What to see, what to do
à Odense

Travel guide Odense

Welcome to Odense! Nestling in the heart of Denmark's beautiful island of Fionie, this charming town has it all. From the picturesque charm of its cobbled streets to its rich cultural heritage and relaxed lifestyle, Odense is a gem to discover. It is also the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the famous author of fairy tales. Prepare to be charmed!

Odense, one of Denmark's oldest cities, has a rich history dating back more than 1,000 years. Its strategic position on the island of Fionie made it an important trading centre during the Middle Ages. The town's name is derived from that of the Norse god Odin, underlining its importance in Scandinavian mythology. Over time, Odense has evolved into a modern, dynamic city, while retaining its historic charm.

There are several options for getting to Odense. The nearest airport is Copenhagen, around two hours away by train. The Danish rail network is excellent and Odense is well served by trains throughout the country. If you're travelling by car, the city is easily accessible via the E20 motorway.

Accommodation

Odense offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. For a luxury experience, the Milling Hotel Plaza is a fantastic choice. For a mid-range option, the Cabinn Odense is a popular choice. If you're travelling on a tight budget, the Danhostel Odense City is a great budget option.

Gastronomy

Odense's cuisine is a true celebration of Danish gastronomy. Try smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, or flæskesteg, a crispy pork roast. For those with a sweet tooth, risalamande, a cherry rice pudding, is a must. The restaurant Under Lindetræet serves excellent local cuisine.

What is there to see? What to do?

Don't miss Hans Christian Andersen's house, Odense Zoo, St Knud's Cathedral, the Odense City Museum and the superb botanical garden. And don't forget to stroll through the charming cobbled streets of the old city centre.

Explore the charming Munke Mose district, famous for its magnificent park and river. The Brandts district is also not to be missed for its artistic and cultural atmosphere.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Odense offers many opportunities. You can go cycling along the Odense river, hiking in the magnificent Fruens Bøge park, or kayaking on the river.

Odense is an ideal family destination. Children will love Odense Zoo, the DOKK1 science and technology museum, and the Fyrtojet adventure park.
For a relaxing day out, the Munke Mose park is perfect for a family picnic.

Every year, Odense hosts a number of festivals and events, including the Odense Flower Festival in August, the Odense Film Festival in September and the Christmas Market in December.

Activities

Shopping

For shopping in Odense, the Rosengårdcentret shopping centre is the place to be, with over 150 shops. For a more local experience, the Bondens market offers fresh produce and handicrafts.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Odense is lively with a selection of bars, clubs and theatres. For a cultural evening out, Teater Momentum is an excellent choice. For those who prefer bars and clubs, Franck A is very popular.

Did you know?

1. Odense is named after the Norse god Odin.
2. It is Denmark's third largest city.
3. Hans Christian Andersen, the author of "The Little Mermaid", was born in Odense.
4. Odense has one of the largest zoos in Denmark.
5. The town is famous for its many windmills.

Tips and tricks
Odense has a temperate climate, with mild summers and cool winters. Local transport options include buses, taxis and bicycles. Cycling is a great way to explore the city. Make sure you always have Danish currency with you, as some places do not accept credit cards.

The best time to visit Odense is in summer, when the weather is most clement.
Don't miss the Brandts district, a former industrial complex transformed into a vibrant cultural centre.
For a more local experience, visit the Bondens market, where you can buy fresh produce direct from local farmers.

I'm Kasper, a passionate and dynamic tour guide. Originally from Denmark, I've spent many years exploring every corner of Odense. My love for this charming city continues to grow and I love sharing my discoveries with others.

Kasper C.

DiamsTrotter Odense