Odense: Beyond the Fairytales - 15 top things to do

5 days ago

Danish Odense is undeniably linked to the enchanting world of Hans Christian Andersen. Yet, its story stretches far beyond the beloved storyteller. Viking settlements, medieval pilgrimages, and murder have shaped the city.

Odense is first mentioned in a letter from 988 AD. The city's name possibly originates from "Odin's sacred place," indicating strong ties to Norse mythology. By the 10th century, Odense had already established itself as an important religious centre.

The city's historical importance intensified with the murder of King Canute IV in 1086 at St. Alban's Church. In 1100, he was canonised as Saint Canute and transformed Odense into a significant pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages.

Today, the city is focused on establishing itself as a leading robotics and computer technology hub. Visitors find a vibrant city centre and a dynamic cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The city attracts increasing international tourists, particularly Americans drawn to its cultural heritage and the newly opened H.C. Andersen Museum.

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Here are more on the museum and 14 more top things to do in Odense:

H.C. Andersen House

Step into an enchanting narrative at the newly opened H.C. Andersen House. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, this modern museum offers an immersive journey into the celebrated author's life and fairytales. Explore experience rooms created by international artists using innovative sound, light, and technology to bring beloved stories to life in unexpected ways. Wander through the magical garden, a living fairytale landscape that evolves with the seasons, and discover the fascinating underground spaces that house even more interactive exhibits. Don't miss Ville Vau, a wonderland explicitly designed for children, where they can play and engage with Andersen's universe through hands-on activities and imaginative installations.

Address: H.C. Andersen Haven 1, 5000 Odense C

Website: www.hcandersenshus.dk.

H.C. Andersen's Childhood Home

Visit the humble yellow half-timbered house where Hans Christian Andersen spent his formative years from two to fourteen. The rooms are arranged to reflect descriptions from his autobiography, providing a poignant glimpse into his early life and the modest circumstances of his upbringing that profoundly influenced his writing. The charming backyard garden, though small, features plants and flowers that held significance in his writings and offers a quiet space for reflection on the author's early inspirations.

Address: Munkemøllestræde 3 - 5, 5000 Odense C

Website: www.hcandersenshus.dk

(Part of the H.C. Andersen House museum experience).

The Funen Village

At this open-air museum, explore a collection of well-preserved 18th—and 19th-century farm buildings from various parts of Funen, carefully relocated to recreate an authentic rural environment. Experience the atmosphere of a rural Danish village during the era of Hans Christian Andersen, complete with traditional houses, farmsteads, fields, and livestock, including horses, cows, sheep, and pigs. Witness demonstrations of seasonal agricultural tasks, such as ploughing, sowing, and harvesting, and observe traditional crafts being practised, offering a living history experience.

Address: Sejerskovvej 20, 5260 Odense S

Website: www.denfynskelandsby.dk

Odense Zoo

Discover a world of wildlife at Odense Zoo. Renowned as one of Europe's finest zoos, it is home to over 2,000 animals representing diverse habitats from around the globe, with a strong focus on animal welfare and conservation. Encounter majestic Siberian tigers in their spacious enclosure, marvel at the vibrant plumage of exotic birds in the tropical house, and be mesmerised by the gentle giants, the manatees, in their specially designed aquatic environment. Experience the African savannah with grazing zebras and towering giraffes, and walk amongst the treetops in the impressive aviary, observing birds in their natural-like habitat.

Address: Sdr. Boulevard 306, 5000 Odense C

Website: www.odensezoo.dk

Brandts Art Museum

Immerse yourself in art at Funen's largest art museum. Housed in a former textile factory, Brandts showcases a vast and diverse collection of Danish art spanning 250 years, from the Golden Age to contemporary works, alongside internationally acclaimed photography exhibitions and thought-provoking contemporary art installations. Explore the museum's five floors, each offering a unique artistic experience, and enjoy a break at the art cafe, where you can discuss the exhibitions over a coffee or light meal.

Address: Amfipladsen 7, 5000 Odense C

Website: www.brandts.dk

Danish Railway Museum

Explore the fascinating history of Danish railways. The museum is next to Odense Central Station and features an extensive collection of historic locomotives, carriages, and railway artefacts, including royal carriages and early examples of electric trains. Climb aboard a mini train for a fun ride and discover interactive exhibits that bring the story of Danish rail travel to life through engaging displays and simulations, appealing to children and adults.

Address: Dannebrogsgade 24, 5000 Odense C

Website: www.jernbanemuseet.dk

Odense Cathedral

Visit this magnificent 14th-century Gothic cathedral, St. Canute's Cathedral. Discover the crypt where the remains of Saint Canute, Denmark's last Viking king and patron saint, are displayed in ornate sarcophagi alongside other historical figures. Admire the intricate details of the cathedral's architecture, including its soaring arches and stained glass windows and the stunning 16th-century altarpiece carved by Claus Berg, a masterpiece of late Gothic woodcarving depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.

