Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand, Viborg
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 Soltrappe & Strand is a sculpted lakeside bathing spot in Viborg’s innovative sØnæs climate park, on the edge of Søndersø. Broad wooden sun steps tumble down to the water, forming a relaxed urban beach with easy lake access for swimmers, paddlers and families. Framed by grassy banks, walking paths and playful water installations, it blends recreational fun with award‑winning stormwater design, making it a favourite place to bask in the sun, cool off and enjoy open views across the lake.
A brief summary to Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand
- Viborg, 8800, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 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
- Bring a towel and swimwear in warmer months; the lowest steps offer convenient informal access to Søndersø where local bathing is common.
- Pack a picnic or grab takeaway from central Viborg, as there are no dedicated cafés on the soltrappe itself.
- Aim for late afternoon or evening on clear days to enjoy soft light and often memorable sunsets across the lake.
- If you are sensitive to sun, note that shade is limited on the steps; a hat, sunscreen and water are important on hot days.
- Combine your stop at the soltrappe with a full circuit walk around Søndersø to experience more of the sØnæs climate park landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from Viborg Station
From Viborg Station, local city buses serving the Søndersø and south‑Viborg area reach stops near sØnæs in about 5–10 minutes. Services typically run every 20–30 minutes on weekdays and less frequently in the evening and on weekends. A single adult ticket generally costs around 20–30 DKK, and most buses are low‑floor, making them accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
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Walking from Viborg city centre
From the historic centre around Viborg Cathedral, the walk to Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand takes roughly 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route follows pavements and lakeside paths with only gentle gradients, suitable for most visitors with average mobility. Surfaces are mainly paved or compacted gravel, though they can be slippery in wet or icy weather.
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Car or taxi within Viborg
Reaching the sØnæs area by car or taxi from central Viborg usually takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Public parking is available near Søndersø and within walking distance of the soltrappe, though spaces can fill up on warm summer days. A short taxi ride within the city typically costs around 80–140 DKK, varying with time of day and distance.
Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand
Lakeside steps where Viborg meets the water
Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand sits on the southern edge of Søndersø, where the city of Viborg seems to casually sink down into the lake. Here, a broad cascade of wooden terraces doubles as both a grand set of steps and an informal urban beach. On sunny days the planks warm quickly, turning each step into a natural sunbed facing the glittering surface of the water. Instead of a conventional sandy shore, the gently tiered structure creates a series of levels where you can stretch out, dangle your feet, or sit with a picnic close to the waterline. The lowest steps bring you almost to the lake itself, giving confident swimmers and stand‑up paddlers an easy, unpretentious access point right in town.Part of Viborg’s pioneering sØnæs climate park
The soltrappe is one eye‑catching element in the larger sØnæs landscape, a multi‑purpose park designed to manage stormwater while offering everyday recreation. The surrounding lawns, reeds and shallow basins are not just decorative; they help cleanse and delay rainwater on its way to Søndersø, reducing the strain on the city during heavy downpours. Interpretive features scattered through the area explain how the terrain has been shaped to handle changing weather. Even if you are here simply to sit by the water, you are in the middle of a working piece of climate infrastructure, where technical functions have been translated into a calm, open green space.Everyday rituals: sun, swims and simple pleasures
For most visitors, Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand is about uncomplicated outdoor time. The wide steps invite you to lie back with a book, share takeaway coffee, or quietly watch rowing boats and birds pass along Søndersø. In warm weather, the area becomes an informal bathing spot, with people wading or plunging in from the edge where conditions allow. Paths link the soltrappe to the rest of the park, making it easy to combine a lakeside pause with a longer stroll around the water. Children often gravitate towards nearby lawns and playful water elements elsewhere in sØnæs, while the steps themselves function as relaxed seating for all ages.Design details and changing light over Søndersø
The terraced structure is simple at first glance, but it has been carefully aligned with the curve of the shoreline and the long views across the lake. The repeated rhythm of timber and the broad, horizontal lines echo the still surface of the water on calm days. In late afternoon and evening, the soltrappe becomes a natural vantage point for sunsets, with the light sliding across Søndersø and the city skyline beyond. Because the area is open and relatively unbuilt, you remain close to the elements: the sound of wind on the lake, the creak of moored boats, the calls of waterfowl. Even brief visits can feel like a reset from urban life, despite the city centre being only a short distance away.Seasons, atmosphere and practical comforts
Although the soltrappe is most obviously a summer hangout, it has a quiet appeal year‑round. On crisp mornings outside the high season you may find only a few walkers, joggers and dog‑owners sharing the wide steps. In cooler months they become a place to pause with a thermos and take in the play of clouds over the water, rather than a sunbathing spot. Facilities are modest but sufficient for a short visit, with basic park amenities available in the wider sØnæs area. Combined with flat, well‑made paths and open sightlines, Sønæs Soltrappe & Strand feels easygoing and accessible, inviting you to treat the lake as an everyday living room for Viborg rather than a distant backdrop.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Viborg View
0.7 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
1.5 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
2.1 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
29.2 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Store Troldhøj
30.3 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Museum Salling
30.5 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
31.0 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
31.1 km
Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.
