Odense

Odense is the largest city on the island of Funen ("Fyn" in Danish) in Denmark. As Denmark's third-largest city, it offers the traveller a mixture of an exciting vibrant night-life, beautiful street-scapes, great shopping opportunities & a rich cultural heritage.

Odense is roughly in the centre of Funen, which lies between the larger Zealand island and the Jutland peninsula. The first recorded reference to the city dates back to 988AD in a letter from the German Kaiser Otto III.

Some recent archaeological findings have indicated that a settlement has in fact been around since the Viking period. At that time, however, Odense was just the small centre of the Odin cult. In 1100, the first monastery, Saint Knud's was established by English Benedictine monks.

Until the middle of the 17th century, Odense enjoyed the position as a main trading-centre for the people from the surrounding areas. Local produce & livestock were exported from the city. However, a war with Sweden in the 1600s weakened the city's economy. This economic downturn continued until 1803 when a canal linking Odense with the Kattegat was opened. This swiftly changed Odense into a port city and over the next 100 years Odense quickly developed into the modern industrial city which it is today.

has a population of about 178,000 people (2018), thus making it Denmark's 3rd largest city.

Odense is also the birthplace of the fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, and the city proudly displays statues, parades and monuments in his memory. Andersen was born on 2 April 1805, in a tiny house on Munkemøllestræde, quite close to the cathedral. During his lifetime, Andersen created many famous fairy-tales which today are internationally famous. For example The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Snow Queen.

• Brandts Klædefabrik, Brandts Torv 1, +45 65 20 70 00. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 (except Th 12:00-21:00). The art and cultural centre of Odense. Contains two museums; The Danish Museum of Media which focuses on all types of media and their history and the museum of photographic arts museum specializing in photography, there is also a gallery with changing exhibitions in its four large halls. And also specialist shops, a music library, a specialist cinema, bars and a post office.
• Carl Nielsen Museum, Claus Bergs Gade 11, +45 65 51 46 01. A museum which honours the life of the classical music composer, Carl Nielsen, who was born just outside of Odense and is primarily known in Scandinavia and the UK for his 6 symphonies. Carl Nielsen is the portrait featured on the front side of the Danish hundred-kroner note.
• Danish Railway Museum, Dannebrogsgade 24, +45 66 13 66 30. Daily 10:00-16:00 (closed 1 Jan, 24, 25 and 31 Dec). A museum dedicated to the Danish railways. Contains dozens of old trains, carriages and rail road memorabilia over 10,000 m². There is also a large model train landscape and a ride-on miniature railway and playground for the children. On public holidays and during the schools summer vacation the museum also arranges train rides in old vintage steam trains to various destinations on Funen - call ahead for dates and reservations. 48 kr, children 5-13 20 kr, Families 120 kr (2 adults and 3 children).

• Egeskov Castle, Egeskov Gade 3, Kværndrup, +45 62 27 10 16. Daily 10:00-17:00 (Jun-Aug 10:00-20:00). One of Europe's best preserved is Europe's best preserved Renaissance water castles, dating back from 1554, about 30 km south. The current owner, Count Ahlefeldt, has added numerous features, including a maze, walk-among- the treetops and a veteran auto museum, toy museum, kitchen garden, and more, all in a scenic park. DKK175.
• Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Bangs Boder 29, +45 65 51 46 01. Daily 10:00-17:00. A museum dedicated to the city's most famous son, author and poet Hans Christian Andersen, most famous for his fairy tales and in particular The Ugly Duckling and the Little Mermaid. Part of the museum is in the house where Andersen was supposedly born (though he would never confirm it). The impressive collection is mainly documents from his life and times, period furniture, and many drawings and paper clippings he is famous for at home. 55 kr for entrance.
• Hans Christian Andersen's Garden, Town Centre, behind Saint Knuds Kirke. A garden commemorating H.C. Andersen. Large flower arrangements, a river and an ice cream shop make this park an ideal location for a picnic. The small attractions of the park include a pergola, the “Chinese Wall” a statue of Hans Christian Andersen and close by – in the river – there is a sculpture of a paperboat (a prop from one of H.C. Andersens fairy tales).
• Odense Zoo, Sdr. Boulevard 306, +45 66 11 13 60. 10:00-16:00 (or 18:00 in summer). One Denmark's biggest tourist attractions is the Odense zoo, covering almost 4 hectares on both sides the Odense River. The Oceanium opened in 2001, is the main show-piece featuring a tour though South America, including a very impressive aviary and indoor rain forest. Children: 55 kr, Adults: 110 kr, Family: (2 adults, and 2 children) 300 kr.
• Saint Knuds Kirke, Klosterbakken 2 (Next to the Town Hall, +45 66 12 03 92. Daily 09:00-16:00. Cathedral in the Gothic style of King Canute the Holy, who became a martyr nearby in 1086. His tomb and that of his brother are in the crypt with many other burial stones of dignitaries of the day. Free entry.
• Galleri Galschiot, Banevaenget 22, +45 66184058. M-F 09:00-17:00, Su 12:00-16:00. Gallery Galschiot is the sculptor Jens Galschiot's 2500 m2 studio and museum. The place is one of Denmark's most spectacular and biggest private art workshops. The place is full of activities, and besides the artist's workshop, there is also a bronze foundry, gallery shop, art schools, wicker workshop, TV studios, sculpture park and a 400-m² art gallery. Free.

