Søndermarken: History, Art & Underground Wonders in Copenhagen

TLDR: Søndermarken Park in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, is a historic green space offering nature, art, and unique underground experiences at Cisternerne, alongside a poignant Memorial Mound. It’s perfect for tranquil walks and discovering Danish heritage.

Søndermarken Park, nestled in the charming district of Frederiksberg, is a place brimming with history, nature, and unexpected artistic flair. 

This article will guide you through what makes Søndermarken a truly worthwhile stop, covering its fascinating past, where to find it, its scale, what kind of experience to expect, and what else lies nearby. Let’s uncover why this park should be on your Copenhagen itinerary.

What is the story behind Søndermarken Park?

Søndermarken's origins stretch back to the 18th century, beginning life as a private royal hunting ground for Frederiksberg Palace. Imagine King Frederik VI himself enjoying its wild, untamed trails. Then, in 1852, a significant shift occurred: King Frederick VII generously opened Søndermarken to the public, envisioning it as a space for everyone to enjoy.

But the park's story goes even deeper, quite literally. Beneath your feet lie The Cisterns, three immense underground chambers that once held Copenhagen's drinking water. Today, these cool, damp spaces host venue for contemporary art, creating an atmospheric and acoustically distinct cultural experience that feels worlds away from the park above. 

Another touching feature is the Memorial Mound, erected in 1925 by Danish-Americans to honor those who emigrated. Etched with the moving phrase, "They who set out, never to return," it symbolizes Mother Denmark embracing her children. You can even deepen your understanding of these layers with an audio guide from StoryHunt, bringing the park's past to life right as you walk through it.

Where is Søndermarken located?

You’ll find Søndermarken Park conveniently situated in Frederiksberg, at Pile Allé 55. This expansive public space forms a natural boundary with the Valby and Carlsberg areas of Copenhagen. It’s also distinctly separated from its more manicured counterpart, Frederiksberg Gardens, by Roskildevej.

The park stretches out, inviting you to explore its mature trees and wide-open areas. It’s a popular spot for locals, whether they're out for a jog, a leisurely stroll, or spending time with family. Within its borders, you’ll find those intriguing historical elements I mentioned, like the underground Cisternerne art venue and the poignant Memorial Mound. 

A practical note for dog owners: your furry friends are welcome here. And for the early risers or night owls, the park is open 24 hours a day, offering continuous access to its calming embrace.

How big is Søndermarken?

Spanning approximately 32 hectares, or roughly 79 acres, Søndermarken offers a generously sized green retreat within Frederiksberg. When compared to the meticulously kept Frederiksberg Garden next door, Søndermarken boasts a distinctly wilder, more forest-like character. It feels more like a natural landscape you'd stumble upon than a designed garden.

This considerable size means plenty of room to roam and discover. It’s within this expansive natural setting that you’ll find the hidden Cisternerne. This network of former underground water reservoirs has been repurposed into a unique venue for contemporary art, offering a strikingly atmospheric experience where the art interacts with the naturally damp, echoing chambers.

What is Søndermarken?

Essentially, Søndermarken is a historic, 32-hectare park in Frederiksberg, offering a serene and varied natural escape. Established back in 1699 and opened to the public in 1852, it shares some of its royal hunting ground origins with the adjacent Frederiksberg Gardens, yet it retains a more untamed feel.

For visitors, the park provides diverse terrain, from patches of wild plants and open meadows to ancient, towering trees. It's an ideal spot for:

• Leisurely strolls: Just wander and soak it all in.
• Jogging: Enjoy the varied paths.
• Dog walking: A great place for your canine companion to stretch their legs.

The park's star attraction, the Cisterns, transforms former water reservoirs into an atmospheric art venue, known for its distinct echoing acoustics and the constant drip of water. Then there's the Memorial Mound, a thoughtful tribute to Danish emigration. 

The park is free to enter and open round the clock, providing a tranquil green space close to other Frederiksberg attractions like Copenhagen Zoo and Frederiksberg Palace.

Is it worth visiting Søndermarken Park?

Yes, absolutely, but you need to know what to expect. Søndermarken Park offers a distinctly natural and peaceful escape, a stark contrast to Copenhagen's more formal gardens. If you love a wilder, wooded landscape with hills, this is your place for quiet strolls, jogging, or a relaxing picnic. Families will particularly appreciate the children's playgrounds and the car-free environment.

The main draw for many is the Cisternerne. This underground art space provides a truly surreal and contemplative experience with its changing contemporary installations. 

However, if you're hoping for grand architectural features or perfectly manicured flowerbeds, you might find it less visually striking than, say, Frederiksberg Garden. Søndermarken is more about quiet introspection than overt beauty.

The best times to visit are late spring and summer for lush greenery and long daylight hours, or early autumn for softer light and fewer crowds. Most visitors spend 1-2 hours here, plus additional time if you explore Cisternerne (which does have an admission fee). 

What else can I do in Frederiksberg?

Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere of Søndermarken Park, Frederiksberg offers plenty more to explore right nearby. 

• Directly adjacent, Frederiksberg Gardens provides a more formal, baroque landscape with beautiful canals and classic views of Frederiksberg Palace.
• For that truly unique experience I mentioned, remember to delve into Cisternerne, the underground museum and venue for contemporary art located right there within Søndermarken.
• If you’re traveling with animal lovers, Copenhagen Zoo is just a short walk away, home to diverse species and a fantastic polar bear enclosure.
• For a glimpse into Danish Golden Age life, visit Bakkehuset, a charming house museum.
• And for a taste of local charm, wander through the quaint boutiques and cafes along Værnedamsvej.

You can also read our full guide to the top attractions in Frederiksberg here.

To truly unlock the city's narrative and uncover both popular spots and those hidden gems, use StoryHunt as your personal audio guide - you can download the app here.