Sonsbeek park Arnhem

Green in the middle of the city

Park Sonsbeek is within walking distance of Arnhem city centre, but it feels like a different world. As soon as you step inside, the noise of the city fades into the background. You have open grasslands, old trees, ponds and a small waterfall that carries water down from the higher sections. Those changes in elevation are what make Sonsbeek special. The park was laid out on the glacial ridge, giving you views across different levels and adding depth to your compositions.

What actually works here for photography

The white neoclassical villa in the middle of the park is the most photographed feature, and with good reason. It stands clear of its surroundings, has a clean facade and reflects well in the pond in front of it. Shoot it wide with a 24mm or 35mm and you bring in the environment. Go tighter with an 85mm or longer and you isolate the villa against the tree canopy. Both approaches work.

The waterfall is modest in size, but photographically interesting. At a shutter speed around 1/4 second you get that soft, silky water. Bring a tripod, because the area is shaded and even during the day you have little light to work with when it is overcast.

Season and light

Autumn is when this place is at its best. The beech avenues turn deep orange and brown, and when the sun is low the light filters through the branches. Getting out early pays off, as it is quiet and you may still find mist sitting in the hollows. Spring offers flowering bulbs along the paths and fresh green foliage that lets light through in a way that summer simply does not.

Macro in Sonsbeek

For macro photography the park is a rewarding destination. Along the pond edges you find water plants, mosses and moss-covered stone bridges. After rain the opportunities increase further: water droplets on leaves, fungi on dead wood, texture on the bark of the old oaks. Bring knee pads if you want to get low, as the ground is often damp.

Practical

There are several entrances. You can park at the Apeldoornseweg car park or in the surrounding streets. The park is free to enter and there are no permit requirements for non-commercial photography. On summer afternoons it gets busy with walkers and children playing, but outside the school holidays it is quiet, especially early in the morning.

Sources and further reading

• Gemeente Arnhem – Park Sonsbeek
• Sonsbeek – Wikipedia
• Villa Sonsbeek – Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen