Sønderborg: Castle, Churches and City History

When choosing a hotel in Sønderborg, it is worth considering the focus of your trip: the castle and churches represent architectural and art history, while guided tours, puzzle challenges, hiking and swimming offer different experiences. The different themes can help you tailor your stay to your own interests.

Castle and City History

Sønderborg Slot has stood at the entrance to Als Sund for around 800 years. The princely rooms from the 16th century include the Great Hall. Queen Dorothea’s Chapel is considered the oldest surviving Renaissance room in the Nordic region. The castle thus brings together a long history and a distinctive architectural heritage.

Church Art and Ring Jousting

Sct. Marie Kirke also offers insights into different periods. Duke Hans the Younger had the church enlarged to its present size between 1595 and 1600. The church contains a pulpit from 1599 and an altarpiece from 1618, both made by Sønderborg woodcarver Niels Tagesen. There is also a large metal baptismal font from 1600 and a crucifix from the 16th century. The pulpit and baptismal font date from the period when the church was enlarged; the altarpiece was made later.

Ringridermuseet is Denmark’s only ring jousting museum. It presents displays on the history of ring jousting, along with lances, riding saddles, headwear, trophies and ceremonial lances. Its focus combines historical explanations with objects associated with ring jousting.

Guided Tours, Puzzles and Views

A historical guided tour of Sønderborg’s old town visits some historic buildings and shares anecdotes spanning the 13th century to the last century. Tours run seasonally; check the current schedule before your visit. At EscapeTour.dk, sightseeing in Sønderborg is combined with technology-based escape challenges in nature or around the city. Whereas the guided tour focuses on buildings and anecdotes, solving challenges is part of the experience here.

Point of View is on the 16th floor of Alsik Hotel and Spa in Sønderborg and offers views across the Sønderborg area. A ticket provides access to the floor for 30 minutes using a QR code for the lift; tickets must be booked via the website. As booking procedures may change, check the booking details before your visit.

Swimming and Hiking

Sønderborg Havnebad invites visitors to swim in Als Sund. It has three pools, a sun terrace, changing facilities and a sauna. Access conditions vary by season; check them before your visit.

The Sønderborg area has many short and medium-length hiking routes, all clearly signposted throughout. The Alsstien is one of the longer hiking trails in the area, suited to multi-day hikes. The Gendarmstien is described as Denmark’s first European Quality Trail. The routes therefore differ in the time they require: many are short or medium-length, while the Alsstien is described as an option for multi-day hikes.

Discover more destinations: Sydals, Skovby, Oksbøl, Høruphav, Kettingskov, Kruså, Rinkenæs, Havnbjerg

Return to the main travel overview: Sønderborg Municipality.