Once located within the Duchy of Schleswig, Sønderborg is a historically significant town in Southern Denmark. It was returned to Denmark with the signing of the Schleswig Plebiscite in 1920 and sprawls across the island of Als and the Jutland peninsula.
Things to do in Sønderborg
In the heart of town is the centuries-old Sønderborg Castle, which houses a museum showcasing the turbulent history of Southern Jutland. Learn about King Christian II’s imprisonment here in the 16th century before admiring the paintings, textiles and handicrafts on display. Don’t miss the 34-metre-long Great Hall and Queen Dorothea’s Chapel with its beautifully painted organ.
A short drive from Sønderborg is the Dybbøl Mill, which has been a symbol of the bravery of Danish soldiers since 1864. Constructed in 1744, it’s open to the public as a museum, with its ground floor housing an exhibition about the Schleswig Wars and the family that resided there at the time. Climb the tower to see the mill’s old grinders and spur wheel while soaking up the views across the region.
For a day at the beach, head to Vemmingbund Strand to swim, windsurf or play beach volleyball. It can be combined with a visit to the historic Cathrinesminde Brickworks, which was designated as a National Industrial Heritage Site in 2007. Watch the short film about the brickworks’ 300-year-old history before wandering between its drying barns, kneading machines and furnished workers’ apartments.
Getting around Sønderborg
Sønderborg Airport is a 10-minute drive from the town centre and has regular flights to Copenhagen. Trains connect from the Danish capital and Copenhagen Airport to the Sønderborg railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Sønderborg can easily be explored on foot.