Støvlen – The Giant Scout Boot of Sønderborg
A 12‑metre‑high boot‑shaped picnic house and lookout tower born from a giant scout camp, blending quirky design, open countryside views and cosy shelter.
Støvlen is a whimsical 12 m‑high boot-shaped picnic house and viewing tower on the edge of Sønderborg, created for the 2017 international scout camp under the motto “We leave our mark.” Climb the staircase hidden in the heel for wide views over the surrounding landscape, then relax beneath the thatched, boot-shaped roof at picnic tables with a large grill. With playful design, kid‑friendly open space, and practical amenities including toilets, it’s an easy, quirky stop in South Jutland.
A brief summary to Støvlen
- Skydebanevej 1A, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring your own charcoal and food if you plan to use the large grill under the boot’s roof, as there are no on‑site supplies.
- Wear flat, stable shoes for the stairs inside the heel; the steps are simple and can be a bit steep for very young children.
- Pack warm layers outside summer months—the site is exposed and wind can make it feel cooler than in the town center.
- Plan extra time if visiting at sunset; the light on the boot and across the surrounding fields makes for especially atmospheric photos.
- Check local fire regulations on dry or windy days before lighting the grill, as temporary restrictions may apply in parts of Denmark.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car or rental car from central Sønderborg
Driving from central Sønderborg to Støvlen typically takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. The route uses standard town and local roads and is straightforward with normal passenger cars; no special vehicle is required. Parking is generally available close to the site on simple gravel or grass areas, but spaces are informal and can be busier on weekends or during events. There is no entrance fee to visit the boot, so your main cost is fuel and any rental charges if you are using a hire car.
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Local bus within Sønderborg area
Regional buses serving the outskirts of Sønderborg provide access to stops within walking distance of Støvlen, with typical travel times of 15–25 minutes from the town center depending on the line and timetable. A single adult ticket within the local zone usually costs around 20–30 DKK, with discounts for children and multi‑ride cards. Services run more frequently on weekdays than on late evenings or Sundays, so checking a current timetable before you set out is important.
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Bicycle from Sønderborg town
Cycling from central Sønderborg to Støvlen is a pleasant option in good weather, taking about 20–30 minutes at a moderate pace. The terrain is mostly gentle, with a mix of town streets and quieter local roads typical of South Jutland. Denmark’s cycling culture means you will often find bike lanes or cycle‑friendly routes for most of the way. There is no cost beyond any bicycle rental, which in Sønderborg commonly ranges roughly from 80–150 DKK per day depending on the type of bike and provider.
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On foot from nearby residential areas
If you are staying in the residential neighborhoods on the edge of Sønderborg near Skydebanevej, walking to Støvlen is feasible in about 20–40 minutes. Paths and pavements are generally well maintained and mostly flat, though surfaces can be muddy or uneven close to the fields after rain. This option is free and suitable for most reasonably fit visitors, but may feel long for very young children or anyone with limited mobility.
Støvlen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Støvlen
A giant boot in the fields of Sønderborg
Støvlen, literally “The Boot,” rises unexpectedly from the landscape on the outskirts of Sønderborg, a full‑size picnic house built in the unmistakable shape of a colossal shoe. Its wooden silhouette, thatched roof and rounded toe make it look like an illustration from a storybook that has stepped straight into the Danish countryside. Yet this is not just a sculpture; it is a functional shelter, viewpoint and gathering place that invites you to walk inside the boot rather than past it. The structure stretches roughly 24 metres in length, corresponding to an imaginary shoe size 3600, and stands about 12 metres high at the top of the shaft. From a distance, it frames the low fields and tree lines; up close, you notice the carpentry details, the curve of the heel and the way the roof overhangs like a sturdy leather upper translated into timber and thatch.From scout camp landmark to local icon
Støvlen was created as a centerpiece for the international scout camp Spejdernes Lejr in 2017, reflecting the camp’s motto “We leave our mark.” What began as a temporary landmark quickly became a permanent symbol of the area’s strong scouting culture and community spirit. The boot served as a meeting point, shelter and lookout for thousands of scouts, and those roots still shape its character today. Around the boot, traces of that massive camp linger in the stories attached to the place: stones once carved with children’s names in the paved surface, the memory of campfires, pioneering wooden constructions and the buzz of many languages. Visiting today, you encounter a quieter scene, but the structure still radiates the playful ambition of a project built by and for young people and their leaders.Inside the heel: stairway to the lookout
Entry to the viewing platform is through the heel, where a staircase leads you up inside the hollow boot. The ascent is short but fun, with small windows and wooden details reminding you that you are literally walking up through a shoe. At the top, an open platform offers broad views over the surrounding greenery, nearby campgrounds and the gently undulating South Jutland landscape. The vantage point is not about dramatic mountains or coastlines; instead, it highlights the subtle textures of fields, shelterbelts and paths, and gives a sense of how large the 2017 camp area once was. On clear days, the light can be particularly beautiful in the late afternoon and near sunset, when the boot’s warm tones glow against the sky.Picnic house under a thatched roof
