Visions for the Sønderborg area

Sønderborg wishes to become one of the most dynamic and attractive growth centres in the fields of business development, human well-being and culture by 2020. That is why the local government focuses on two broad development themes: The University City for Everyone and The Landscape for Everyone. Augustenborg town and harbour are essential elements in this vision and in the realisation of the overall goals.

The Municipality of Sønderborg has one of the longest coastlines in Denmark, which is why there is a natural focus on the blue element: the water, the coasts, the straits, the belts and the fjords.

The landscape is another very important factor in the area, and the unique landscape and its active interplay with the water must be evident in the future development of new urban areas and in the regeneration of existing urban areas. The way people will live in the Sønderborg area in future will thus to a very great extent depend on the area’s relationship with landscape and water, also in an urban context.

The vision is to generate increased use of the landscape for recreational activities, mental relaxation, tourism, agriculture and fishing. There must be room for such diversity into the use of the landscape. The landscape also plays an important role in communicating the cultural history of the Sønderborg area and in ensuring a sound natural environment and sustainable development.

Previously, the landscape was mainly the domain of agriculture, but new working conditions and increasing prosperity in society have changed the role and value of the landscape in people’s perception. The borders between town and countryside are no longer as clear as before, and landscape close to urban areas has become an integral part of those urban areas. The landscape is seen as a continuation of the towns and town life by the people who live in the towns, just as the activities in the towns are an integral part of the life of countryside dwellers. The possibility of enjoying the peace and quiet of nature is a special quality provided by the landscape.

Improved accessibility in the landscape and development of facilities, activities and experiences will help to attract and retain people in the Sønderborg area.