Søndermarkskirken, Viborg
A circular parish church where modern Danish design, symbolic artwork and community-focused architecture come together on Viborg’s quiet southern edge.
Søndermarkskirken is a striking modern round church in southern Viborg, completed in 1980/81. Its circular layout is designed to gather congregation and clergy around a shared centre, surrounded by sculptural altar art, a real mussel-shell font and a 10‑metre embroidered Hærvej tapestry. Flooded with daylight and rich in symbolic details, this parish church combines contemporary Danish architecture with thoughtful liturgical design, making it an engaging stop for architecture lovers and curious visitors alike.
A brief summary to Søndermarkskirken
- Koldingvej 79, Viborg, 8800, DK
- +4520281262
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the posted daytime opening hours to experience the main church room in natural light, when the sunrays and brick crosses are most clearly visible.
- Take time to walk right up to the altar wall and trace how the steel rays spread across ceiling, floor and walls, forming crosses within the masonry.
- Look closely at the Hærvej tapestry to spot scenes from the historic route through Jutland; knowing a little about the Hærvejen beforehand enriches the visit.
- If you are interested in photography, bring a camera with a wide‑angle lens to capture the round space and the way the seating curves around the centre.
- Check in advance for concerts or special services, which offer a chance to appreciate the church’s acoustics and atmosphere when the room is in full use.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Local bus from Viborg center
From central Viborg, use a city bus that runs along Koldingvej towards the southern suburbs; typical journey time is 10–20 minutes depending on route and stops. Buses usually operate at regular intervals on weekdays and slightly less frequently in the evenings and at weekends. A single adult ticket within the local zone generally costs around 20–30 DKK when bought on board or via a regional ticketing app. Most modern buses are low‑floor and suitable for travellers with limited mobility.
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Taxi within Viborg
A taxi ride from the central area of Viborg to the church district around Koldingvej usually takes about 8–12 minutes in normal traffic. Fares within the town commonly fall in the range of 120–180 DKK one way, depending on time of day and any waiting time at lights. Taxis are a convenient option if you prefer a direct, door‑to‑door journey or are travelling in a small group sharing the cost.
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Cycling from Viborg center
Viborg has a compact layout and a reasonably well‑developed network of cycle‑friendly streets. From the central districts, reaching the southern neighbourhood around Søndermarkskirken by bicycle typically takes 10–20 minutes at a moderate pace. The route involves urban roads rather than steep hills, making it manageable for most regular cyclists. Be prepared for variable weather and remember that strong winds can affect cycling times in this part of Denmark.
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Walking from nearby residential areas
If you are staying in the southern quarters of Viborg or in accommodation along Koldingvej, you can reach Søndermarkskirken on foot in roughly 15–30 minutes, depending on your starting point. Pavements in the area are generally paved and level, though those with reduced mobility may prefer public transport or a taxi. Walking allows you to experience the quiet residential character of the neighbourhood before you arrive at the church.
Søndermarkskirken location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Søndermarkskirken
A modern round church in southern Viborg
Søndermarkskirken stands in a residential district on the southern edge of Viborg, immediately recognisable by its circular form and low, modern profile. Built in 1980–81 as the parish church for the newly created Søndermark parish, it reflects a period when Danish church architecture experimented with new shapes and a more informal relationship between clergy and congregation. Instead of a traditional nave and chancel, the building is organised as a great ring, with the church space at its heart and supporting rooms and corridors curving around it. From outside, brick walls and simple rooflines keep the silhouette understated, allowing the unusual ground plan and careful handling of light to define the character rather than ornate decoration.An interior gathered around a shared centre
Stepping inside, you enter a bright, almost amphitheatre-like room where all lines lead towards the middle. Seating is gently curved around the liturgical centre so that everyone faces each other as much as the altar, underlining the idea of community that guided the design. The circular plan creates a surprisingly intimate atmosphere, even when the room is used for larger services. Natural light filters in from high windows and discreet openings, washing over pale surfaces and warm brickwork. The acoustics are tuned for spoken word and choral music, so sound carries clearly without feeling overwhelming. The absence of heavy ornamentation keeps attention on a few carefully chosen artworks and the people gathered in the space.Symbol-rich altar and maritime details