Beneath the boot’s thatched roof you find sturdy table‑bench sets and a large, built‑in grill, turning the landmark into a practical picnic house. The covered space makes it usable in light rain and offers shade on hot days, so it works well as a lunch stop, an informal gathering place or a family barbecue venue. Nearby, a simple toilet facility adds welcome convenience, especially for those visiting with children. The immediate surroundings are open and grassy, good for kids to run around or for groups to spread out. The design encourages lingering rather than just snapping a quick photo: you can grill, eat, climb, sit and watch the landscape slowly change. Even on grey days, the shelter protects from drizzle and wind, giving the place a cosy, slightly offbeat atmosphere.Quiet corner for play, photos and reflection
As a free, open‑air structure, Støvlen is as much a local recreational spot as it is a sightseeing object. Families use it as a safe, traffic‑free place for play; small groups of friends come to cook over the grill; photographers are drawn by its quirky form and the way it stands alone against the fields. The boot’s lines and textures make for distinctive photos, whether you frame it from afar or photograph details of the thatch, wood and steps. Beyond the novelty value, there is a subtle sense of reflection here. The building embodies ideas of leaving a positive mark, of shared effort and of temporary communities that still echo years later. Standing on the viewing platform or sitting under the roof, it is easy to imagine the vast scout camp that once filled this landscape and to appreciate the decision to leave this playful monument behind for everyone to use.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
0.7 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.
Iskonditoriet
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Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
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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
2.8 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
3.0 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.
Windmill
3.0 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
King's Redoubt
3.1 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Tysk skanse X
3.1 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
Mindesten for Røde Kors
3.1 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
3.8 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
4.5 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
5.1 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
31.3 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Bregninge Kirke
34.6 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
35.5 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Center for Verdensmål
0.3 km
Open-air sustainability landscape in Sønderborg where nature, simple installations and Kær Vestermark’s big skies bring the UN’s 17 Global Goals to life for all ages.
Lysvang Vandtårn
1.9 km
A modest 1930s water tower in a quiet Sønderborg neighborhood, blending industrial heritage, wartime stories and occasional panoramic views over town and fjord.
Mindesten for løjtnant A.P.Dorscheus
2.0 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.
Mølleparken
2.1 km
Grassy amphitheatre and open-air stage, where Sønderborg’s quiet green slopes transform into a vibrant summer concert arena under the evening sky.
Rønhaves museum
2.2 km
A cosy attic museum on a 14th‑century farm, where tools, toys and grain samples bring everyday rural life on Als vividly back to life.
Mindesten for Løjtnant Rothenborg Muus
2.3 km
Mølleparken in Sønderborg offers green open spaces, shaded paths, and playgrounds—the perfect urban escape for families, picnickers, and those seeking serenity.
Hønekilden
2.4 km
A tiny harbor-side spring where pure water, royal engineering and whispering legends blur into a tranquil urban nook of art and history.
Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig
2.4 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sønderborg at Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig, where history and interactive exhibits come to life.
Sandbjerg Manor
2.5 km
An 18th‑century Rococo manor turned scholarly retreat, framed by lake, fjord and parkland on the edge of Sønderborg in South Jutland.
Rønhaveplads
2.5 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.
Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade
2.5 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
2.6 km
Danmarks eneste ringridermuseum i et bindingsværkshus fra 1643, hvor lanser, medaljer og lokale fortællinger bringer Sønderborgs festlige tradition til live.
Dybbølstenen
2.6 km
A solitary Ice Age boulder resting in the fields near Dybbøl Banke, Dybbølstenen quietly links deep geological time with South Jutland’s historic landscape.
Memorial Stone for du Plat, Schau and Rosen
2.6 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.
Selfiebænken - Big yellow
2.6 km
Sønderborg's cheerful yellow bench—a playful symbol of local creativity and the perfect photo moment.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Alsik
2.1 km
Contemporary waterfront restaurant in the Alsik Hotel, blending South Jutland ingredients with classic European flavours in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Syttende
2.1 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
2.4 km
Eclectic waterfront restaurant in Sønderborg pairing Italian-inspired comfort food, creative interiors and harbour views from morning coffee to late-night dinners.
