Sønæs Park
Innovative wetland park in Viborg where rainwater basins, lakeside paths and playful green spaces turn climate adaptation into a scenic urban escape.
Sønæs Park in Viborg is a 10-hectare blue‑green oasis where climate adaptation, water purification and everyday recreation are cleverly woven together. Once a soggy football field, it is now a sculpted wetland landscape of ponds, boardwalks and grassy knolls beside Søndersø lake. Wheelchair‑friendly paths loop around the water, passing play equipment, picnic lawns and quiet viewpoints where you can watch ducks and changing skies over the water-filled basins.
A brief summary to Sønæs Park
- Sønæsvej 5, Viborg, 8800, 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 a windproof layer: the open, lakeside setting can feel cooler and breezier than the streets of central Viborg, especially outside summer.
- Follow the full loop path at least once; the subtle changes in elevation and viewpoints give a good sense of how the basins work during heavy rain.
- Pack a simple picnic and use the tables or grassy banks, but take all rubbish with you or use the on-site bins to protect the wetland wildlife.
- If you use a wheelchair or stroller, stick mainly to the main circuit, which has solid concrete and compacted gravel surfaces and gentle gradients.
- Visit in different seasons if you can: spring greenery, high-summer light and misty autumn mornings all transform how the water landscape feels.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from Viborg centre
From Viborg’s central area, use a local city bus heading towards the southern districts near Søndersø; typical journey times are around 10–20 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Single tickets within the Viborg zone usually cost about 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines or via regional transport apps. Buses run regularly during the day, but evening and weekend frequencies are lower, so check the latest timetable before you set out.
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Walking from central Viborg
If you are staying in central Viborg, you can reach Sønæs Park on foot in roughly 20–35 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace. The route uses ordinary pavements and lakeside paths with some gentle gradients but no major hills, making it manageable for most people with basic fitness. Surfaces are generally paved or compacted gravel, though in wet weather some sections near the lake may feel soft or slippery, so choose appropriate footwear.
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Bicycle from across Viborg
Cycling is a convenient way to reach the park, with typical riding times of 10–20 minutes from most residential areas in Viborg. The city has a network of bike-friendly streets, and traffic is usually moderate, though you should still use lights and reflective gear in low light. There is informal bike parking near the entrances; bring your own lock, and be aware that some paths within the park are shared with pedestrians, so ride slowly and respectfully once you arrive.
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Car or taxi within Viborg
Travelling by car or taxi from elsewhere in Viborg generally takes 5–15 minutes in normal traffic. Limited free parking is available on nearby gravel areas, but spaces can be in short supply on sunny weekends or holiday afternoons. Taxis in Viborg usually use a meter, with short city journeys often costing in the range of 80–150 DKK depending on distance and time of day; ask for an estimate when you book, and consider being dropped off if parking looks busy.
Sønæs Park location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Sønæs Park
From flooded football fields to climate-smart landscape
Sønæs Park began life as a set of marshy football pitches on the southern edge of Viborg, often too wet to use. Today the area has been reshaped into an inventive 10-hectare climate and activity park that helps protect the city from heavy rainfall while giving residents and visitors a generous piece of waterside nature. Gentle earth mounds, wide basins and looping paths make the engineering work almost disappear into the scenery. At the heart of the design is a large purification pond that holds back rainwater before it flows into nearby Søndersø lake. The calm water surface lets sediment and pollutants settle on the bottom, so that cleaner water leaves the park than arrives. In storm conditions, extra basins and overflow areas come into play, temporarily turning parts of the park into a shallow urban lagoon.Walking the blue-green loop
For visitors, the most noticeable feature is the continuous loop trail of roughly a kilometre that circles the main wetland. Built from concrete and compacted gravel, it is broad, smooth and step-free, making it suitable for wheelchairs, prams and relaxed strolls side by side. Smaller side paths branch off towards play zones, viewing points and tucked-away benches. The route carries you over bridges and boardwalks that skim low across the water and wetlands, so you move at eye level with reeds, pond edges and the reflections of the sky. Seating is frequent, from simple benches to sculptural furniture, inviting you to pause and watch the play of light on the basins or the gentle movement of water grasses along the shore.Playful edges and active corners
