeping waterfront views over Sønderborg and Alssund.
Restaurant Alsik
0.3 km
Contemporary waterfront restaurant in the Alsik Hotel, blending South Jutland ingredients with classic European flavours in a stylish, relaxed setting.
La Fromagerie
0.3 km
Intimate cheese shop, deli and wine bar on Sønderborg’s main street, pairing artisan cheeses with easygoing brasserie plates and well-chosen wines.
Restaurant Flammen - Sønderborg
0.3 km
All‑you‑can‑eat grill buffet and cozy evening atmosphere in the middle of Perlegade, perfect for families, groups and anyone hungry for a hearty Danish feast.
Pizza House
0.3 km
Unfussy central Sønderborg pizzeria and grill serving Danish-style pizzas, burgers and hearty takeaway favourites for quick, budget-friendly meals.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Juhl Bolighus A / S
0.3 km
A vast Danish design furniture house in Sønderborg’s historic center, blending showroom and museum to showcase timeless craftsmanship and iconic interiors.
Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj
0.3 km
Classic Danish mens- and boyswear on Sønderborg’s Perlegade, blending everyday essentials, occasion outfits and local Ringridning traditions in one friendly shop.
Kop & Kande
0.3 km
Welcoming Danish homeware and gift shop on Sønderborg’s main street, stocked with practical kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and thoughtful presents.
Noa Noa
0.3 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
0.3 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
Viller
0.4 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
Twizt Fashion
0.4 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Jim P.
0.4 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
0.4 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Tøjeksperten
0.4 km
Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
Janne K Sønderborg
0.4 km
Colorful Danish womenswear with Italian-made fabrics in the heart of Sønderborg’s main shopping street on the island of Als.
Butik Schlott
0.4 km
Independent men’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main street, offering curated international brands, classic tailoring and personal service in a relaxed setting.
in mood
0.4 km
Stylish women's fashion in the heart of Sønderborg's city center.
Outdoor In City Centre
0.4 km
Expert outdoor and fishing gear in Sønderborg's pedestrian heart.
Huset Torre
0.4 km
Curated fashion, home décor, and wine experiences in Sønderborg's vibrant pedestrian quarter.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
0.1 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Den Lille Vinbar
0.3 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
Visselulles Vinbar
0.3 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
Old Danish Pub
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Freia Bar & Lounge
0.4 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
SKAAL Sønderborg
0.4 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
0.4 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.
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.
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.
Caféen
0.4 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.
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.
the tea house
0.5 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
0.6 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
0.6 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
0.4 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
6.6 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
40.1 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
44.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
Ommel
45.0 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.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
45.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
46.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Discothek Vineta
50.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
55.3 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Al Capone
58.6 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
58.7 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.
Carlsens Kvarter
65.6 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
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie 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
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