Brandts Klædefabrik, Brandts Torv 1, +45 65 20 70 00. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 (except Th 12:00-21:00). The art and cultural centre of Odense. Contains two museums; The Danish Museum of Media which focuses on all types of media and their history and the museum of photographic arts museum specializing in photography, there is also a gallery with changing exhibitions in its four large halls. And also specialist shops, a music library, a specialist cinema, bars and a post office.

Carl Nielsen Museum, Claus Bergs Gade 11, +45 65 51 46 01. A museum which honours the life of the classical music composer, Carl Nielsen, who was born just outside of Odense and is primarily known in Scandinavia and the UK for his 6 symphonies. Carl Nielsen is the portrait featured on the front side of the Danish hundred-kroner note.

Danish Railway Museum, Dannebrogsgade 24, +45 66 13 66 30. Daily 10:00-16:00 (closed 1 Jan, 24, 25 and 31 Dec). A museum dedicated to the Danish railways. Contains dozens of old trains, carriages and rail road memorabilia over 10,000 m². There is also a large model train landscape and a ride-on miniature railway and playground for the children. On public holidays and during the schools summer vacation the museum also arranges train rides in old vintage steam trains to various destinations on Funen - call ahead for dates and reservations. 48 kr, children 5-13 20 kr, Families 120 kr (2 adults and 3 children).

Egeskov Castle, Egeskov Gade 3, Kværndrup, +45 62 27 10 16. Daily 10:00-17:00 (Jun-Aug 10:00-20:00). One of Europe's best preserved is Europe's best preserved Renaissance water castles, dating back from 1554, about 30 km south. The current owner, Count Ahlefeldt, has added numerous features, including a maze, walk-among- the treetops and a veteran auto museum, toy museum, kitchen garden, and more, all in a scenic park. DKK175.

Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Bangs Boder 29, +45 65 51 46 01. Daily 10:00-17:00. A museum dedicated to the city's most famous son, author and poet Hans Christian Andersen, most famous for his fairy tales and in particular The Ugly Duckling and the Little Mermaid. Part of the museum is in the house where Andersen was supposedly born (though he would never confirm it). The impressive collection is mainly documents from his life and times, period furniture, and many drawings and paper clippings he is famous for at home. 55 kr for entrance.

Hans Christian Andersen's Garden, Town Centre, behind Saint Knuds Kirke. A garden commemorating H.C. Andersen. Large flower arrangements, a river and an ice cream shop make this park an ideal location for a picnic. The small attractions of the park include a pergola, the “Chinese Wall” a statue of Hans Christian Andersen and close by – in the river – there is a sculpture of a paperboat (a prop from one of H.C. Andersens fairy tales).

Odense Zoo, Sdr. Boulevard 306, +45 66 11 13 60. 10:00-16:00 (or 18:00 in summer). One Denmark's biggest tourist attractions is the Odense zoo, covering almost 4 hectares on both sides the Odense River. The Oceanium opened in 2001, is the main show-piece featuring a tour though South America, including a very impressive aviary and indoor rain forest. Children: 55 kr, Adults: 110 kr, Family: (2 adults, and 2 children) 300 kr.

Saint Knuds Kirke, Klosterbakken 2 (Next to the Town Hall, +45 66 12 03 92. Daily 09:00-16:00. Cathedral in the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic style]] of King Canute the Holy, who became a martyr nearby in 1086. His tomb and that of his brother are in the crypt with many other burial stones of dignitaries of the day. Free entry.

