Søndermarken Copenhagen
A serene, historic park with ancient trees and a unique subterranean art venue, offering a tranquil escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Søndermarken Copenhagen
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, historic park with ancient trees and a unique subterranean art venue, offering a tranquil escape.
"A park that feels wilder, more secluded, and somehow more introspective than its neighbors."
🎟️ Book Cisternerne Tickets
Check exhibition schedules and book tickets online in advance, especially for popular shows.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has winding paths; wear comfy shoes for exploring its wooded areas and open spaces.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cisternerne Art Space
Underground
Explore a former water reservoir transformed into a surreal contemporary art venue. A truly unique underground experience.

Ancient Tree-Lined Paths
Throughout the park
Wander through a dense, wooded landscape with old trees, offering a serene escape and a feeling of timelessness.

The People's Park
Various open spaces
Experience a historically significant park that has hosted gatherings and demonstrations, offering ample space for relaxation.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Underground Art
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Cisternerne Tickets
Check exhibition schedules and book tickets online in advance, especially for popular shows.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has winding paths; wear comfy shoes for exploring its wooded areas and open spaces.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Serenity
This park is perfect for quiet walks, jogging, or simply finding a peaceful spot to relax.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Cisternerne Tickets
Check exhibition schedules and book tickets online in advance, especially for popular shows.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park has winding paths; wear comfy shoes for exploring its wooded areas and open spaces.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Serenity
This park is perfect for quiet walks, jogging, or simply finding a peaceful spot to relax.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a walk.
💡 Free Art Access (Sometimes)
Look out for potential free entry for those under 27 for Cisternerne exhibitions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Søndermarken is praised for its serene, wilder atmosphere and historical charm, offering a peaceful escape from the city. The unique underground art venue, Cisternerne, is a standout feature, though some find it a bit brief for the cost. It's a beloved spot for locals seeking quietude and nature.
"Just across the road from Frederiksberg Garden lies Søndermarken, a park that feels wilder, more secluded, and somehow more introspective. While its neighbor is open and classical in design, Søndermarken offers a denser, more wooded landscape; it is perfect for quiet walks, jogging, or simply escaping the noise of the city for a while.
Originally laid out in the 18th century as a royal hunting ground for Frederiksberg Palace, Søndermarken has retained much of its natural charm. The paths wind through tall trees, and the park has an almost forest-like feel in places. There’s a timeless atmosphere here, you feel more like a traveler than a tourist.
One of its most unique features is the Cisternerne — a former underground water reservoir that now serves as a contemporary art space. The contrast between modern installations and the damp, echoing chambers of this subterranean world is striking and worth experiencing. It adds a surreal, almost meditative layer to the park visit.
Søndermarken doesn’t draw the same crowds as other parks in Copenhagen, and that’s part of its beauty. It’s a place for solitude, for reflection, for walking beneath old trees where kings once rode, and where time seems to slow down."
Dmitry Zinger
"Lovely park for a break or run."
Almero Barnard
"The People’s park has been open to the public since 1852. Lots of demonstrations and other gatherings take place here.
A lovely park for stroll or jogging. It was hunting ground for royals long ago. It has a few famous attractions like the Water cisterne beneath the park build to ensure clean drinking water to the city during a cholera epidemic."
Jorgen Frohlich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Søndermarken is easily accessible from Copenhagen city center. You can take public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant bike ride away, and many visitors combine it with a visit to Frederiksberg Garden.
Yes, Søndermarken is conveniently located about 10 minutes from Copenhagen Airport, making it an easy stop for arrivals or departures.
While driving is possible, parking can be limited. Public transport or cycling are often recommended for easier access and to avoid parking hassles.
The entrance to Cisternerne is within Søndermarken park. Follow the signs within the park to find the subterranean entrance.
The nearest metro stations are typically a walk away, so buses or cycling are generally more direct routes to Søndermarken. Check local transit apps for the best route from your location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Søndermarken park itself is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees for the park grounds.
Ticket prices for Cisternerne vary depending on the exhibition and age. There are often discounts for students or those under a certain age.
It is highly recommended to book Cisternerne tickets online in advance, as exhibitions can be popular and sell out.
Occasionally, Cisternerne offers free entry for specific age groups, such as those under 27. Keep an eye on their official website for announcements.
Søndermarken is generally open from dawn till dusk. However, the Cisternerne has specific opening hours that vary with exhibitions, so check their schedule.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy peaceful walks, jogging, or simply relax in the green spaces. The main attraction is the unique underground art venue, Cisternerne.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day, depending on whether you're just strolling through or exploring the Cisternerne. Some visitors note that the art exhibit can be experienced in about 30 minutes.
Yes, the park offers beautiful natural scenery with old trees and open fields, perfect for nature photography. The Cisternerne provides a unique, moody backdrop for artistic shots.
Restroom facilities are available within the park, and some unique compost toilets can be found in the surrounding areas.
Absolutely! Søndermarken has plenty of lawn space, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or restaurants directly within Søndermarken park itself. However, you can find dining options in the nearby Frederiksberg area.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a popular activity in Søndermarken, with many open grassy areas perfect for it.
While not directly in the park, some initiatives like 'CopenPays' have offered free meals in exchange for helping with trash collection in nearby areas, promoting eco-friendly activities.
Copenhagen offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from traditional Danish smørrebrød to innovative New Nordic cuisine and international flavors.
You'll find numerous excellent coffee shops in the surrounding Frederiksberg and Vesterbro neighborhoods, offering a great spot to refuel.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene beauty of the old trees and winding paths. The Cisternerne offers a dramatic, moody setting for unique artistic shots.
Photography is generally allowed inside Cisternerne, but it's always best to check the specific exhibition rules, as flash photography might be restricted.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive park landscapes, while a prime lens can be useful for portraits or details. For Cisternerne, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and urban areas in Copenhagen. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for the park. For Cisternerne, the ambient lighting within the space creates its own unique photographic mood.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Cisternerne
Visitors often describe the art exhibits as 'weird,' 'creepy,' and 'coolest,' highlighting the immersive and thought-provoking nature of the space. It's a must-visit for those seeking something beyond typical tourist attractions. Remember that exhibitions change seasonally, so checking the current display is key to planning your visit.
While the Cisternerne is a major draw, it's worth noting that some reviewers feel the experience, though unique, can be brief, and the ticket price might be a consideration for a short visit. However, for art enthusiasts and those looking for an unconventional experience, it's highly recommended.
A Royal Past, A Public Present
Opened to the public in 1852, Søndermarken has evolved into The People's Park, a space for recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings. It's a popular spot for locals to enjoy quiet walks, jogging, or simply find a peaceful patch of grass for 'grounding' time. The park's enduring charm lies in its ability to offer both a connection to history and a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Unlike its more manicured neighbor, Frederiksberg Garden, Søndermarken offers a wilder, more secluded atmosphere. This introspective quality makes it a favorite for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature. The park's timeless feel truly makes visitors feel more like explorers than tourists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit