If The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, or The Princess and The Pea sound familiar to you, then welcome to Odense, Denmark!
As the birthplace of one of the world’s most beloved literary figures, Hans Christian Andersen, Odense is steeped in fairy tale magic and offers visitors the chance to explore the life and works of the famous storyteller. You’ll also have the opportunity to delve into the life and works of the famous storyteller and discover the inspiration behind his enchanting tales.
But Odense is much more than just the birthplace of Andersen – it’s a city that boasts a wealth of cultural and historical treasures waiting to be uncovered! Take a stroll through the picturesque old town; admire the stunning architecture of the Odense Cathedral; or visit the Funen Village Open-Air Museum, which offers a glimpse into the traditional rural life of Denmark.
Odense is also a city that comes alive with festivals and events throughout the year. From the Hans Christian Andersen Festival, which celebrates the life and works of the famous storyteller, to the Odense International Film Festival, there’s always something happening in the city. The city’s many parks and gardens, including the picturesque King’s Garden, offer visitors the chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
This Odense travel guide will help you create a fun itinerary that will make your visit as perfect as a fairytale. :wink emoji: Besides a practical guide on what to do in Odense, we’ll also cover how to get here, where to stay, places to eat, and much more.
Odense | The Basics
How many days in Odense? The amount of time you need in Odense will depend on your personal preferences and interests. If you want to see all the major sights and attractions, it is recommended to stay for at least 2-3 days. However, if you want a more relaxed visit and are not interested in seeing all the sights, you could stay for a shorter period of time.
Day trips from Odense: The city is (quite literally) in the center of Denmark and, thanks to this, there are dozens of destinations that are worthy of day trips from Odense. Here are some options:
Middelfart: This charming town is located about 45 minutes by train from Odense and offers a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating along the Little Belt strait, as well as a visit to the Middelfart Museum which provides an insight of the town’s history and culture.
Kolding: This historic city is located about an hour’s drive from Odense and is home to several interesting museums, such as Koldinghus Castle, Trapholt Art Museum and Design Museum Kolding. In fact, Kolding is known for its strong design tradition and the aforementioned museums are a great place to learn more about the city’s design heritage.
Assens: This picturesque town is located about an hour’s drive from Odense and is home to a number of well-preserved historical buildings, such as Assens Church. Visitors can also enjoy a walk along the picturesque canals or frolic in the blue waters of Assens Næs Strand (Assens Beach) in the summer.
Airport transfer: Looking for a stress-free way to start your trip to Odense? This convenient airport transfer will meet you at Odense Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city.
Top Odense tour: One of the best ways to see Odense is from a new perspective! Why not enjoy a self-driving boat tour through Odense?
How to Get to Odense
There are several ways on how to get to Odense, Denmark:
By plane | The nearest airport to Odense is Odense Airport (ODE), which is officially known as Hans Christian Andersen Airport (are you noticing a theme here? 😉 ).
The airport is located a little over 9 kilometers (5.6 mi) north of the city center and is small yet well-appointed. It should be noted that Odense Airport mainly serves charter routes in the summer (you can see a list of destinations on their website) and travelers should consider other methods of traveling to the city.
By train | Odense has a train station with frequent connections to other cities in Denmark, including Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Aarhus, Svendborg, plus international service to Germany. If you have an extra hour or two, stop by the Danish Railway Museum located a few minutes away from the train station.
By bus | There are regular bus connections to Odense from other cities in Denmark and neighboring countries such as Germany and Sweden. For example, the bus from Copenhagen to Odense is a little under 2 hours. Otherwise, the bus from Aalborg to Odense is 3.5 hours.
By boat | Since Odense is right in the middle of Funen Island, there are no ‘direct’ ferries per se. If you’re traveling from other major cities (such as Copenhagen or Aarhus), the best option would be to take a train or bus (noted above).
