The pedestrian streets Vestergade and Søndergade and the square Søndertorv have been through a radical green transformation. With this, the project has fulfilled the ambitions to weave the characteristic lake-highland landscape and Silkeborg’s outdoor culture into the streets of the town center. Starting with a comprehensive process in which both citizens, businesses, and the local disability and cyclist counsels were involved, it has been possible to create spaces where nature is omnipresent and where people stop rather than just pass.

Søndertorv has been transformed from an almost fully paved square into a large natural playground. The square’s existing oak trees have been joined by a large water playground surrounded by a variety of plant beds. Here you can go exploring among plants, inspect the insect hotels or try the various play activities. Just like the two pedestrian streets, Søndertorv has been climate-adapted and thus made the area resilient to increased amounts of rainfall.

Through close collaboration with the local community and stake holders, we have thus transformed Silkeborg’s central shopping area into a future proof, green living room that makes Silkeborg an even better place to live, shop, and do business, all year round.