Sønæs Vandpark
A lakeside climate park where Viborg’s rainwater is tamed, cleaned and celebrated in a landscape of ponds, paths and playful green spaces.
Sønæs Vandpark in Viborg is a contemporary urban oasis where playful park life meets pioneering climate design. Spread around a sculpted water landscape on the edge of Søndersø, this former football field has been transformed into a green-blue park with ponds, reed beds, boardwalks and a 1.1 km loop trail. Families come for the playgrounds, stepping stones and picnic spots, while walkers, runners and nature-lovers follow the paths to watch birds and changing light over the lake. At once recreational area and major climate adaptation project, Sønæs quietly cleans stormwater and protects the city from cloudbursts while offering one of Viborg’s most inviting outdoor spaces.
A brief summary to Sønæs Vandpark
- Gammel Århusvej 57, 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
- Walk the full 1.1 km loop to see how the basins, reeds and channels connect, then finish with a quiet pause by Søndersø’s shoreline.
- Visit in the late afternoon for softer light over the water and a good chance to see birdlife around the reed beds.
- Pack simple snacks or a thermos and use the benches and grassy areas for an informal picnic, but remember to take all rubbish with you.
- If you are with children, set clear boundaries near the water and turn spotting ducks, coots and insects into a gentle nature game.
- Come on a cloudy or drizzly day to experience the park’s role in handling rain – the design becomes more legible when water is flowing.
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 centrum
From Viborg’s central area, use a local city bus running along Århusvej toward the southern districts; typical journey time is 5–15 minutes depending on the stop. Services run frequently during the day and less often in the evening. A single adult ticket usually costs around 20–30 DKK within the city zones and can be bought via ticket machines, apps or onboard where accepted.
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Bicycle from central Viborg
Cycling from the historic centre of Viborg to Sønæs typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on your starting point. The route uses ordinary city streets with gentle gradients and is suitable for most cyclists comfortable in light urban traffic. You can bring your own bike or rent one in town; expect basic city bike rentals to start around 100–150 DKK per day.
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Taxi within Viborg
A taxi ride from central Viborg to Sønæs generally takes about 5–10 minutes, varying with traffic and the exact pick-up point. Fares for short city rides often fall in the range of 80–140 DKK, with higher prices in evenings and on weekends. Taxis set passengers down on nearby streets, leaving only a short, level approach on foot.
Sønæs Vandpark location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Sønæs Vandpark
From Football Fields to Climate-Smart City Park
Sønæs Vandpark sits on land that once held flat, utilitarian football pitches on the southern edge of Viborg. Today, the same ground has been reimagined as a sculpted landscape of basins, channels and grassy mounds, designed to hold and clean large volumes of rainwater before it flows into Søndersø. The result is a park where engineering and leisure blend so seamlessly that many visitors simply experience it as a beautiful place to be outside. The park is part of Viborg’s wider strategy to handle heavier rainfall and cloudbursts. A network of ponds and wetlands slows stormwater from the city, while reed beds and planted shelves help remove nutrients and particles. Beneath the surface, hidden structures manage flows and storage, but above it the atmosphere is relaxed, open and human-scaled.Water, Boardwalks and Everyday Encounters with Nature
Water is the defining element at Sønæs. Long, shallow pools curve through the site, reflecting the sky and nearby apartment buildings. In some places, low timber decks float just above the surface, giving you the feeling of stepping out over the water. Other stretches are edged with wild grasses and reeds, where ducks forage and songbirds shelter. A circular route of roughly 1.1 kilometres loops around the area, inviting gentle walks, pram strolls and evening runs. Surfaces alternate between concrete paving and compacted paths, so you move smoothly from open lawns to close-up views of rippling water and reeds. Subtle level changes and small bridges make the walk varied without feeling strenuous.Spaces for Play, Picnics and Everyday Life
Sønæs was designed as a local living room as much as a technical facility. Open grass areas provide space for informal ball games or a blanket in the sun. Benches and simple seating blocks appear at natural pauses along the paths, letting you watch children explore the water’s edge or cyclists gliding past. Play elements are scattered rather than fenced in: balancing logs, gentle slopes and stone edges become invitations to climb, jump and test balance. The water is mostly shallow near the banks, with clear visual boundaries that make it easier for families to keep an eye on curious youngsters. On mild evenings, barbecues and picnics give the park a sociable feel without overwhelming its calm character.Architecture in the Open Air
Although Sønæs is largely about landscape, there is a clear architectural language at work. Simple concrete, weathered steel and untreated timber are used consistently in steps, retaining walls, decks and railings. These robust materials age gracefully and can handle both fluctuating water levels and heavy everyday use. Viewed from above or from nearby buildings, the basins and paths read almost like a drawing: sweeping curves, straight lines and carefully placed islands define zones for water, people and planting. Subtle lighting makes the main routes legible after dark, while keeping the night environment gentle for birds and insects around the lake.A Showcase for Sustainable Urban Design
Sønæs has become a reference point for how a city can turn necessary climate infrastructure into an attractive public space. Instead of hiding pipes and reservoirs underground, Viborg chose to make them visible and understandable, adding educational boards that explain how rainwater is slowed and cleaned on its way to Søndersø. Because the area remains largely open and planted with hardy, native or adaptable species, maintenance demands are modest and biodiversity benefits are tangible. Seasonal changes are part of the experience: spring brings fresh green reeds, summer fills the park with insect life and warm evenings, while autumn mists and winter frost show the basins and contours in a new light.Experiencing Sønæs Through the Seasons
There is no single "right" time to visit Sønæs. On bright days, the reflections on the water and broad sky views give the park a spacious, almost coastal mood despite its urban setting. In light rain, the sound of drops on the water and the sight of run-off channelling into basins underline the park’s purpose without making it inhospitable. Even a short visit can include a loop walk, a pause at the lakefront, and a moment on one of the decks close to the water. Longer stays naturally slow your pace: you notice the pattern of planting, the way children gravitate to certain edges, or how the city’s everyday life flows gently around this carefully designed pocket of nature and engineering.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Viborg View
0.8 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
7.8 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
29.1 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
30.4 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
31.0 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
31.1 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
31.2 km
Stændertorvet is the historic main square of Roskilde, home to bustling markets, festivals, and community life, set beside UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral.
Fyrkat Viking Museum
31.3 km
Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.
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
31.5 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 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 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.
Strandparken
0.7 km
Leafy lakeside lawns, outdoor fitness and a shared fire pit make Strandparken Viborg’s relaxed everyday escape on the shore of Søndersø.
Søndermarkskirken
0.9 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
1.5 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
1.5 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.
Latinerhaven
1.6 km
A fragrant historical oasis where fire-scarred earth bloomed into Viborg's most peaceful garden.
Skovgaard Museum in Viborg
1.6 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.
Klosterskoven
1.7 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.
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 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 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.
Museum Wibergis
1.8 km
Autumn 2026: Step into 1000 years of Danish power struggles through vivid animation and immersive storytelling.
Vægtertorvet
1.8 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.
Essential places to dine
Asian Grill v/Løvbjerg
1.2 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
1.3 km
Authentic Italian flavours meet Danish freshness in Viborg's most welcoming neighbourhood restaurant.
Les Jeunes — kaffebar og neo-bistro
1.3 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.
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.
Khawand Pizzaria
1.4 km
Quarter-century pizzeria serving authentic Italian pizza and grilled specialties with genuine hospitality.
Crispy Chicken
1.4 km
Quick, casual fried chicken and pizza in central Viborg—affordable fast-food convenience.
Den Gyldne Okse
1.4 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.
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.
Restaurant Palads
1.5 km
Traditional Danish dining in the heart of Viborg with warm hospitality and quality cuisine.
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.
OX-M
1.5 km
Refined European cuisine and premium beef in central Viborg
Viborg Pizzaria
1.5 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.
Bone's Viborg
1.5 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
1.3 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
1.3 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.4 km
Scandinavian creativity meets affordable everyday joy in Viborg's most colorful gift shop.
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.
Rashed
1.4 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.
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
1.4 km
A compact women’s fashion boutique in central Viborg, blending Scandinavian simplicity with wearable, city-ready style for everyday wardrobes and weekend outings.
Eleganza Eterna
1.4 km
A compact Viborg fashion boutique blending Scandinavian simplicity with elegant, curated womenswear and accessories just off the city’s historic heart.
Louise Viborg Aps
1.4 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
Ølluminati Brewbar
1.4 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.
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.
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.
Holms Vinotek
1.5 km
Curated wines and artisanal tapas in a historic pharmacy turned sophisticated gathering place.
Rockabilly Bar
1.5 km
Craft beer meets 1950s rock and roll in Viborg's most distinctive beer bar.
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.
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.
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
1.9 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
2.8 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
13.3 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
31.3 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
39.1 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
39.1 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
39.1 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
39.9 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
42.4 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
42.7 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
43.0 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
48.9 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
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- 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
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
