Hønekilden: A Spring of Legends

Discover the enchanting Hønekilden in Sønderborg, where local legends and royal history converge in a tranquil harbor setting, complete with a modern water feature.

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Hønekilden

Hønekilden, or the Hen Spring, is a historic site in Sønderborg steeped in local lore. Once famed for its exceptionally pure water, which was even piped to Sønderborg Castle for Queen Dorothea in the 16th century, the spring is now a charming landmark. Legends abound, with tales of newborns being 'fished' from its waters instead of being delivered by storks. Though the water is no longer potable, a visit to Hønekilden offers a glimpse into Sønderborg's past and a moment of tranquility by the harbor. A modern water feature, added in 2016, playfully references the spring's name with bronze sculptures of a rooster and hens, making it a delightful spot for visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to Hønekilden

Nørre Havnegade 34, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
+4561305019
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Local tips

Combine your visit with a stroll along Sønderborg's harbor front for scenic views and a taste of local maritime life.
Look for the curved line in the pavement near the spring, marking the path of the old railway line.
Visit during the day to fully appreciate the details of the bronze sculptures and water feature.

Getting There

Walking

Hønekilden is located on Nørre Havnegade 34, easily accessible by foot from most central Sønderborg locations. From Sønderborg Castle, walk north along the harbor front for approximately 5-10 minutes. You'll pass the Alsion building on your right. Continue along Nørre Havnegade, and you'll find Hønekilden on your left, marked by a small plaza with a water feature. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

If arriving by train at Sønderborg Station, take a local bus (lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 110, 112, 113, 223, 224, 225, 226, 900X) from Sønderborg St. to Sønderborg Busstation (Bybus) or Sønderborg Busstation, which are the closest bus stations to Hønekilden. From either bus station, it's a short 5-minute walk north along Nørre Havnegade to reach Hønekilden. A single bus fare within Sønderborg typically costs between 14-20 DKK, depending on the number of zones. Tickets can be purchased on the bus or via the Sydtrafik app.
Driving

If driving, navigate to Nørre Havnegade 34, 6400 Sønderborg. Parking is available at Havnens P-hus (Nørre Havnegade 42), located directly opposite the Alsik Hotel, a short walk from Hønekilden. The first two hours of parking are free; after that, the cost is 16 DKK per started hour, up to a maximum of 140 DKK per day. Payment can be made at the parking house's automats, via the APCOA FLOW app, or the EasyPark app. Be aware that the parking house uses automatic number plate recognition.