At the focal point stands the altar, framed by an eye-catching wall where the brickwork forms cross upon cross. From this surface, stylised rays in stainless steel seem to burst outward, a visual meditation on the biblical phrase "the sunrise from on high" that inspired the church’s decoration. The rays run across wall, floor and ceiling, tying the whole room into a single symbolic gesture. The altar area also carries subtle maritime references. Sculptural ships and forms by the artist Yan suggest Peter’s fishing net and boats heading towards the sun and life, integrating traditional Nordic ship symbolism into a contemporary idiom. The altar candlesticks, named after the bronze pillars of Solomon’s Temple, and liturgical vessels by a local goldsmith add small touches of craftsmanship to the ensemble.The mussel-shell font and the Hærvej tapestry
One of Søndermarkskirken’s most distinctive features is its baptismal font: a genuine large mussel shell, set into a simple base. In Christian imagery the shell has long symbolised the journey of life from baptism to the grave, and here that symbolism is made tangible. The organic form contrasts with the church’s clean geometry and often catches the eye of first-time visitors. Along one of the walls hangs the Hærvej tapestry, a roughly ten‑metre embroidered work created by local women. It depicts scenes and motifs from the ancient Hærvejen, the historic route that once carried traders, pilgrims and drovers through Jutland. The tapestry quietly links the new parish church to centuries of movement and devotion in the wider landscape around Viborg.Life of a contemporary parish church
Although its architecture attracts those interested in modern design, Søndermarkskirken remains first and foremost a working parish church. The circular complex houses meeting rooms, offices and flexible spaces that support everything from choir rehearsals and talks to community gatherings. On many days the main church room is open within daytime hours, allowing visitors to walk in, sit for a moment of reflection or study the artworks in silence. The surrounding neighbourhood is calm and residential, making the church a natural pause on a wider exploration of Viborg’s sacred architecture, which ranges from medieval cathedral to late‑20th‑century experiments like this one. For travellers, Søndermarkskirken offers a compact, contemplative stop where modern Danish church design, local craftsmanship and everyday parish life meet under one round roof.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Viborg View
1.6 km
Experience Dokk1, Aarhus’ state-of-the-art library and cultural center, where pioneering architecture meets urban vitality on the scenic waterfront.
Vi er Viborg
2.4 km
Experience Danish innovation at Dokk1, Aarhus’ renowned waterfront library and cultural hub, blending architecture, technology, and vibrant community life.
Oberst J.C. Lunds Plads
2.9 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
7.3 km
A modest countryside liberation stone near Viborg, quietly commemorating Denmark’s freedom in 1945 amid open fields and a peaceful village setting.
Bølling Lake
28.5 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Museum Salling
29.9 km
Dive into Denmark's past at Museum Salling, where Limfjord's heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, ancient artifacts, and engaging storytelling in scenic Skive.
Store Troldhøj
30.4 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
silkeborg
30.7 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
30.8 km
Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
30.9 km
Discover Byparkens Legeplads, a lively playground in Roskilde’s city park, blending creative play, family-friendly amenities, and community spirit in an urban green oasis.
Tollundmanden
31.0 km
Stændertorvet is the historic main square of Roskilde, home to bustling markets, festivals, and community life, set beside UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral.
Silkeborg Water Tower
31.2 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
31.5 km
Discover Denmark's automotive history at Jutland's Automobile Museum in Gjern, showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s to iconic post-war models, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's motoring heritage.
Landal Søhøjlandet
31.7 km
Escape to Landal Søhøjlandet in Denmark's Lake District: Family fun, water park thrills, outdoor adventures, and tranquil nature await in this scenic holiday paradise near Silkeborg.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
31.8 km
Explore the world of Asger Jorn and modern art at this vibrant museum in Silkeborg, Denmark, featuring a diverse collection, interactive exhibits, and a scenic riverside setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sønæs Vandpark
0.9 km
A lakeside climate park where Viborg’s rainwater is tamed, cleaned and celebrated in a landscape of ponds, paths and playful green spaces.
Sønæs Park
1.0 km
Innovative wetland park in Viborg where rainwater basins, lakeside paths and playful green spaces turn climate adaptation into a scenic urban escape.
Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand
1.1 km
Broad wooden sun steps tumbling into Søndersø, where Viborg’s inventive sØnæs climate park becomes a laid‑back lakeside beach for swimmers, strollers and sunset‑seekers.
Strandparken
1.2 km
Leafy lakeside lawns, outdoor fitness and a shared fire pit make Strandparken Viborg’s relaxed everyday escape on the shore of Søndersø.
Viborg Plantage
1.7 km
A centuries-old forest sanctuary blending nature, history, and outdoor adventure near Viborg.
Sortebrødre Plads
2.3 km
A quiet little square in Viborg’s historic centre, where echoes of the Black Friars meet everyday city life between cathedral, church and cobbled streets.
Nordisk Park
2.4 km
A listed lakeside landscape where sculpted lawns, woodland edges and open water views create a calm green buffer between Viborg’s city streets and Søndersø.
