Summary of Attractions
Odense, the largest city on the Island of Funen, serves as a significant cultural hub in Denmark. This city is the birthplace of renowned composer Carl Nielsen and celebrated fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen, both of whom rose to prominence in the 19th century. There are numerous attractions connected to these influential figures of Danish culture, and, furthermore, visitors can experience a fresh wave of creativity at Brandts, an innovative cultural district in the Latin Quarter. One should not overlook Egeskov Castle, a structure that appears to be drawn from the pages of a fairytale.
Below, we will explore the top attractions in Odense:
1. Egeskov Castle
Describing Egeskov Castle as magnificent would be an understatement; it stands as one of the most exquisite buildings in Europe, a renaissance water castle that remains as beautiful today as when it was erected in 1554.
The castle is situated in the center of a small lake that forms its moat and is supported by oak piles, reflecting its stature as a fortified home built during a period of civil unrest leading up to the Protestant Reformation.
The conical turrets on either end feature arrow slits and machiolations, designed for defending against attackers.
Furthermore, automotive enthusiasts will appreciate the interior, which houses a remarkable collection of vintage cars and bikes.
2. Hans Christian Andersen Museum
The revered author’s birthplace in the historic district has functioned as a museum for over a century.
The son of a struggling cobbler, Hans Christian Andersen was born in this modest home in 1805.
The residence’s basic furnishings transport visitors back to the era in which the author lived and worked, showcasing several of his illustrations and manuscripts, alongside personal artifacts that shed light on his character and acquaintances.
The museum shop offers a selection of his works in multiple languages.
3. Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home
Following a visit to his birthplace, one can explore the residence where Hans Christian Andersen lived from the age of two until fourteen.
This small, half-timbered house portrays the Andersen family’s modest living conditions, which included sharing their living space with a glovemaker’s family.
Exhibits within the house connect Andersen to Odense, and the arrangement of furniture has been meticulously designed to reflect the author’s recollections of his formative years.
4. Brandts Klædefabrik
This former textile factory complex, located in the Latin Quarter of Odense, has been rejuvenated into a vibrant cultural and shopping venue.
Here, one can discover various unique boutiques, a cinema, cafes, concert halls, art studios, workshops, and an extensive venue for students, along with a multitude of exhibition spaces and cultural institutions.
This lively and evolving district showcases contemporary art, live music, and a sophisticated shopping experience along Brandts Passage.
5. Odense Zoo
The Odense Zoo stands as the premier attraction on the island of Funen and ranks among the top ten in Denmark.
Established in 1930 as a modest menagerie, it has since expanded to represent 147 species and continues to evolve with new exhibits being introduced periodically.
This venue is particularly popular with children, especially interactive experiences that allow close encounters with giraffes, tapirs, or lemurs.
The zoo garnered significant media attention in the summer of 2015 when it conducted a lion dissection as part of an educational initiative.
6. Carl Nielsen Museum
Carl Nielsen is recognized as a pivotal figure in early 20th-century classical music and remains a significant cultural icon in Denmark.
He was born just a few kilometers south of Odense.
The museum dedicated to his life and work offers a chronological exploration of his achievements, enhanced by displays showcasing his personal belongings.
Visitors can view Nielsen’s writing table and tools, all generously donated by his descendants.
Notably, the museum coordinates its hours with the Odense Symphony Orchestra, allowing visitors to attend one of his performances the same evening.
7. Galleri Galschiøt
Jens Galschiøt is considered one of Denmark’s most prominent artists, known for his sculptures and conceptual pieces that are displayed globally.
Since the 1970s, he has been situated in Odense, where he established this remarkable space combining a workshop and exhibition venue in the mid-1980s.
Galleri Galschiøt spans an impressive 10,000 square meters, ranking among the most expansive private art studios in the country.
The gallery is free to access, featuring a bronze foundry, a sculpture garden, an art shop, and a spacious indoor gallery showcasing his works.
8. Odense Boldklub
From autumn through spring, bi-weekly matches at TRE-FOR Park provide an opportunity to witness the local football team, Odense Boldklub, in action.
