Odense walking tour & city guide
The fairytale city of Hans Christian Andersen.
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Odense, on the island of Funen, is one of Denmark's oldest cities and the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. Its old quarter of colorful half-timbered houses feels like a scene from his fairy tales.
Andersen's city
The H.C. Andersen House is a modern museum about the writer's life and stories, with a garden designed by Kengo Kuma. His childhood home is nearby, in the cobbled old quarter.
The city
St Canute's Cathedral holds the remains of a Danish king. The Odense River runs through the Munke Mose park, and the Funen Village open-air museum shows rural life.
A day in Odense
Odense is the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen, and the H.C. Andersen House, a museum built partly underground with gardens, tells his story in a magical way. Walk through the cobbled old town, past his childhood home, and look for the fairy tale sculptures and footprints around the city.
In the afternoon, visit the Funen Village, an open-air museum of rural life, or Egeskov Castle, a moated Renaissance castle about 30 minutes away.
Good to know
Odense is on the island of Funen, between Copenhagen and Jutland, and is easy to reach by train. The city has a new light rail line.
In August, the H.C. Andersen Festivals bring theater and music to the streets.
Top sights in Odense
- 1
H.C. Andersen House
A museum about the fairy tale writer.
- 2
Old quarter
Colorful half-timbered houses.
- 3
St Canute's Cathedral
A gothic cathedral.
- 4
Munke Mose
A park by the river.
- 5
Funen Village
An open-air museum.
Food markets & where to eat in Odense
Storms Pakhus
A street food hall in an old warehouse.
Old town cafés
Cozy cafés in old houses.
Vestergade
The main pedestrian street.
Food to try in Odense
Smørrebrød
Open sandwiches.
Æbleskiver
Round pancake balls with jam.
Funen cheese
Local dairy products.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Odense
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in OdenseCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Odense.
- eSIM for DenmarkStay online from the moment you land.
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