Sønæs Park is not just for quiet contemplation. The design deliberately mixes gentle nature areas with more energetic pockets of activity. Close to the main paths you find play equipment that tests balance and coordination, low climbing structures and swings that make use of the sloping terrain. Nearby, picnic tables and open lawns provide space for families and groups to spread out. Just outside the wetland core, a simple gravel parking area and a neighbouring skate spot underline the park’s role as an everyday meeting place. The water basins double as an atmospheric backdrop for informal games, summer gatherings or a quick lunch break in the open air, while still performing their technical role whenever heavy rain arrives.Nature, wildlife and changing seasons
Because large areas are kept as wetland and meadow, Sønæs Park has become a small haven for urban wildlife. Ducks and other water birds patrol the ponds, and the mosaic of open water, reeds and grass supports a variety of insects that thrive in the moist environment. The gently varied terrain offers both exposed, windy ridges and sheltered nooks closer to the water. Seasonal change is highly visible here. In spring and summer, green banks and wildflowers frame the paths; in autumn, low sun angles and mist emphasize the shapes of the basins; in winter, frost or light snow can turn the terraced edges into a minimalist, almost graphic landscape. Even on days when water levels are low, markers and interpretation elements hint at how high the water can rise during real flood events.Learning landscape for a changing climate
Beyond its leisure value, Sønæs Park also functions as an open-air classroom on climate and water. Discreet information features explain how urban rainwater is collected, cleaned and slowed down before reaching the lake, and how this helps protect habitats downstream. Schools and local groups often use the park to talk about climate adaptation in a tangible way, standing directly beside the infrastructure that makes it happen. In this way the park manages to be several things at once: a piece of critical city infrastructure, a pleasant local green space and a subtle exhibition about future-proofing urban areas. For travellers passing through Viborg, it offers an accessible glimpse of Danish landscape design at the point where environmental engineering, everyday recreation and lakeside scenery meet.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Viborg View
0.9 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
1.7 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
2.3 km
Historic public square anchoring Viborg's Cathedral Quarter and medieval city center.
Befrielsessten i Ravnstrup
8.0 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
29.0 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Store Troldhøj
30.2 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Museum Salling
30.6 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.
silkeborg
30.8 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
30.9 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
31.0 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
31.1 km
Stændertorvet is the historic main square of Roskilde, home to bustling markets, festivals, and community life, set beside UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
31.1 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.
Fyrkat Viking Museum
31.2 km
Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.
Silkeborg Water Tower
31.4 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Landal Søhøjlandet
31.4 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand
0.2 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.
Sønæs Vandpark
0.2 km
A lakeside climate park where Viborg’s rainwater is tamed, cleaned and celebrated in a landscape of ponds, paths and playful green spaces.
Strandparken
0.6 km
Leafy lakeside lawns, outdoor fitness and a shared fire pit make Strandparken Viborg’s relaxed everyday escape on the shore of Søndersø.
Søndermarkskirken
1.0 km
A circular parish church where modern Danish design, symbolic artwork and community-focused architecture come together on Viborg’s quiet southern edge.
Nordisk Park
1.4 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.
Sortebrødre Plads
1.6 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.
Klosterskoven
1.6 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.
Latinerhaven
1.6 km
A fragrant historical oasis where fire-scarred earth bloomed into Viborg's most peaceful garden.
Skovgaard Museum in Viborg
1.7 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 Kunsthal
1.7 km
Contemporary art in an 18th‑century lakeside distillery, Viborg Kunsthal blends bold exhibitions, residencies and events with a relaxed café and green surroundings.
Viborg Cathedral
1.7 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
1.7 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.
Domkirkekvarteret i Viborg
1.7 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.
Bible Garden
1.8 km
A living biblical library where over 100 scriptural plants bloom in thematic beds within historic Borgvold park.
Museum Wibergis
1.8 km
Autumn 2026: Step into 1000 years of Danish power struggles through vivid animation and immersive storytelling.
Essential places to dine
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
1.3 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.
Restaurant Pavarotti Viborg
1.4 km
Authentic Italian flavours meet Danish freshness in Viborg's most welcoming neighbourhood restaurant.
Tortillaflats Viborg
1.4 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.
Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro
1.4 km
A modern Viborg hangout where specialty coffee, Nordic-Japanese small plates and relaxed bistro vibes share the same intimate, light-filled corner space.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken Thai Take Away
1.4 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.
Café Baghuset
1.4 km
Hygge‑filled all‑day café in central Viborg, serving generous brunches, Danish comfort dishes, coffee and cocktails in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
Den Gyldne Okse
1.5 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.
Khawand Pizzaria
1.5 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Crispy Chicken
1.5 km
Quick, casual fried chicken and pizza in central Viborg—affordable fast-food convenience.
OX-M
1.5 km
Refined European cuisine and premium beef in central Viborg
Me Vietnamese Kitchen & Isbar
1.5 km
Casual Vietnamese comfort food and an ice-cream bar in the heart of Viborg’s old town, ideal for relaxed lunches, simple dinners and sweet breaks on Hjultorvet.
For Enden Af Gaden
1.5 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.
Jensens Bøfhus
1.6 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Viborg’s central square, serving family-friendly comfort dishes, generous portions and soft-ice treats in a relaxed, modern setting.
Restaurant Palads
1.6 km
Traditional Danish dining in the heart of Viborg with warm hospitality and quality cuisine.
Bone's Viborg
1.6 km
Lively Danish family restaurant serving classic American-style ribs, steaks and burgers with an all-you-can-eat salad and soft-ice bar in central Viborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
1.0 km
Spacious Red Cross thrift store in Viborg, where second-hand fashion and homeware meet Danish volunteer spirit and every bargain supports humanitarian work.
Sct. Mathias Center
1.4 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
1.4 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.
Imerco
1.4 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.
Søsterne Grene
1.4 km
A calming Scandinavian treasure trove in central Viborg, filled with affordable décor, crafty inspiration and small everyday joys tucked inside Sct. Mathias Centret.
Hunkemöller
1.4 km
Contemporary lingerie, swimwear and loungewear in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, with personal fitting help and a focused, comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Zizzi - Viborg
1.4 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
1.4 km
Compact Danish fashion boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, offering Scandinavian basics, trend pieces, and accessories for women in the heart of Viborg.
Frølund Fashion Viborg
1.4 km
Long‑standing Danish womenswear boutique inside Sct. Mathias Centret, blending contemporary fashion, seasonal collections and friendly styling help in central Viborg.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.4 km
Scandinavian creativity meets affordable everyday joy in Viborg's most colorful gift shop.
Bog & idé Viborg
1.4 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.
Common Company ApS
1.5 km
A compact women’s fashion boutique in central Viborg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with wearable, city-ready style for everyday wardrobes and weekend outings.
Rashed
1.5 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.
Louise Viborg Aps
1.5 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.
Only
1.5 km
Central Viborg women’s fashion store offering trend-led Danish style, strong denim selections and everyday wardrobe staples in a bright, modern boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ølluminati Brewbar
1.5 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
1.5 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.
Roxy Malt Viborg
1.5 km
Cosy Irish-style pub in central Viborg with specialty beers, cocktails, live music and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere for unhurried nights out.
Holms Vinotek
1.6 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Rockabilly Bar
1.6 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Tema Bar
1.6 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
1.6 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.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
1.6 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
1.6 km
Cosy Viborg bodega and karaoke bar where cold beers, pool games and sing-along nights blend into an easygoing, late-night local hangout.
Sportspub Målet
1.7 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.
Bodega Hegnet
1.8 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Café Børsen
1.8 km
A long‑standing Viborg café‑bar where Danish hygge, history and late‑night drinks meet in one cozy, central hangout on Gravene.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
2.0 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
2.9 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
11.1 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
3.7 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
13.5 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
31.2 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
32.8 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.
Rustik & Flamingo
38.9 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
38.9 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
39.0 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
39.7 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
42.5 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
42.5 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
42.5 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
42.7 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
42.8 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
42.9 km
Experience the laid-back maritime charm of Mariager Sejlklub, where local sailing culture meets tranquil fjord views on Denmark’s scenic Mariager Fjord.
East End Holstebro
49.1 km
High-energy disco club in central Holstebro, where DJs, flashing lights, and a packed dance floor keep the party going into the early morning hours.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