Odense Boldklub competes in the Superliga, the highest level of Danish football, frequently contending for the championship title, although their last victory occurred in 1989.
The enthusiasm of Odense’s fans, spearheaded by the Odense Ultras, creates an animated match-day atmosphere, despite their reputation being less intense than their name implies.
To fully experience the game-day excitement, visiting Cafe Sprogø a couple of hours prior to kick-off offers an opportunity to join in singing with fellow supporters.
9. Danish Railway Museum
Odense is home to the largest railway museum in Scandinavia.
Even those not particularly passionate about trains will find enjoyment in this extensive institution, which chronicles the history of rail travel and freight in Denmark.
Within a repurposed roundhouse, visitors can explore 50 locomotives and carriages, including the E Class engine that transported King Frederick IX’s funeral train in 1972.
Also displayed is Denmark’s oldest surviving locomotive, the H40 from 1869.
The museum also showcases a functioning steam train and reflects the luxury of mid-20th-century rail travel.
10. The Funen Village
This open-air museum features 30 historical buildings gathered from across the island, with its own unique history.
Established during the German occupation, the site became a venue for locals to gather and sing patriotic songs in 1944.
The museum recreates the era of Hans Christian Andersen, presenting a picturesque setting.
Staff members engage visitors by dressing in traditional attire and performing daily activities such as animal care, crafting in workshops, and brewing beer.
Interaction is highly encouraged, particularly for those traveling with children.
11. Local Market
The significance of food provenance is exemplified at this farmer’s market, which occurs every Wednesday and Saturday morning in the city center.
For those utilizing private accommodations, this market is ideal for sourcing fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats from across Funen.
It is also a delightful location to sample regional specialties, including smoked cheese, crafted from sour milk and cured over stinging nettles and straw.
This cheese pairs exceptionally well with traditional dark rye bread and radishes.
12. Møntergården
Situated in one of the most architecturally appealing buildings in the city, this museum chronicles the history of Odense and Funen from prehistory through the Middle Ages.
This Renaissance-style structure is attractive in its own right, featuring an elaborately designed timber frame and leaded windows.
Visitors who observe the woodwork closely will notice intricately carved designs.
Inside, the most engaging exhibits focus on the city’s evolution during the late medieval period, a time characterized by prosperity and trade.
Odense served as a conduit between Scandinavia and continental Europe, allowing local merchants to acquire exotic goods for their homes.
13. Traditional Danish Food
While many Danish cities emphasize contemporary culinary creations, Odense takes pride in its historical inn.
Den Gamie Kro is a charming, crooked half-timbered establishment that has graced the town center since 1683.
For lunch, visitors may enjoy Smørrebrød, a delectable open sandwich garnished with cold meats, fish, or cheese.
The menu at this and other quality restaurants in Odense evolves monthly based on the seasonal availability of ingredients.
Traditional Danish dishes such as smoked eel and herring feature prominently on local menus during the summer months.
14. Odense Bunker Museum
This 450-square meter bunker serves as a reminder of the preparations Europe undertook in the face of potential nuclear conflict, and entrance is free.
Guided tours are held at 11:00 and 14:00, providing insight into Odense’s subterranean command center and shelter established for military and political leaders should a crisis arise.
Intriguingly, the bunker remains untouched since its operational period.
Visitors will encounter military equipment, uniforms, communications devices, and old computing equipment—a time capsule from a bygone era.
During the tour, you’ll also observe the emergency generator and ventilation system, designed for sustaining life underground for extended durations.
15. Kerteminde
For those visiting Funen in the summer, spending time by the sea is highly recommended.
Kerteminde, a picturesque seaside village, offers quaint half-timbered homes dating back to the 1700s.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as mini-golf, exploring the aquarium, and taking leisurely walks through the area’s orchards, gardens, and meadows.
It becomes evident why Kerteminde is often referred to as the “Garden by the Sea.”
Additionally, nearby Fyns Hoved (Funen’s Head) offers verdant farmland and coastal wetlands that attract a variety of wading birds.
On overcast days, this region reveals a captivating light that artists and photographers are eager to capture.