Transportation in Odense
Once you are in Odense, there are several ways to get around the city:
By public transportation | Did you know that Odense has a free bus route for tourists? Yes, it’s true! You can see these bright pink buses making their way around the city center every weekday from 9 am to 5pm, and 11am to 4pm on Saturday. Just look for the mini bus number 10 that says ‘Free Citybus’ on the destination display and hop aboard.
The buses run every 10 minutes or so, and you can see the full route of the Odense city bus here.
By bike | Keeping in touch with the Danish cycling culture, Odense is a very bike-friendly city and has more than 540 kilometers of bike paths and spaces. The easiest way to rent a bike is to download the Donkey Republic app and use their bicycle-sharing system. Best of all, you can ride these cheerful orange bikes for as little as 15 minutes, or as much as two weeks!
By foot | There are plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets in the center of the city, and many of Odense’s most popular tourist attractions and landmarks are within walking distance of each other.
By boat | Yes, really! You can enjoy a two-hour tour of Odense on a self-driving boat tour (no license needed!). The river provides a peaceful backdrop as you sail around and take in the sights of the city.
Not much of a boat captain? No problem – there’s also the option to book a leisurely Odense river cruise.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in Odense.
Where to Stay in Odense
BUDGET | Cabinn Odense:
Conveniently located near the Odense train station, Cabinn hotel is a budget-friendly option for travelers visiting the city. The hotel offers a variety of room options, including single, double, and family rooms that won’t break the bank – prices start at just 500 DKK per night!
MID-TIER | Comwell H C Andersen Dolce by Wyndham:
The Comwell H.C. Andersen Dolce by Wyndham in Odense, Denmark, is an exceptional hotel that combines modern luxury and comfort with a touch of Danish history.
One of the main highlights of the hotel is its proximity to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum – it’s literally right next door! However, it doesn’t stop there: the hotel is loosely based on the theme of H.C. Andersen: there’s a statue of the writer next to the entrance, and each room is named after one of his stories. A delicious Danish-inspired breakfast is included, and the hotel staff is friendly and always ready to help.
DESIGN + LUXURY | Hotel Odeon:
Hotel Odeon is a charming hotel located in the heart of the city, making it the perfect base from which to explore the most popular tourist attractions in Odense.
One of the main highlights of Hotel Odeon is its beautiful interior design, which features traditional Danish style mixed with muted pastels, high-end touches, and elements like marble and velvet. That’s not all: the breakfast is 100% organic and locally sourced from Denmark, while the staff are friendly and happy to give recommendations.
LUXURY | First Hotel Grand:
With its traditional, high-end decor and top-notch amenities, First Hotel Grand is the epitome of Old World luxury. The hotel is located in the heart of Odense (right across the Funen Art Gallery) and offers spacious rooms with a touch of class.
FAMILY | Hotel Odense:
Hotel Odense is a great choice for families looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay while exploring the city. The hotel is located in a quiet area, just a short drive from the city center, and offers a variety of room types to accommodate families of different sizes.
The hotel offers a range of family-friendly amenities to ensure that both parents and kids have a comfortable stay.
APARTMENT | City Hotel Apartments:
Located one block away from the H. C. Andersen Museum, City Hotel Apartments offers two apartments for rent. Both are fully stocked and offer a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
What to do in Odense
Despite being the third-largest city in Denmark, there are dozens of things to do in Odense – here are some of the most popular options:
Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum…
The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a must-see for any fan of the famous fairy tale author! Located in the city where Andersen was born and raised, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life and work of this beloved literary figure.
One of the highlights of the museum is the World of Hans Christian Andersen exhibit, which features original manuscripts, illustrations, paper cutouts, and other personal items belonging to Andersen. This exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the different periods of Andersen’s life (complete with interactive headphone and showcases!), and provides an in-depth look at the inspiration behind his most famous stories.
… And then see his childhood home!
Less than a kilometer away from the museum is the H.C. Andersens Barndomshjem (Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home), a semi-museum that offers a glimpse into the childhood and early life of the famous fairy tale author. The museum is located in the house where Andersen spent his childhood and lived until he was 14 years old.