Latinerhaven
2.4 km
A fragrant historical oasis where fire-scarred earth bloomed into Viborg's most peaceful garden.
Skovgaard Museum in Viborg
2.4 km
An intimate art museum in Viborg’s former baroque town hall, celebrating the Skovgaard family’s Golden Age landscapes, church art and living artistic legacy.
Viborg Cathedral
2.5 km
Twin‑towered granite cathedral with a 900‑year‑old crypt, royal history and Joakim Skovgaard’s vivid biblical frescoes at the heart of Viborg’s old quarter.
Viborg Museum - Administration
2.5 km
Viborg Museum reveals the city’s fascinating evolution through hands-on exhibits, local artifacts, and engaging displays, nestled in the historic core of Viborg’s old town.
Vægtertorvet
2.5 km
A small, newly renewed square beside Viborg’s old guardhouse, where the city’s former night watchmen and its thousand-year story of law and order still echo softly.
Viborg Kunsthal
2.5 km
Contemporary art in an 18th‑century lakeside distillery, Viborg Kunsthal blends bold exhibitions, residencies and events with a relaxed café and green surroundings.
Domkirkekvarteret i Viborg
2.5 km
Walk through Viborg’s Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled lanes, old townhouses and the granite cathedral weave a thousand years of Danish power, faith and law into one intimate streetscape.
Klosterskoven
2.6 km
Small, atmospheric woodland on Viborg’s edge, offering easy forest trails, quiet nature and a quick escape from city streets into soft, leafy calm.
Essential places to dine
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
0.3 km
Quick, no-fuss Asian chinaboxes and stir-fries served from a cosy grill counter inside Løvbjerg on Koldingvej – ideal for an easy lunch or early dinner.
Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro
1.9 km
A modern Viborg hangout where specialty coffee, Nordic-Japanese small plates and relaxed bistro vibes share the same intimate, light-filled corner space.
Restaurant Pavarotti Viborg
2.0 km
Authentic Italian flavours meet Danish freshness in Viborg's most welcoming neighbourhood restaurant.
Sunset Boulevard
2.0 km
Danish-style fast food on Holstebrovej, serving freshly made burgers, sandwiches and signature seasoned fries in a bright, casual setting all day.
Khawand Pizzaria
2.0 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken Thai Take Away
2.0 km
Bright, buffet-style Thai fast-casual in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, where you fill your own plate, pay by weight and eat in or take your food to go.
Crispy Chicken
2.1 km
Quick, casual fried chicken and pizza in central Viborg—affordable fast-food convenience.
Café Baghuset
2.1 km
Hygge‑filled all‑day café in central Viborg, serving generous brunches, Danish comfort dishes, coffee and cocktails in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
Viborg Pizzaria
2.1 km
Casual, no-nonsense pizza and Italian-style comfort food on central Vesterbrogade, perfect for quick sit-in meals or convenient takeaway in historic Viborg.
Vesterbro Pub
2.1 km
Experience the best of Danish nightlife at Vesterbro Pub - where great drinks meet vibrant atmosphere in Viborg.
Restaurant Palads
2.1 km
Traditional Danish dining in the heart of Viborg with warm hospitality and quality cuisine.
For Enden Af Gaden
2.1 km
Relaxed Nordic-inspired dining in a hyggeligt madhus on Viborg’s main pedestrian street, serving generous plates, local produce and a warm, unpretentious welcome.
Carl's Jr. Viborg
2.2 km
Flame-grilled American burgers and crispy chicken in the heart of Viborg's shopping district.
Tortillaflats Viborg
2.2 km
Cosy Mexican family restaurant in Viborg’s old town, serving hearty northern‑style dishes, colourful drinks and relaxed, sociable evening meals at moderate prices.
Den Gyldne Okse
2.2 km
Hearty Danish–American steakhouse in Viborg’s old town, serving generous grilled plates in cosy wood‑lined rooms and a sheltered courtyard off a cobbled side street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
1.2 km
Spacious Red Cross thrift store in Viborg, where second-hand fashion and homeware meet Danish volunteer spirit and every bargain supports humanitarian work.
Eleganza Eterna
2.0 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Rashed
2.0 km
A straightforward neighborhood store on Jernbanegade in central Viborg, offering everyday essentials and a quick, no-fuss stop amid the town’s lived-in streets.
Søsterne Grene
2.0 km
A calming Scandinavian treasure trove in central Viborg, filled with affordable décor, crafty inspiration and small everyday joys tucked inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
Sct. Mathias Center
2.0 km
Compact indoor mall in Viborg’s pedestrian heart, combining everyday shopping, a supermarket and cafés just steps from the cathedral and historic streets.