Carl's Jr.
2.4 km
Flame-grilled American burgers made fresh to order, served daily in Sønderborg's Bilka shopping center.
Bone's Sønderborg
2.5 km
American-style ribs, burgers and salad bar in a lively, family-friendly setting on the edge of Sønderborg.
Det Libanesiske Køkken Pizza og Grill
2.5 km
Casual Lebanese grill and classic pizza on Sønderborg’s main street, serving generous plates, stone-baked slices and easy takeaway in a relaxed, everyday setting.
Restaurant The Grill Sønderborg
2.5 km
All‑you‑can‑eat grill buffet and easygoing dining inside Sønderborg’s Bowl’n’Fun and Maximum entertainment complex, ideal for families, groups and relaxed nights out.
Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl - Sønderborg
2.5 km
Experience the best pizza, barbecue, and burgers in Sønderborg at Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl – where flavor meets comfort!
Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen
2.6 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.
Peking Restaurant
2.6 km
Spacious Chinese buffet, sushi and Mongolian barbecue in central Sønderborg, ideal for relaxed group meals, family dinners and easy, inexpensive feasts.
Kislings
2.6 km
A cozy Sønderborg café and specialty coffee bar blending Danish hygge, craft roasting and a hidden courtyard oasis right on bustling pedestrian Perlegade.
KING FOOD SØNDERBORG
2.6 km
Quality döner and burgers in Sønderborg's vibrant city center, open late for hungry diners.
Promenaden - Is med udsigt
2.6 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.
Rainbow Sushi v/Thi Trinh
2.6 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
2.6 km
Central Sønderborg pizzeria and grill serving classic Danish‑style pizzas, burgers and takeaway favorites in a simple, no‑frills setting on Jernbanegade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
2.0 km
Volunteer‑run Red Cross thrift shop in Sønderborg, where low‑priced fashion, furniture and homeware meet sustainable shopping and support for humanitarian work.
Scandinavian Scents
2.0 km
An intimate Sønderborg boutique where Nordic-inspired candles and home fragrances bring the region’s calm forests, sea air and hygge simplicity into everyday life.
JYSK
2.5 km
Scandinavian home furnishings at accessible prices, with free trailer rental and wheelchair access.
Dansk
2.5 km
Family-run Danish clothing chain store in Sønderborg, offering practical, wallet-friendly fashion for all ages and sizes in a bright, no-nonsense setting.
Huset Torre
2.6 km
Curated fashion, home décor, and wine experiences in Sønderborg's vibrant pedestrian quarter.
Butik Schlott
2.6 km
Independent men’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main street, offering curated international brands, classic tailoring and personal service in a relaxed setting.
Outdoor In City Centre
2.6 km
Expert outdoor and fishing gear in Sønderborg's pedestrian heart.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
2.6 km
A spacious Kirkens Korshær thrift warehouse in Sønderborg, where budget-friendly furniture and second-hand finds fund vital local social work.
Juhl Bolighus A / S
2.6 km
A vast Danish design furniture house in Sønderborg’s historic center, blending showroom and museum to showcase timeless craftsmanship and iconic interiors.
in mood
2.6 km
Stylish women's fashion in the heart of Sønderborg's city center.
Noa Noa
2.6 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
2.6 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
Janne K Sønderborg
2.6 km
Colorful Danish womenswear with Italian-made fabrics in the heart of Sønderborg’s main shopping street on the island of Als.
Kop & Kande
2.6 km
Welcoming Danish homeware and gift shop on Sønderborg’s main street, stocked with practical kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and thoughtful presents.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
2.7 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Freia Bar & Lounge
2.1 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Caféen
2.2 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.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
2.3 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
2.5 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.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
2.6 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Den Lille Vinbar
2.7 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
2.7 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
Bar' Vinbar
2.8 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.
Old Danish Pub
2.8 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
2.8 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
2.8 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.
the tea house
2.8 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
2.8 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
2.9 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.
Nebula.dk ApS
2.9 km
Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kaizen ApS
2.9 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
4.7 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
41.1 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ærø Jazzfestival
41.1 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Ommel
46.1 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.
Ela-Ela Schleswig
46.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
47.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
48.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Discothek Vineta
52.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
55.4 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Al Capone
57.7 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
57.8 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Kasket karl
60.0 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
60.8 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
64.2 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
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