Visitors can tour the house and see the rooms where Andersen grew up, including the attic where he wrote his first fairy tales. The museum also has an exhibition that tells the story of Andersen’s childhood and the influences that shaped him as a person and as a writer.
Continue the fairytale atmosphere at Egeskov Castle
Located just 30 minutes outside of Odense, Egeskov Castle in Denmark is a must-see for any traveler looking for a bit of history and romance. The castle dates back to the 16th and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and moats, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or a stroll.
The castle is one of the best preserved Renaissance water castles in Europe and is nearly 500 years old!. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of antiques, including furniture, paintings and ceramics, as well as an impressive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and flying vehicles.
Go back to Denmark’s roots at Funen Village
Located less than 10 minutes outside of Odense, the Funen Village (Den Fynske Landsby) is an open-air museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the island of Funen (where Odense is located).
The area features a collection of over 50 historical buildings, including houses, farms, and workshops, that have been painstakingly moved from all over the region and reassembled on the museum’s grounds. Visitors can tour the buildings and see how people lived and worked in the past (including live demonstrations on certain days!)
The museum also offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year, such as traditional folk music and dance performances, craft demonstrations, and workshops where travelers can try their hand at traditional crafts.
The Funen Village is best visited during the summer, as it’s open from April to October. If you’re visiting over the winter holidays, be sure to check out their website for special Christmas-themed events.
Travel through the years at Tidens Samling
Now that you’re an expert in Danish history before the 19th century, it’s time to get acquainted with something a little more recent… Which is where this groovy museum comes in!
Tidens Samling (Translated to The Collection of Time) is one of the most interesting museums in Denmark, and it’s not hard to see why. This museum has hundreds of objects, furniture, and clothing from various decades between 1900 to 1990 – and best of all, everything is interactive!
Visitors can walk through each of the 9 rooms and listen to an audio guide that talks about that room’s history, a firsthand account of someone living during that era, and a description of the items in the room. Visitors can interact with the objects, sit on the furniture, and try on the clothes.
The museum was founded by Annette Hage, who began to collect antiques and treasures of bygone years when she was a child in the 1950s. Nowadays, Annette’s daughter is the director and regularly supplies props from the museum for major Danish historical films and TV shows. How cool is that?
Wander through the city center
Odense has a charming city center with many shops, cafes, and restaurants, and thankfully many streets are pedestrian-only zones! Leave the map behind and get wonderfully lost in the streets and alleyways of Odense. Who knows what you’ll discover?
To get you started, here are some places to check out:
Vintapperstræde – This old street is full of character, but it wasn’t always that way… Many centuries ago, it was just the backyard of the city’s wine merchant, until two entrepreneurs saw potential and decided to transform it into a little shopping street. Nowadays, Vintapperstræde is full of restaurants, bars and specialty shops, and it’s a great place to mingle with locals.
St. Canute’s Cathedral – This beautiful cathedral is one of the most important historical sites in Odense and is worth a visit for its architecture and history.
Munke Mose – This tranquil park is located just a short skip from the center and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and is particularly known for its beautiful wildflower meadows and diverse birdlife. There’s also the option to book a leisurely boat trip around the river that passes Munke Mose.
Visit the Brandts |
A museum and art center located in a beautiful textile factory from the 19th century, with temporary and permanent exhibitions. The Brandts is the only national art museum in Denmark that is dedicated specifically to photography art, and contains more than 9,000 works by Danish and international artists.
Photo credits | H.C. Andersen sculpture courtesy of VisitOdense | Odense Airport courtesy of Hans Christian Andersen Airport | HC Andersen Museum courtesy of Rasmus Hjortshoej (via HC Andersen Museum website) | Egeskov Castle by Marina Šurniene (Unsplash) | Funen Village by Gim42 | Odense city center by J Corydon (Google) | Brandts Museum by Lasse Jensen (Unsplash) | Odense center courtesy of VisitOdense | Hotel photos courtesy of respective hotels