NEYE Viborg
2.0 km
Specialist bag and luggage store in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, offering Scandinavian-style handbags, backpacks and suitcases for everyday use, school and travel.
The Old Garage
2.0 km
Characterful little vintage store in a former Viborg garage, where retro Danish furnishings, quirky curios and nostalgic finds wait behind an unassuming suburban door.
Hunkemöller
2.1 km
Contemporary lingerie, swimwear and loungewear in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, with personal fitting help and a focused, comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Imerco
2.1 km
Modern Danish homeware and kitchen design in Viborg’s central Sct. Mathias Centret, combining practical cookware, stylish tableware and gift‑ready ideas under one roof.
Zizzi - Viborg
2.1 km
Curve-focused Danish fashion in the heart of Viborg, offering modern plus-size womenswear, beach styles and friendly, relaxed shopping inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
PIECES Viborg
2.1 km
Compact Danish fashion boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, offering Scandinavian basics, trend pieces, and accessories for women in the heart of Viborg.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
2.1 km
Scandinavian creativity meets affordable everyday joy in Viborg's most colorful gift shop.
Frølund Fashion Viborg
2.1 km
Long‑standing Danish womenswear boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, blending contemporary fashion, seasonal collections and friendly styling help in central Viborg.
Bog & idé Viborg
2.1 km
A bright, central book and hobby store in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, stocking new reads, games, stationery and gifts for everyday life and rainy-day escapes.
Louise Viborg Aps
2.1 km
Compact, city‑center women’s fashion boutique in Viborg, offering curated brands, flattering fits and friendly styling help in a relaxed, street‑level setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roxy Malt Viborg
2.1 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Ølluminati Brewbar
2.2 km
Microbrewery bar in Viborg’s old town, serving ever-changing small-batch craft beers and ciders in a cozy, quirky setting with a relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.
Mathias Kælderen
2.2 km
Cosy cellar bar in central Viborg offering hygge-filled evenings, rustic charm and relaxed drinks just steps below the historic streets of Sankt Mathias Gade.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
2.2 km
Unpretentious central Viborg bar with friendly staff, late weekend hours, affordable drinks and occasional karaoke nights in a laid-back pub setting.
CRAVE Bar
2.3 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Tema Bar
2.3 km
A loud, late‑night party bar in central Viborg with colorful lights, mainstream beats and no‑frills drinks, perfect for weekend dancing and a casual night out.
Rabalder Bar Viborg
2.3 km
Casual, colorful bar energy in the heart of Viborg’s old town, blending easygoing Danish hygge with lively late-night drinks and sociable weekend parties.
Rockabilly Bar
2.3 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Holms Vinotek
2.3 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Sportspub Målet
2.4 km
Classic Danish sports bodega in central Viborg, where cold beer, big matches, karaoke and late-night hygge keep the lights on long after the final whistle.
Café Børsen
2.5 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Bodega Hegnet
2.5 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
2.5 km
High-energy après-ski style beer bar in central Viborg, pouring big drafts, loud music and late-night party vibes with free entry and group-friendly seating.
Mødestedet Viborg ApS
3.2 km
Cosy local bar and meeting place in Viborg, blending classic Danish pub vibes with flexible space for social events, dance evenings and everyday gatherings.
Bistro Byens Hjørne v/Evald Scherer Laursen
11.3 km
Cozy corner bistro in central Rødkærsbro, serving straightforward food, cold beers and small‑town Danish atmosphere in a friendly neighborhood bar setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
3.4 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Der Kuhstall Mønsted
12.6 km
Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
31.1 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Buddy Holly
33.7 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Jazz Hobro
33.9 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
Rustik & Flamingo
39.9 km
Rustik & Flamingo offers upscale cocktails and a vibrant late-night dance floor, making it one of Randers’ premier nightlife and party destinations.
Jagtbar Randers
39.9 km
A lively late-night bar in Randers’ city center known for its dynamic events, energetic crowds, and welcoming atmosphere—a favorite for unforgettable nights out.
Tante Olga - Bar
39.9 km
Beloved for its dynamic live music, unique ambiance, and lively events, Tante Olga is a cornerstone of Randers nightlife and a top local destination for music lovers.
Randers Rave
40.7 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
Piano Herning
41.6 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.
Bart
41.6 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
Murphy's Pub
41.6 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Mindegade5
41.8 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
41.8 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Mariager Sejlklub
43.9 km
Experience the laid-back maritime charm of Mariager Sejlklub, where local sailing culture meets tranquil fjord views on Denmark’s scenic Mariager Fjord.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