Address: Klosterbakken 2, 5000 Odense C

Website: www.odensedomkirke.dk

Egeskov Castle

Embark on a short journey to Kværndrup (approximately 30 minutes from Odense) to explore Egeskov Castle, one of Europe's best-preserved Renaissance water castles, picturesquely set in the middle of a lake. This well-preserved Renaissance water castle boasts stunning and award-winning gardens featuring meticulously manicured hedges, flowerbeds, and a remarkable maze. It also features fascinating exhibitions featuring vintage cars, motorcycles, and aircraft, appealing to enthusiasts of all ages, and a thrilling treetop walk that offers breathtaking views of the castle and surrounding landscape.

Address: Egeskov Gade 22, 5772

Website: www.egeskov.dk

Odense City Museum

Uncover the history of Odense and Funen at Møntergården. This museum complex comprises a collection of historic buildings dating from the Renaissance to the present, offering a tangible journey through the city's past. Explore exhibitions that delve into various aspects of city life, from trade and crafts to social history, Funen's global connections through maritime history and trade, and a dedicated children's area with interactive displays designed to engage young learners.

Address: Møntestræde 1, 5000 Odense C

Website: museumodense.dk

St. Alban's Church

Visit this neo-Gothic Catholic church, a striking landmark in Odense's cityscape. While not the original site of King Canute's murder (which occurred in the earlier St. Alban's Priory), this church, with its prominent 54-meter-high tower offering panoramic views of the city, impressive stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and the life of St. Alban, and a beautifully carved altarpiece, holds its own historical and architectural significance as the first Catholic congregation established in Odense after the Reformation, marking an important chapter in the city's religious history.

Address: Adelgade 1, 5000 Odense C

Website: www.sct-albani.dk

Munke Mose

Enjoy a peaceful retreat in Munke Mose, a beautiful park in the heart of Odense, offering a green oasis for relaxation and recreation. Stroll through its lush green spaces, admire charming sculptures inspired by H.C. Andersen's fairytales, scattered throughout the park, and consider a leisurely pedal boat ride on the scenic Odense River that meanders through the park, providing a tranquil escape from the city bustle.

Website: www.visitodense.com

Odense Harbour

Discover the revitalised Odense Harbour. This former industrial area has transformed remarkably into a vibrant district featuring modern and innovative architecture, cultural institutions like The North Atlantic House, showcasing art and culture from the Nordic region and beyond, trendy cafes, and various recreational facilities. Take a refreshing dip in the harbour bath, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and explore the colourful street art that adorns the walls and buildings, adding a contemporary and artistic flair to the area.

Address: Kystvejen 100, 5330 Munkebo

Website: www.odensehavn.dk/en

Carl Nielsen Museum

Explore the life and musical legacy of Denmark's renowned composer, Carl Nielsen, a key figure in Danish musical history. The museum offers an engaging experience through his diverse musical works, from grand symphonies that have earned international acclaim to cherished folk songs deeply rooted in Danish culture. Discover personal belongings, handwritten scores, and interactive exhibits that provide insights into his creative process and the historical context of his music.

Address: Claus Bergs Gade 11, 5000 Odense C

Website: museumodense.dk/en/carl-nielsen-museum

Storms Pakhus

This vibrant street food market offers a diverse culinary experience, bringing together many flavours from around the globe. Housed in a former industrial warehouse with a rustic and urban charm, Storms Pakhus features numerous food stalls serving everything from gourmet burgers and authentic tacos to Asian delicacies and traditional Danish treats. It's a fantastic place to sample various dishes in a lively and informal atmosphere, often accompanied by live music and a buzzing social scene. This location is very popular with locals and tourists, especially during weekends and evenings.

Address: Lerchesgade 4, 5000 Odense C

Website: www.stormspakhus.dk

Odense River Cruises

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Odense River. This scenic waterway provides a unique perspective on the city, passing through lush green spaces, charming historical neighbourhoods with picturesque houses, and quaint bridges. Several companies offer various types of boat tours, ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer excursions that may include dining options. These tours allow visitors to appreciate Odense's beauty and tranquillity from a different vantage point.

Website: www.visitodense.com

When to visit

The summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather and a vibrant atmosphere due to numerous festivals. Spring and autumn can also be pleasant times to visit. The renowned H.C. Andersen Festival takes place in late August.

Getting there and navigating Odense

Reaching Odense is convenient via several modes of transport. The most common international gateway is Copenhagen Airport. A direct train to Odense from the airport offers a comfortable journey. The train takes between one and a half hours to two hours and fifteen minutes, depending on the type of train service. Tickets for the train can be easily purchased online through the DSB website www.dsb.dk

A well-integrated public transportation system, including city buses and a recently introduced light rail network known as Letbane, facilitates navigating Odense. Tickets for buses and the light rail can be conveniently purchased through the FynBus mobile application, their webshop, or at designated ticket machines and sales points. A single ticket for travel within Odense costs approximately DKK 15 for adults and DKK 10 for those under 26 and remains valid for 75 minutes. Day tickets are also available for those planning extensive use of public transport.

Notably, Odense offers a free city bus service in a circular route around the inner city.

Embracing its reputation as a bike-friendly city, Odense boasts an extensive network of cycle paths. Bicycles can be readily rented from various locations throughout the city, and many hotels and hostels may also provide bike rental options.

Odense's compact city centre is easily navigable on foot for exploring the central areas.