Fyrkat Viking Museum
31.1 km
Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
31.2 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
31.3 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
31.3 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.
Silkeborg Water Tower
31.6 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Landal Søhøjlandet
31.6 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 Park
0.2 km
Innovative wetland park in Viborg where rainwater basins, lakeside paths and playful green spaces turn climate adaptation into a scenic urban escape.
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
0.8 km
Leafy lakeside lawns, outdoor fitness and a shared fire pit make Strandparken Viborg’s relaxed everyday escape on the shore of Søndersø.
Søndermarkskirken
1.1 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
1.3 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
1.4 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
1.5 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
1.5 km
A fragrant historical oasis where fire-scarred earth bloomed into Viborg's most peaceful garden.
Skovgaard Museum in Viborg
1.5 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
1.5 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 Kunsthal
1.5 km
Contemporary art in an 18th‑century lakeside distillery, Viborg Kunsthal blends bold exhibitions, residencies and events with a relaxed café and green surroundings.
Viborg Museum - Administration
1.6 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
1.6 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.
Museum Wibergis
1.6 km
Autumn 2026: Step into 1000 years of Danish power struggles through vivid animation and immersive storytelling.
Bible Garden
1.6 km
A living biblical library where over 100 scriptural plants bloom in thematic beds within historic Borgvold park.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Pavarotti Viborg
1.2 km
Authentic Italian flavours meet Danish freshness in Viborg's most welcoming neighbourhood restaurant.
Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro
1.2 km
A modern Viborg hangout where specialty coffee, Nordic-Japanese small plates and relaxed bistro vibes share the same intimate, light-filled corner space.
Tortillaflats Viborg
1.2 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.
D'let - Det Grønne Køkken Thai Take Away
1.2 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
1.2 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
1.3 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
1.3 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Crispy Chicken
1.3 km
Quick, casual fried chicken and pizza in central Viborg—affordable fast-food convenience.
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.
OX-M
1.4 km
Refined European cuisine and premium beef in central Viborg
Me Vietnamese Kitchen & Isbar
1.4 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
1.4 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.
Restaurant Palads
1.4 km
Traditional Danish dining in the heart of Viborg with warm hospitality and quality cuisine.
Jensens Bøfhus
1.4 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.
Bone's Viborg
1.4 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
0.8 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
1.2 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
1.2 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
1.2 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
1.2 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
1.2 km
Contemporary lingerie, swimwear and loungewear in Viborg’s Sct. Mathias Centret, with personal fitting help and a focused, comfortable boutique atmosphere.
Zizzi - Viborg
1.2 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
1.3 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
1.3 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
1.3 km
Scandinavian creativity meets affordable everyday joy in Viborg's most colorful gift shop.
Bog & idé Viborg
1.3 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
1.3 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
1.3 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
1.3 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
1.3 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
1.3 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
1.3 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
1.4 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
1.4 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Rockabilly Bar
1.4 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
Tema Bar
1.4 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
1.4 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.
1.4 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
1.5 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
1.6 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
1.6 km
Viborg's cozy neighborhood bar where affordable drinks, free pool, and live music create genuine local warmth.
Café Børsen
1.6 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
1.8 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
2.7 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
3.5 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
13.4 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
31.4 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
32.7 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.
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
42.6 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
42.6 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
42.7 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.
Mariager Sejlklub
42.8 km
Experience the laid-back maritime charm of Mariager Sejlklub, where local sailing culture meets tranquil fjord views on Denmark’s scenic Mariager Fjord.
Mindegade5
42.9 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
42.9 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.
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
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
