Den Spanske Trappe, Sønderborg

A painted staircase at the heart of Sønderborg

Den Spanske Trappe cuts through the modern Solo housing complex in central Sønderborg, linking Bjerggade with Sønder Havegade in a steep, open corridor of stone and light. What was once a purely functional granite stair has been turned into a piece of urban art, instantly recognisable and quietly iconic for people who pass through the neighbourhood. As you approach from below, the staircase rises in a wide fan, flanked by brick facades and glimpses of balconies, creating a compact, almost amphitheatre-like space. From the top landings you can look out between the buildings towards Alssund, catching a slice of water and the city beyond, a reminder that this little stairway is firmly embedded in Sønderborg’s everyday life.

The artist and his forest on stone

In 2017 local authorities invited artist Kristian Vodder Svensson to transform the grey steps into something more than a shortcut. Over just nine days, with buckets of paint and a clear vision, he covered all 53 risers with an imaginative forest scene. Trees, animals and birds emerge as you stand at the foot of the stairs, forming a continuous natural landscape that only fully comes together from this vantage point. Walk up or down and the illusion dissolves into fragments of colour and detail. This play between image and movement makes the staircase feel alive: every few steps reveal a new creature, a branch, or a splash of sky blue. It is as much about discovery as it is about decoration, inviting you to slow down instead of simply hurrying through.

From soap factory ground to Solo quarter landmark

The staircase sits on the former site of the Solo factory, a soap producer that helped shape this part of Sønderborg from the late 19th century. When the industrial buildings were cleared and the Solo residential complex was built, the stair provided a practical link up the hill. Over time, the painted steps have become a subtle nod to this shift from factory yard to living neighbourhood. Today the name Solo survives in the housing estate and in local stories, while Den Spanske Trappe adds a layer of contemporary creativity. The contrast between clean-lined modern apartments and the playful, nature-inspired painting reflects Sønderborg’s broader blend of history, renewal and design-conscious urban planning.

A small urban stage for everyday pauses

For visitors, the staircase is less an attraction to tick off and more a place to linger. The broad steps double as informal seating, and people often pause halfway to chat, sip a takeaway coffee or let children hop from colour to colour. The changing light across the day alters the mood of the artwork, from crisp outlines in morning sun to softer tones in the evening. Photographers are drawn to the strong lines of the stair, the vertical drop between the buildings and the vivid painted bands. Stand at the bottom to capture the full forest motif, or at the top looking down to play with perspective. Because the stair cuts straight through the block, it feels both sheltered and connected to the surrounding streets.

Exploring Sønderborg around the steps

Den Spanske Trappe works well as a short stop while exploring central Sønderborg on foot. It lies within easy reach of the historic waterfront, green promenades and cultural sights, yet sits just far enough off the busiest routes to feel local and relaxed. The nearby streets mix everyday shops and homes, underlining that this is a piece of public art woven into daily routines rather than a stand‑alone monument. Whether you stay for a few minutes or half an hour, the staircase offers a compact glimpse of how Sønderborg uses art to soften urban spaces. It turns a simple climb into an encounter with colour, history and a touch of quiet imagination.