Odense: City History and River Experiences

Discover Odense through two distinctive themes: its long history as a city and the Odense Å, which flows through Munke Mose. The Viking fortress of Nonnebakken is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s architecture also reflects more than 1,000 years of development—from historic churches and half-timbered façades to museums exploring different chapters of Danish history.

Andersen, the Old Town and churches

H.C. Andersens Hus displays original objects, paper cuttings and drawings by the author. H.C. Andersens Barndomshjem consists of three small rooms; its garden features flowers and historic varieties inspired by the fairy tales. Andersen’s themes can also be found throughout the city: sculptures inspired by his fairy tales stand in parks, streets and alleys.

In the old quarter, cobbled Nedergade and its irregular half-timbered façades offer a glimpse of Odense’s history through the centuries. Some of the city’s oldest houses stand around Overgade and Nedergade. The churches and monasteries include Vor Frue Kirke, Odense’s oldest church, built at the end of the 12th century, and the Gothic cathedral from the 14th century. The mortal remains of King Canute the Holy rest in its crypt; the 16th-century altarpiece was made by woodcarver Claus Berg.

Other historic landmarks include the red Sankt Hans Kirke, a church of the Knights Hospitaller in the city centre near Kongens Have and Odense Slot, and Graabrødre Kloster, founded in 1279 by King Erik Klipping. Outside these church buildings, the late Gothic Bellinge Kirke features frescoes that are about 500 years old, signed and dated.

Museums and living history

Brandts Art Museum hosts lectures, guided tours and other events; individual dates may change. Danmarks Jernbanemuseum presents Danish railway history through 21 tracks and trains of various sizes. This includes a working, faithful replica of ODIN, Denmark’s first locomotive, dating from 1846.

Odense Bunkermuseum preserves an intact 450-square-metre nuclear bunker from the 1950s. Original objects from the Cold War and three exhibitions explore different aspects of the era. Guided tours take place twice daily and are included in the admission price; check the current times before your visit.

Den Fynske Landsby brings together buildings that originally stood in various places on Funen and the surrounding islands. Livestock can be seen in the pastures or stables throughout the year. On selected days, volunteers in 19th-century clothing bring history to life; check the dates in advance. Odins Odense also combines historical displays with hands-on activities: it features reconstructed Iron Age houses based on archaeological finds from Funen and Jutland. Visitors can also try ancient games and take part in a rune hunt.

At Odense ZOO, you can observe animals from all over the world, including large predators and smaller animals visitors can pet. There is also a 12-metre-high walkway and playgrounds. Seasonal programme details may change.

Odense Å, parks and excursions

At Munke Mose, you can rent rowboats and pedal boats for trips on the Odense Å. You can take your own rowboat, kayak or canoe on the river all year round. Odense Aafart’s boat tours also start at Munke Mose; the operator additionally offers pedal-boat trips on the Å through green surroundings. Availability may vary by season. For a different experience of the water, visit Saabyes Stryg: at the fish passage in Munke Mose, visitors can take a break by the rushing water.

A section of the path along the Odense Å towards Bellinge is designated as a Heart Trail for exercise in green surroundings. Hollufgård Park combines walking opportunities with outdoor art and a varied cultural and natural landscape. Old linden avenues have been preserved there, and Sneglehøjen, created in 1760, is still visible. Næsbyhoved Slotsbanke, in turn, is a medieval castle site with deep moats. Paths run along the old lakeshore.

Market, food and planning your stay

Torvedag Market takes place twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Depending on the season, it offers fruit and vegetables, flowers and other produce. There are also various cheeses, including the Funen specialty Rygeost; a fish van is present on most market days as well. Check the exact market dates and times before travelling, as the selection of stalls may vary. Storms Pakhus combines street food with creative workshops in a 3,000-square-metre market hall. The market hall has around 24 food stalls, six bars and twelve workshops; the mix may change.

From Odense Station, travellers can take trains to various parts of Denmark; regional trains go to southern Funen, while buses serve other towns on Funen. If you would like to cycle, Odense has more than 500 kilometres of cycle paths. Check timetables and specific event dates before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Odense, Freltofte, Agedrup, Blommenslyst, Langeland, Nordfyns, Nyborg Municipality, Svendborg Municipality.

Back to the main travel overview: Funen.