Hønekilden – The Hen Spring of Sønderborg
A tiny harbourfront oasis where a royal water source, bronze hens and centuries of Sønderborg legends gather around a once-famous spring.
Tucked between the harbourfront and the old streets of Sønderborg, Hønekilden is a tiny urban oasis built around a legendary spring that once supplied the town’s cleanest water. In the 1500s its crystal flow was even piped to Sønderborg Castle for Queen Dorothea’s grand water fountain. Today, a playful bronze water sculpture by Vibeke Fonnesberg crowns the spot, while old tales of children fished from the spring, prophetic reflections and fertility magic still cling to this quiet corner by the water.
A brief summary to Hønekilden
- Nørre Havnegade 34, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
- +4561305019
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 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 10–20 minutes here as part of a walk along Sønderborg’s harbourfront and old streets; the experience is brief but pairs well with nearby sights.
- Look closely at each bronze bird to spot the different personalities and how they seem to react to the water and the proud rooster on the column.
- Bring a light jacket on breezy days; the harbour location can feel noticeably cooler than the streets just behind it.
- Combine a visit with a short detour through the neighbouring lanes to see the contrast between fishermen’s houses and the modern waterfront.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Sønderborg town centre
From the central shopping streets of Sønderborg, allow 5–10 minutes on foot to reach Hønekilden. The route is almost entirely flat, following pavements towards the waterfront and then along Nørre Havnegade. Surfaces are paved and suitable for most visitors, though narrow sections can feel busy in peak summer and after rain harbour winds may make the area feel exposed.
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Local bus within Sønderborg
Several city bus lines run between residential districts and stops near the harbour, with journey times of about 5–15 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. A single adult ticket within the local zone typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can usually be bought from the driver or via regional ticket apps. Buses run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends, so check the timetable in advance.
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Car or taxi within Sønderborg area
Arriving by car from elsewhere in Sønderborg or nearby villages typically takes 5–20 minutes. The streets around the harbour offer a mix of short-stay and longer-stay public parking; charges, where applied, are generally moderate, but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and during local events. Taxis within town are widely available, with short rides often starting around 60–80 DKK and increasing with distance and waiting time.
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Bicycle access in Sønderborg
Sønderborg is compact and bicycle-friendly, and Hønekilden is easily reached by bike in roughly 5–10 minutes from most central neighbourhoods. Dedicated cycle lanes run along several approach roads, but near the harbour you may need to share space with cars and pedestrians. Bicycle parking is informal; be prepared to lock your bike to stands or railings where it does not obstruct the narrow walkways.
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
Where a legendary spring meets modern harbour life
Hønekilden sits just off Sønderborg’s busy waterfront, yet it feels like a small pocket of calm folded into the city. Once an open spring that bubbled at the foot of the harbour slope, it is now framed by stone, a low basin and a small seating area that forms a pause point between the townhouses of Nørre Havnegade and the water’s edge. You can still glimpse the outflow through a wrought-iron gate, a subtle reminder that beneath the paving the source continues to run. In the late Middle Ages and Renaissance this was one of Sønderborg’s crucial water supplies. People came here with buckets from across town, trusting the spring for cooking and brewing when other wells turned muddy or brackish. Over centuries, paths, stairways and houses grew up around it, binding Hønekilden into the fabric of the old harbour district.Queen Dorothea’s water and the town’s best well
In the 1500s the spring gained royal importance when Queen Dorothea, widow of King Christian III, spent her final years at Sønderborg Castle. Engineers of the day directed Hønekilden’s pure water to the castle’s elaborate waterworks, feeding fountains and basins that displayed both wealth and practical ingenuity. For everyday townsfolk, however, the spring remained simply the place with “the best water in Sønderborg”. This double life – humble well and noble utility – shaped its local status. Craftsmen, sailors and housewives queued here with the same resource that glittered in the castle courtyard. Standing by the spring today, it is easy to imagine the clatter of wooden buckets and the murmur of gossip as people waited their turn at the source everyone relied on.Stories of hens, children and uneasy visions
The name “Hen Spring” comes wrapped in folklore. One tale insists that children from nearby Havbogade were not brought by the stork like elsewhere, but hauled straight out of Hønekilden, where they lay swimming until claimed. Another story tells that on the evening of Epiphany, an unmarried girl could see her future husband if she dared to look down into the dark water. For one unlucky young woman, the reflection showed herself dressed for burial; gripped by fear, she fled into the night, and by morning she was found lifeless in the cold harbour. There are also whispers of the spring’s powers to help women conceive, provided they stepped across its water. Whether any miracles were due to the source itself or to more earthly assistance from soldiers at the nearby barracks is left tactfully unresolved in the old anecdotes, adding a wry smile to the spring’s otherwise earnest legends.Bronze birds and traces of the railway age
In 2016 Hønekilden was reshaped as a small work of public art by sculptor Vibeke Fonnesberg. Her bronze composition features three hens and a rooster arranged on a wooden platform and stone elements. Each bird has its own personality: the proud rooster struts on a column, a plump hen peers up as if questioning his display, another tilts her head as though puzzled by the trickle of water, while the last seems more intent on scratching for an imaginary grain. The wooden platform underneath them symbolises a railway wagon, and a curved stone line suggests the old train tracks that once crossed the nearby bridge to the mainland. It is a quiet nod to Sønderborg’s industrial and transport past, folded into what appears at first glance to be only a whimsical farmyard scene beside an ancient spring.A quiet pause among fishermen’s houses and harbour views
Today Hønekilden feels like a threshold between several layers of Sønderborg. Behind you rise traditional townhouses and former fishermen’s homes; in front, the harbour opens out with its bridge, boats and shifting light on the sound. The hum of traffic and gulls mixes with the small splash of water in the basin and the occasional creak of the wooden platform underfoot. Benches and low walls invite you to linger for a few minutes, watching the bronze hens or tracing the line of the old rail in stone. It is a modest site, easily missed on a quick walk along the waterfront, yet it gathers local history, legend and sculpture into a compact, contemplative corner – a place where an everyday well became a royal supply, a cradle of stories and, now, a quietly characterful stop on a stroll through Sønderborg.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Iskonditoriet
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Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
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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
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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
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Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Tøjeksperten
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Denmark's largest menswear chain brings premium brands and accessible style to central Sønderborg.
Janne K Sønderborg
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Colorful Danish womenswear with Italian-made fabrics in the heart of Sønderborg’s main shopping street on the island of Als.
Butik Schlott
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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
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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 architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