Galleri Galschiot, Banevaenget 22, +45 66184058. M-F 09:00-17:00, Su 12:00-16:00. Gallery Galschiot is the sculptor Jens Galschiot's 2500 m2 studio and museum. The place is one of Denmark's most spectacular and biggest private art workshops. The place is full of activities, and besides the artist's workshop, there is also a bronze foundry, gallery shop, art schools, wicker workshop, TV studios, sculpture park and a 400-m² art gallery. Free.

• Odense Golfklub, Hestehaven 200, +45 6595 9000. Daily 21:00-17:30. Green fees: M-Th 275 kr, Weekends and holidays 325 kr. Odense Golfklub does not accept Euros and only permits credit card payments on weekdays 08:30-16:30.
• Odense Go-Kart-Hal, Cikorievej 32, +45 70 25 02 10.
• Odense Symphony Orchestra (Odense Symfoniokester), +45 66 12 44 80.
• Odense Aafart. Odense Aafart has tour boats from the recreational area Munke Mose in the city centre on Odense River with stops at Odense Zoo and in Fruens Bøge near The Funen Village.
• Odense Boldklub, Bolbro. Odense has one of the most active fan scenes in Denmark and if you are so lucky that OB plays at home against FCK or BIF you will have to go to the stadium and watch it. If you want a drink among other fans go to Sprogø up to 6 hours prior to kickoff. You will find a great atmosphere and singing here.

Odense Golfklub, Hestehaven 200, +45 6595 9000. Daily 21:00-17:30. Green fees: M-Th 275 kr, Weekends and holidays 325 kr. Odense Golfklub does not accept Euros and only permits credit card payments on weekdays 08:30-16:30.

Odense Go-Kart-Hal, Cikorievej 32, +45 70 25 02 10.

Odense Symphony Orchestra (Odense Symfoniokester), +45 66 12 44 80.

Odense Aafart. Odense Aafart has tour boats from the recreational area Munke Mose in the city centre on Odense River with stops at Odense Zoo and in Fruens Bøge near The Funen Village.

Odense Boldklub, Bolbro. Odense has one of the most active fan scenes in Denmark and if you are so lucky that OB plays at home against FCK or BIF you will have to go to the stadium and watch it. If you want a drink among other fans go to Sprogø up to 6 hours prior to kickoff. You will find a great atmosphere and singing here.

• Odense Pilsner & Odense Classic from the local brewery Albani. (Available in shops & bars throughout the city.)

• China Wox, Vestergade 1 (Next to the Town Hall, +45 66 12 06 24. 11:00-22:00. Good quality take-away Chinese at affordable prices. 22-35 kr.
• Emils Hot House, Vestergade 17 (Next to the Town Hall, +45 66 12 18 18. Su-W 11:00-22:00, Th-Sa 11:00-06:00. Take-away burgers, pizza & hot dogs. 15-45 kr.
• Happy Chicken, Vestergade 17 (Next to the Town Hall, +45 66 17 85 43. All day. Budget Chinese food. The quality is not quite as good as that in China Wox. 20-45 kr.
• Cafe du Nord, Vestergade 20 (Near to the Town Hall, +45 66 11 92 11. Daily 09:00-21:00.

China Wox, Vestergade 1 (Next to the Town Hall, +45 66 12 06 24. 11:00-22:00. Good quality take-away Chinese at affordable prices. 22-35 kr.

Emils Hot House, Vestergade 17 (Next to the Town Hall, +45 66 12 18 18. Su-W 11:00-22:00, Th-Sa 11:00-06:00. Take-away burgers, pizza & hot dogs. 15-45 kr.

Happy Chicken, Vestergade 17 (Next to the Town Hall, +45 66 17 85 43. All day. Budget Chinese food. The quality is not quite as good as that in China Wox. 20-45 kr.

Cafe du Nord, Vestergade 20 (Near to the Town Hall, +45 66 11 92 11. Daily 09:00-21:00.

• Cuckoo's Nest, Vestergade 73, +45 65915787. M-W 09:00:00, Th-Sa 09:00-02:00, Su 10:00-24:00. Stylish but relaxed cafe-bar in the front, with a courtyard restaurant in the back. Nachos, burgers, salads, fish, and tapas platters. Main dishes 70-200 kr.
• Restaurant Carlslund, Fruens Bøge Skov 7 (Accessible by train, bus or by taking the Odense Aafart tour boats on the river, +45 65911125. Su-W 12:00-23:00, Th-Sa 12:00-00:00. An old farm house in the Fruens Bøge forest in a suburb of Odense. Traditional Danish main courses and Smørrebrød. Especially famous for their rendition of the traditional Danish omelette with fried bacon, pork rinds, tomato and chives served with dark rye bread and mustard at a price of 130 DKK for all you can eat. 70-250 kr.
• Restaurant Hans Christian, Claus Bergsgade 7 (Near Odense Train Station, +4566147800. The restaurant’s menu showcases French and Danish specialities. €20.

Cuckoo's Nest, Vestergade 73, +45 65915787. M-W 09:00:00, Th-Sa 09:00-02:00, Su 10:00-24:00. Stylish but relaxed cafe-bar in the front, with a courtyard restaurant in the back. Nachos, burgers, salads, fish, and tapas platters. Main dishes 70-200 kr.

Restaurant Carlslund, Fruens Bøge Skov 7 (Accessible by train, bus or by taking the Odense Aafart tour boats on the river, +45 65911125. Su-W 12:00-23:00, Th-Sa 12:00-00:00. An old farm house in the Fruens Bøge forest in a suburb of Odense. Traditional Danish main courses and Smørrebrød. Especially famous for their rendition of the traditional Danish omelette with fried bacon, pork rinds, tomato and chives served with dark rye bread and mustard at a price of 130 DKK for all you can eat. 70-250 kr.

Restaurant Hans Christian, Claus Bergsgade 7 (Near Odense Train Station, +4566147800. The restaurant’s menu showcases French and Danish specialities. €20.

• Den Gamle Kro, Overgade 23, +45 66 12 14 33. Daily 11:00-23:00. Easily one of the most attractive restaurants in the country, in a historical half-timbered building, built as an inn in 1863. French-inspired and serves traditional Danish food. A la carte mains from 189 kr, 2-course menu 297 kr, 5-course menu 418 kr.
• Sortebro Kro, Sejerskovvej 20, +45 66 13 28 26. Daily 12:00-23:00. 18th century inn near Den Fynske Landsby (Old Funen Village) Sejerskovej 20. Danish cuisine. A la carte from 215 kr, 3 courses menu 495 kr.

Den Gamle Kro, Overgade 23, +45 66 12 14 33. Daily 11:00-23:00. Easily one of the most attractive restaurants in the country, in a historical half-timbered building, built as an inn in 1863. French-inspired and serves traditional Danish food. A la carte mains from 189 kr, 2-course menu 297 kr, 5-course menu 418 kr.

Sortebro Kro, Sejerskovvej 20, +45 66 13 28 26. Daily 12:00-23:00. 18th century inn near Den Fynske Landsby (Old Funen Village) Sejerskovej 20. Danish cuisine. A la carte from 215 kr, 3 courses menu 495 kr.

Bars in Odense have opening hours which tend to vary greatly. For example some bars close everyday at around midnight, while others stay open until 5AM or even later.

• Albani, Tværgade 2, +45 65 48 75 00. A local beer, primarily Odense Pilsner and Odense Classic. The brewery was founded in 1859. Does not serve beer.
• The Australian Bar (A-Bar), Brandts Passage. The A-Bar is popular with students & young people due to its low prices. It is particularly popular with exchange students. ID is required at the door. Door: 45 kr, drinks: relatively cheap.
• Birdies.
• Boogies, Nørregade (near Ryan's Irish Pub). Popular with young people & students, open most weekday nights. During the summer there is an open air court with its own bar.
• Carlsens Kvarter, Hunderupvej 19, +45 63110110. A traditional Danish pub, with a cozy Danish atmosphere. A wide range of Danish and foreign beers. Close to Munke Mose & the Teknisk Skole.
• Christian Firtal, Vintapperstræde 31. A small traditional Danish pub, with a cozy Danish atmosphere. A wide range of Danish and foreign beers.
• Froggys Café, Froggys Café, Vestergade 68, +4565907447.
• Ryan´s of Odense, Fisketorvet 12, +45 65 91 53 00. hours. Ryan's is an authentic traditional Irish pub, stocked with Irish drinks & staffed by Irish barmen. Live music every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 23:00.
• Odense Casino, Claus Bergs Gade 7 (Inside the Radisson Hotel, +45 6614 7800. 19:00-04:00. American Roulette, Black Jack,Texas Hold Em Poker, TouchBet Roulette Terminals, Slot Machines, Viking Stud Poker 60 kr entrance fee.

Albani, Tværgade 2, +45 65 48 75 00. A local beer, primarily Odense Pilsner and Odense Classic. The brewery was founded in 1859. Does not serve beer.

The Australian Bar (A-Bar), Brandts Passage. The A-Bar is popular with students & young people due to its low prices. It is particularly popular with exchange students. ID is required at the door. Door: 45 kr, drinks: relatively cheap.

Birdies.

Boogies, Nørregade (near Ryan's Irish Pub). Popular with young people & students, open most weekday nights. During the summer there is an open air court with its own bar.

Carlsens Kvarter, Hunderupvej 19, +45 63110110. A traditional Danish pub, with a cozy Danish atmosphere. A wide range of Danish and foreign beers. Close to Munke Mose & the Teknisk Skole.

Christian Firtal, Vintapperstræde 31. A small traditional Danish pub, with a cozy Danish atmosphere. A wide range of Danish and foreign beers.

Froggys Café, Froggys Café, Vestergade 68, +4565907447.

Ryan´s of Odense, Fisketorvet 12, +45 65 91 53 00. hours. Ryan's is an authentic traditional Irish pub, stocked with Irish drinks & staffed by Irish barmen. Live music every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 23:00.

Odense Casino, Claus Bergs Gade 7 (Inside the Radisson Hotel, +45 6614 7800. 19:00-04:00. American Roulette, Black Jack,Texas Hold Em Poker, TouchBet Roulette Terminals, Slot Machines, Viking Stud Poker 60 kr entrance fee.

There are free Wi-Fi hotspots and internet connected computers for public use at the public libraries. The computers may need to be booked ahead of time. There is also an internet café at the central station. Same thing for most cafés where internet are free to use too.

• Odense Central Library, +65 66 13 13 72.

Odense Central Library, +65 66 13 13 72.

• Odense is generally a safe town for visitors, but criminal activities and violence occasionally occur and caution is recommended late at night. Although there is not really any reason for tourists to venture there, the Vollsmose area is infamous in Denmark for its crime, social problems and a recent terrorism case. The problems are, however, highly exaggerated by the media and you will find the Vollsmose area to be no more unsafe than most places.
• Local Police, Hans Mules Gade 1-3, +45 66 14 14 48.

Local Police, Hans Mules Gade 1-3, +45 66 14 14 48.

Maps of Odense can be purchased in the two shops in the train-station for 10 kr. Similarly there are maps placed all around the town for visitors, Most ATM machines in Odense close between 02:00 and 06:00, Most shops only accept Danish credit cards & will not take foreign cards. (One exception to this is Ryan's Irish Pub), Post offices can be located in the Brandts Passage, the Rosengård Center and at the northern exit of the central train station.

• Apoteket Ørnen, Filosofhaven 38A, +45 66 12 29 70. 24 hours a day. A fee of 20.65 kr is added to purchases outside normal opening hours.

Apoteket Ørnen, Filosofhaven 38A, +45 66 12 29 70. 24 hours a day. A fee of 20.65 kr is added to purchases outside normal opening hours.

• Belgium, Østre Stationsvej 1-5, +45 65 71 10 10.
• Finland, Englandsgade 25, +45 63 14 20 20.
• Germany, Campusvej 55, +45 23 43 60 56.
• Netherlands, Christiansgade 70, +45 66 11 27 77.
• Norway, Energivej 40, +45 65 95 70 02.
• Sweden, Vestergade 97- 101, +45 63 12 82 00.
• United Kingdom, Albanitorv 4, +45 66 14 47 14.

Belgium, Østre Stationsvej 1-5, +45 65 71 10 10.

Finland, Englandsgade 25, +45 63 14 20 20.

Germany, Campusvej 55, +45 23 43 60 56.

Netherlands, Christiansgade 70, +45 66 11 27 77.

Norway, Energivej 40, +45 65 95 70 02.

Sweden, Vestergade 97- 101, +45 63 12 82 00.

United Kingdom, Albanitorv 4, +45 66 14 47 14.

• Kerteminde, about 20 km to the northeast, this cute seaside town with a large centre of 18th-century houses offers beautiful beaches, mini-golf & an aquarium, complete with sharks.
• Ringe, an agricultural town in the middle of the island of Funen.
• Middelfart, a coastal town which is near to the bridge to the Jutland peninsula.
• Nyborg, a coastal town which is complete with a medieval castle, beautiful gardens & walks by the harbour.
• Fredericia, a beautiful medieval fortress town. 50 minutes by train this town offers beautiful walks along the old town walls, a gorgeous sandy blue-flag beach & the chance to visit the Jutland peninsula.
• Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city. 90 minutes by intercity train. Visit the Mermaid, Tivoli Theme Park or the Carlsberg brewery.