Søndermarken, Copenhagen - Copenhagen Zoo under the first lockdown in 2020 · Drone shot.
1 / 10

Søndermarken Copenhagen

4.5
·4k reviews·Frederiksberg, Denmark

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Søndermarken, Copenhagen - Copenhagen Zoo under the first lockdown in 2020 · Drone shot.

Søndermarken Copenhagen

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(4k reviews)

"A park that feels wilder, more secluded, and somehow more introspective than its neighbors."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cisternerne Art Space

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

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

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

Don't miss the Cisternerne, a unique subterranean art venue within Søndermarken. Check their exhibition schedule and book tickets in advance, as they change seasonally. Some visitors find it a bit pricey for a short visit, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While Søndermarken is generally less crowded than other Copenhagen parks, it can get busy during peak spring/summer months. For a more secluded experience, consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring weekends
Why
Blooming nature, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

tap for the location and how to visit 💫 save for future planning 😇 I can’t believe people come to copenhagen and don’t add this spot to their itinerary!🥺 located just 30 minutes away from the city center and just 10(!) minutes away from the airport, it’s actually so easy to visit this charming village 🧚🏼‍♀️ as a local who has seen a fair share of cute danish villages, this one quickly became my fa...
@theunexploredback
52.2K likes • 659.5K views

🎟️ Book Cisternerne Tickets

Check exhibition schedules and book tickets online in advance, especially for popular shows. Reddit+1

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The park has winding paths; wear comfy shoes for exploring its wooded areas and open spaces. TikTok

Free thing to do in Copenhagen ✨ Tucked away in the heart of Copenhagen, the Old Library at Fiolstræde 1 is a hidden gem 📚✨. This historic building is perfect for book lovers, architecture buffs, or anyone looking for a quiet escape in the city. Whether you're here to explore its rich history or just soak in the ambiance, it’s a must-visit spot! Did you know? If you're a student and can show your ...
@un.italiana.a.cop
28.4K likes • 632K views
Store badedag 🙄💦🐶 #bulldog #englishbulldog #vesterbro #søndermarken #hundenherman #bully #swim #bunny #awkward #jump #potd #thursday #2019
hundenherman
102 likes • 0 views

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the Serenity

This park is perfect for quiet walks, jogging, or simply finding a peaceful spot to relax. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration

Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a walk. Instagram

Welcome to the first episode of “Romanticize life in Copenhagen on a budget”💛 📍My first tip to explore and enjoy Copenhagen on a budget, is to check out CopenPays free activities this summer! At Banegaarden you can get a FREE meal when you help collect trash in the area (annonce bc of earlier partnership). How cool is that? Stay tuned for more activities and things to do in Copenhagen on a low b...
@mariadjonsson
25.2K likes • 206.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Cisternerne Tickets

Check exhibition schedules and book tickets online in advance, especially for popular shows. Reddit+1

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The park has winding paths; wear comfy shoes for exploring its wooded areas and open spaces. TikTok

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the Serenity

This park is perfect for quiet walks, jogging, or simply finding a peaceful spot to relax. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration

Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a walk. Instagram

💡 Free Art Access (Sometimes)

Look out for potential free entry for those under 27 for Cisternerne exhibitions. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

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

Tranquil and secluded atmosphere
Unique underground art
Historical charm

What People Dislike

Cisternerne can be brief

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. TikTok

Yes, Søndermarken is conveniently located about 10 minutes from Copenhagen Airport, making it an easy stop for arrivals or departures. TikTok

While driving is possible, parking can be limited. Public transport or cycling are often recommended for easier access and to avoid parking hassles. TikTok

The entrance to Cisternerne is within Søndermarken park. Follow the signs within the park to find the subterranean entrance. Reddit

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. TikTok

Ticket prices for Cisternerne vary depending on the exhibition and age. There are often discounts for students or those under a certain age. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book Cisternerne tickets online in advance, as exhibitions can be popular and sell out. Reddit

Occasionally, Cisternerne offers free entry for specific age groups, such as those under 27. Keep an eye on their official website for announcements. Reddit

Søndermarken is generally open from dawn till dusk. However, the Cisternerne has specific opening hours that vary with exhibitions, so check their schedule. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Enjoy peaceful walks, jogging, or simply relax in the green spaces. The main attraction is the unique underground art venue, Cisternerne. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Restroom facilities are available within the park, and some unique compost toilets can be found in the surrounding areas. Reddit

Absolutely! Søndermarken has plenty of lawn space, making it an ideal spot for a picnic. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no cafes or restaurants directly within Søndermarken park itself. However, you can find dining options in the nearby Frederiksberg area. TikTok

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a popular activity in Søndermarken, with many open grassy areas perfect for it. Reddit

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. TikTok

Copenhagen offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from traditional Danish smørrebrød to innovative New Nordic cuisine and international flavors. TikTok

You'll find numerous excellent coffee shops in the surrounding Frederiksberg and Vesterbro neighborhoods, offering a great spot to refuel. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the serene beauty of the old trees and winding paths. The Cisternerne offers a dramatic, moody setting for unique artistic shots. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed inside Cisternerne, but it's always best to check the specific exhibition rules, as flash photography might be restricted. Reddit

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. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and urban areas in Copenhagen. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Søndermarken is a great spot for families looking for a natural escape. The park offers plenty of open grassy areas perfect for kids to run around and play. While the Cisternerne might be more suited for older children interested in art, the park itself provides a safe and spacious environment for younger ones to explore. Pack a picnic to make the most of your family outing! TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

For solo travelers seeking tranquility, Søndermarken is an ideal destination. Its less crowded nature compared to other Copenhagen parks allows for peaceful walks and quiet contemplation. The winding paths and dense trees create a sense of seclusion, perfect for introspection or simply enjoying a moment of calm. Reddit

🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts

The main draw for art lovers is undoubtedly the Cisternerne. This unique underground art venue offers a truly memorable experience with its rotating exhibitions. Combine your visit with a stroll through the park to appreciate the contrast between the natural landscape and the avant-garde art below. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Cisternerne

Søndermarken's most striking feature is the Cisternerne, a former underground water reservoir that has been transformed into a captivating contemporary art space. This subterranean world offers a stark contrast to the natural beauty above ground, creating a unique and often surreal visitor experience. The damp, echoing chambers provide a dramatic backdrop for rotating art installations, making each visit potentially different from the last. Reddit+1

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

A Royal Past, A Public Present

Søndermarken boasts a rich history, originally serving as a royal hunting ground for Frederiksberg Palace in the 18th century. This heritage is still palpable in its dense, wooded landscape, which retains an almost forest-like feel in places. The park's layout, with its winding paths through tall, old trees, invites visitors to imagine a time when royalty roamed these grounds. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2