Odense

Odense is roughly in the centre of Funen, which lies between the larger Zealand island and the Jutland peninsula. The first recorded reference to the city dates back to 988AD in a letter from the German Kaiser Otto III.
Some recent archaeological findings have indicated that a settlement has in fact been around since the Viking period. At that time, however, Odense was just the small centre of the Odin cult. In 1100, the first monastery, Saint Knud's was established by English Benedictine monks.
Until the middle of the 17th century, Odense enjoyed the position as a main trading-centre for the people from the surrounding areas. Local produce & livestock were exported from the city. However, a war with Sweden in the 1600s weakened the city's economy. This economic downturn continued until 1803 when a canal linking Odense with the Kattegat was opened. This swiftly changed Odense into a port city and over the next 100 years Odense quickly developed into the modern industrial city which it is today.
has a population of about 178,000 people (2018), thus making it Denmark's 3rd largest city.
Odense is also the birthplace of the fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen, and the city proudly displays statues, parades and monuments in his memory. Andersen was born on 2 April 1805, in a tiny house on Munkemøllestræde, quite close to the cathedral. During his lifetime, Andersen created many famous fairy-tales which today are internationally famous. For example The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Snow Queen.

By plane

Odense Airport

• Hans Christian Andersen AirportThe small airfield has been reduced to handling periodic charter flights for package holiday operators. Getting on such a flight pretty much requires buying a package holiday that starts and ends in Odense, so the only practical way of using Odense Airport as a point of entry is if arriving by private aviation, if you happen to own a plane or are able to procure the services of one. Otherwise, the country's two major airports are a better bet, and they are not that far away.

Copenhagen Airport

From Copenhagen Airport take the train from the airport directly to Odense via Copenhagen or drive along road E20 across the Great Belt Bridge (note the road toll on the bridge).

Billund Airport

From Billund Airport, take the local bus to either Kolding or Vejle and then get a train from there to Odense. Trains depart roughly every 30 minutes during the day and every two hours after 01:00. The total trip is roughly 90 minutes.

By train

DSB operates trains in and out of Odense. From Odense, you can take a direct train to many cities and towns throughout Denmark.
The trains run frequently and generally on time.
It's important that you have a valid ticket before you board the train, as it's not possible to buy tickets onboard.
Tickets to Odense are best purchased directly from DSB. For those planning ahead, you can get a good deal with the so-called Orange and Orange Fri tickets, available online only.
The trains generally offer very comfortable seating and drink vending machines onboard. For longer journeys, it's recommended that you buy food and beverages before you get on the train. If you travel 1st class on InterCity and InterCityLyn trains, there are free water, coffee, tea and snacks on the train.
When travelling on peak travel days or during rush hour, or if travelling in groups, it's advisable (but not mandatory) to reserve seats on the InterCity and InterCityLyn trains.

By car

Odense is in the centre of the island Funen (da.Fyn), and many Danes incorrectly consider it to be the centre of Denmark. The main highway between east (Zealand) and west (Jutland) Denmark, the E20, runs trough the southern suburbs of the city. If you are driving from Germany, this highway branches of the highway from Germany (E45) right after the Kolding Ø exit. There is a toll for crossing the Great-Belt Bridge from Zealand to Funen, the cost is DKK235 one-way.

By bus

The cream-coloured buses from FynBus travel to Odense from locations all over the island of Funen, Fredericia in Jutland, and Nykøbing on the island of Falster.
Regional buses arrive at and depart from the Odense Train Station. The Intra-city buses can be recognized from the regional buses by the length of the line number. Two-digit number lines are intra-city while 3-digit numbers are regional and inter-city.
A map and schedule of available bus lines can be found on the Fynbus website which is partially available in English and German.

By yacht

Odense City has been made accessible to yachts by the construction of a 7 km long canal from Odense Fjord to the old harbour.
There are several marinas, however it is recommended that you make sure they have visitor berths before you arrive.
You can also dock at marinas in Svendborg, Faaborg, Middelfart or Kerteminde. Then a connecting train or bus would link you to Odense.

By foot

Most of Odense's attractions, bars, restaurants & shopping areas are very easily accessibly on foot. All of the city's main hotels and hostels are in the city centre or train station areas. As a general rule all of the major attractions in the centre are between 5 and 10 minutes of each other.
A major exception to this is 'The Funen Village' (Den Fynske Landsby), which is about a 45-minute walk along the river. Similarly the zoo is on the same route & is roughly 30 minutes from the city centre. Both of these attractions are sign-posted all the way along the river.