Discover more about Hønekilden

Hønekilden, nestled in the heart of Sønderborg, is more than just a spring; it's a repository of local legends and a testament to the town's rich history. For centuries, this unassuming water source held a place of prominence in the lives of Sønderborg's residents, its reputation built on the purity and quality of its water. In the 1500s, Queen Dorothea, who resided at Sønderborg Castle during her later years, recognized the spring's exceptional quality. She ordered the water to be channeled through hollowed-out tree trunks to supply the castle's waterworks, a testament to its superior taste and cleanliness. Locals, too, held the spring in high regard, preferring its water for cooking, especially for dishes like kale and pea soup. Beyond its practical uses, Hønekilden was also a source of much folklore and superstition. One of the most enduring legends revolves around the birth of children in the Havbogade neighborhood. Unlike the rest of the world, where storks were believed to deliver babies, the residents of Havbogade claimed that their newborns were 'hauled up' from Hønekilden, 'swimming' in its mystical waters. In 1924, an elderly resident, Widow Larsen, recounted how, as a child in the mid-19th century, she and her friends would hide near the spring, hoping to witness the retrieval of these mythical infants, though their curiosity was never satisfied. However, not all the stories associated with Hønekilden are lighthearted. A darker tale tells of a young girl who, on the eve of Epiphany (Three Kings Day), sought to glimpse her future husband by gazing into the spring's depths. Instead of a vision of marital bliss, she saw her own reflection, shrouded in a burial shroud. Disturbed by this ominous premonition, she confided in a friend, but that very night, fear drove her into the darkness, and her lifeless body was discovered the next morning in the icy harbor waters. While the original spring's outlet, still visible behind a wrought-iron gate, no longer provides potable water, the site continues to draw visitors seeking a connection to Sønderborg's past. In 2016, the area surrounding Hønekilden underwent a revitalization, with the addition of a charming water feature designed by local artist Vibeke Fonnesberg. This modern installation includes trickling water taps and a bronze sculpture of a rooster with three hens, a playful nod to the spring's name ('Høne' translates to 'hen' in Danish). The design also incorporates elements that reference Sønderborg's history, including a curved line in the paving that marks the route of the former railway line that once ran across the square, connecting the town to the mainland. A wooden platform symbolizes a train car, further emphasizing this connection to the past. Visiting Hønekilden today offers a multi-layered experience. It's a chance to reflect on the vital role that natural resources like fresh water played in the lives of past generations. It's an opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of local folklore and legends that have been woven around this unassuming spring. And it's a moment to appreciate the artistic interpretation of history and tradition that Vibeke Fonnesberg has brought to the site. Located on Nørre Havnegade, Hønekilden is easily accessible to visitors exploring Sønderborg's harbor front. While there are no specific opening hours, the site is open to the public year-round. The best time to visit is during daylight hours, when you can fully appreciate the details of the water feature and the surrounding landscape. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of folklore, or simply seeking a peaceful moment by the harbor, Hønekilden offers a unique and memorable experience. It's a place where the past and present intertwine, where legends come to life, and where the simple act of contemplating a spring can spark a deeper appreciation for the history and culture of Sønderborg. As you stand by the spring, imagine Queen Dorothea's servants drawing water for the castle, picture the young girls hiding among the trees, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mythical water babies, and reflect on the tragic tale of the girl who saw her own death in the spring's depths. Hønekilden is more than just a landmark; it's a living story, waiting to be discovered.

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.

Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen

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.

Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer

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.

Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig

Sønderborg Beach

0.8 km

Pristine Danish beach with family-friendly waters, stunning sunsets, and a diving pier—perfect for seaside relaxation and photography.

Unfussy central Sønderborg pizzeria and grill serving Danish-style pizzas, burgers and hearty takeaway favourites for quick, budget-friendly meals.

Curated fashion, home décor, and wine experiences in Sønderborg's vibrant pedestrian quarter.

Classic brown beer hall on Sønderborg’s main street, serving simple drinks, local atmosphere and everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Hønekilden: A Spring of Legends

A brief summary to Hønekilden

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Driving

Unlock the Best of Hønekilden

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Hønekilden

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Iskonditoriet

Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen

Memory stone

Windmill

Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral

Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen

Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer

Mindesten for Røde Kors

King's Redoubt

Tysk skanse X

Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II

Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup

Foundation country Schäferhaus

Bregninge Kirke

Forladt skorsten

Unmissable attractions to see

Vægmalerierne på Nørre Havnegade

Ringridermuseet i Sønderborg

Spanske trappe

Visselulles Have

Selfiebænken - Big yellow

Rådhustorvet

Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig

Rønhaveplads

Genforeningssten i Sønderborg

Sønderborghus

Sønderborg Castle

Mølleparken

Lysvang Vandtårn

Historiske Vandringer – På sporet af 1. verdenskrig

Sønderborg Beach

Essential places to dine

Torve-Hallen

Promenaden - Is med udsigt

Curry Leaves

Peking Restaurant

KING FOOD SØNDERBORG

Rainbow Sushi v/Thi Trinh

Sønderborg Pizza og Grill

Restaurant Colosseum

Kina Grill

Bistro Grand Mère

Syttende

Restaurant Alsik

La Fromagerie

Restaurant Flammen - Sønderborg

Pizza House

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Juhl Bolighus A / S

Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj

Kop & Kande

Noa Noa

Masai

Viller

Twizt Fashion

Jim P.

Gundtoft Sønderborg

Tøjeksperten

Janne K Sønderborg

Butik Schlott

in mood

Outdoor In City Centre

Huset Torre

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg

Den Lille Vinbar

Visselulles Vinbar