Odense
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At a glance
- Country
- Denmark
- Region
- Region of Southern Denmark
- Population
- 180,000
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Billund (BLL); Copenhagen (CPH) is a direct train away
- Coordinates
- 55.40°N, 10.40°E
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Overview
Odense is Denmark's third city and the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, whose stories you'll find everywhere, from museums to little bronze figures hidden around the streets.
It's a relaxed, green and walkable place on the island of Funen, with a small old quarter of crooked yellow houses and a river winding through parks. Use it as a base for the castles and countryside of the island.
Things to see
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H.C. Andersen's House
A playful museum about the writer's life and fairy tales, set in gardens around his birthplace.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Kåre Thor Olsen, CC BY-SA 3.0 Andersen's Childhood Home
The tiny house where the writer grew up, small enough to show the poverty of his early years.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Samuel Damon, CC BY-SA 4.0 St Canute's Cathedral
A fine Gothic brick church holding the remains of King Canute IV.
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Photo: Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Funen Village
An open-air museum of old farmhouses and gardens recreating rural life on the island.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Kåre Thor Olsen, CC BY-SA 3.0 Odense Zoo
A well-regarded zoo along the river, popular with families.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Knirk Saxo, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wander the old quarter
Low half-timbered houses and cobbled lanes around Andersen's birthplace.
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Photo: Malene Thyssen, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Egeskov Castle
A Renaissance castle rising from a moat, with gardens, mazes and a vintage car collection.
Find tours -
Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0 Follow the river
Walk or cycle the paths along the Odense River through parks and gardens.
Where to stay
City centre
Walkable to the sights, station and restaurants.
Hotels in City centreOld quarter
Quieter, prettier streets close to the Andersen museums.
Hotels in Old quarter
Getting around
The centre is easily walked and very bike-friendly, and a light rail line crosses the city.
Direct trains from Copenhagen take about an hour and a half to Odense station, on the edge of the centre.
When to go
Summer is the warmest and liveliest time, with the Hans Christian Andersen Festival in August. Spring and early autumn are quieter, and December brings Christmas markets.
Plan your trip to Odense
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.