By bike

Odense is known for its good bicycle infrastructure. There are bicycle lanes along most major roads in addition to many commuter bicycle paths separated from the road system.
If you have not brought your own bike you can hire one for free for 24 hours through a hi-tech online system. You have to register using a mobile phone.

By taxi

Taxis are relatively abundant throughout the city, but they are quite pricey when compared to local buses. Areas which usually have a large amount of taxis waiting to pick up customers include, the taxi pick-up point at the trainstation, outside the Rosengård centre & at Fisketorvet.
On a Friday or Saturday night taxis can be found all over the city. You can not hail a taxi on the street. You can ask in a bar/restaurant for them to get one sent to come pick you up, use the taxi companies app, website or ring to them. Taxis do cost more at night time.

By boat

For those interested in a more relaxed break, a river boat (Odense Åfart) can be taken from the bridge in Munke Mose Park (Nyvestergade) to the Zoo and to the forest next to 'The Funen Village'. The journey, which takes around 30 minutes, is a very relaxing way of seeing Odense river, the Danish countryside on a summer day. Sometimes live jazz bands occasionally play on-board during the summer months.
Row-boats and paddle-boats can also be rented at the same location.

By bus

The buses from Fynbus are available all over Odense, and are fairly frequent. Almost all city buses passes through the Odense Train Station in the course of their route. All city buses cost 23 kr for trips in the city, or 24 kr for trips in the suburbs as well as trips between the city and the suburbs. A full day ticket is available for 40 kr. It is also possible to get an electronic voucher card which can be charged with money for travel within Funen. You can get this card for a refundable deposit of 50 kr and the trips in the city and suburbs using this card will cost 10 kr.
There busroute numbered 10 is free of charge. It only goes in a short loop around the inner city which makes it useful as a quick sightseeing tour.

By train

The regional train from Odense to Svendborg has a few stops in the Odense area. For example there is a stop at the picturesque Fruens Bøge area which is relatively near to The Funen Village. The regional train from Odense to Middelfart stops in Holmstrup which is a small village in the extreme western edge of the Odense municipality.

• Brandts Klædefabrik

  phone: +45 65 20 70 00
  address: Brandts Torv 1
  The art and cultural centre of Odense. Contains two museums; The Danish Museum of Media which focuses on all types of media and their history and the museum of photographic arts museum specializing in photography, there is also a gallery with changing exhibitions in its four large halls. And also specialist shops, a music library, a specialist cinema, bars and a post office.

• Carl Nielsen Museum

  phone: +45 65 51 46 01
  address: Claus Bergs Gade 11
  A museum which honours the life of the classical music composer, Carl Nielsen, who was born just outside of Odense and is primarily known in Scandinavia and the UK for his 6 symphonies. Carl Nielsen is the portrait featured on the front side of the Danish hundred-kroner note.

• Danish Railway Museum

  phone: +45 66 13 66 30
  address: Dannebrogsgade 24
  A museum dedicated to the Danish railways. Contains dozens of old trains, carriages and rail road memorabilia over 10,000 m². There is also a large model train landscape and a ride-on miniature railway and playground for the children. On public holidays and during the schools summer vacation the museum also arranges train rides in old vintage steam trains to various destinations on Funen - call ahead for dates and reservations.

• Egeskov Castle

  phone: +45 62 27 10 16
  address: Egeskov Gade 3, Kværndrup
  One of Europe's best preserved is Europe's best preserved Renaissance water castles, dating back from 1554, about 30 km south. The current owner, Count Ahlefeldt, has added numerous features, including a maze, walk-among- the treetops and a veteran auto museum, toy museum, kitchen garden, and more, all in a scenic park.

• Hans Christian Andersen Museum

  phone: +45 65 51 46 01
  address: Bangs Boder 29
  A museum dedicated to the city's most famous son, author and poet Hans Christian Andersen, most famous for his fairy tales and in particular The Ugly Duckling and the Little Mermaid. Part of the museum is in the house where Andersen was supposedly born (though he would never confirm it). The impressive collection is mainly documents from his life and times, period furniture, and many drawings and paper clippings he is famous for at home.

• Hans Christian Andersen's Garden

  address: Town Centre, behind Saint Knuds Kirke
  A garden commemorating H.C. Andersen. Large flower arrangements, a river and an ice cream shop make this park an ideal location for a picnic. The small attractions of the park include a pergola, the “Chinese Wall” a statue of Hans Christian Andersen and close by – in the river – there is a sculpture of a paperboat (a prop from one of H.C. Andersens fairy tales).

• Odense Zoo

  phone: +45 66 11 13 60
  address: Sdr. Boulevard 306
  One Denmark's biggest tourist attractions is the Odense zoo, covering almost 4 hectares on both sides the Odense River. The Oceanium opened in 2001, is the main show-piece featuring a tour though South America, including a very impressive aviary and indoor rain forest.

• Saint Knuds Kirke

  phone: +45 66 12 03 92
  address: Klosterbakken 2
  Cathedral in the Gothic style of King Canute the Holy, who became a martyr nearby in 1086. His tomb and that of his brother are in the crypt with many other burial stones of dignitaries of the day.

• Galleri Galschiot

  phone: +45 66184058
  address: Banevaenget 22
  Gallery Galschiot is the sculptor Jens Galschiot's 2500 m2 studio and museum. The place is one of Denmark's most spectacular and biggest private art workshops. The place is full of activities, and besides the artist's workshop, there is also a bronze foundry, gallery shop, art schools, wicker workshop, TV studios, sculpture park and a 400-m² art gallery.

• Odense Golfklub

  phone: +45 6595 9000
  address: Hestehaven 200

• Odense Go-Kart-Hal

  phone: +45 70 25 02 10
  address: Cikorievej 32

• Odense Symphony Orchestra (Odense Symfoniokester)

  phone: +45 66 12 44 80

• Odense AafartOdense Aafart has tour boats from the recreational area Munke Mose in the city centre on Odense River with stops at Odense Zoo and in Fruens Bøge near The Funen Village.

• Odense Boldklub

  address: Bolbro
  Odense has one of the most active fan scenes in Denmark and if you are so lucky that OB plays at home against FCK or BIF you will have to go to the stadium and watch it. If you want a drink among other fans go to Sprogø up to 6 hours prior to kickoff. You will find a great atmosphere and singing here.

Work can be difficult to find in Denmark unless you already have a fairly good level of Danish fluency. However for those who cannot speak the language work can be found delivering news papers, working in kitchens or collecting glasses in bars.

• Fyens Distribution A/S

  phone: +45 65 45 56 22
  address: Blangstedgårdvej 2, 5220 Odense SØ, Danmark.
  delivering newspapers

• Odense Pilsner & Odense Classic from the local brewery Albani. (Available in shops & bars throughout the city.)

Budget

• China Wox

  phone: +45 66 12 06 24
  address: Vestergade 1
  Good quality take-away Chinese at affordable prices.

• Emils Hot House

  phone: +45 66 12 18 18
  address: Vestergade 17
  Take-away burgers, pizza & hot dogs.

• Happy Chicken

  phone: +45 66 17 85 43
  address: Vestergade 17
  Budget Chinese food. The quality is not quite as good as that in China Wox.

• Cafe du Nord

  phone: +45 66 11 92 11
  address: Vestergade 20

Mid-range

• Cuckoo's Nest

  phone: +45 65915787
  address: Vestergade 73
  Stylish but relaxed cafe-bar in the front, with a courtyard restaurant in the back. Nachos, burgers, salads, fish, and tapas platters. Main dishes

• Restaurant Carlslund

  phone: +45 65911125
  address: Fruens Bøge Skov 7
  An old farm house in the Fruens Bøge forest in a suburb of Odense. Traditional Danish main courses and Smørrebrød. Especially famous for their rendition of the traditional Danish omelette with fried bacon, pork rinds, tomato and chives served with dark rye bread and mustard at a price of 130 DKK for all you can eat.

• Restaurant Hans Christian

  phone: +4566147800
  address: Claus Bergsgade 7
  The restaurant’s menu showcases French and Danish specialities.

Splurge

• Den Gamle Kro

  phone: +45 66 12 14 33
  address: Overgade 23
  Easily one of the most attractive restaurants in the country, in a historical half-timbered building, built as an inn in 1863. French-inspired and serves traditional Danish food.

• Sortebro Kro

  phone: +45 66 13 28 26
  address: Sejerskovvej 20
  18th century inn near Den Fynske Landsby (Old Funen Village) Sejerskovej 20. Danish cuisine.

Bars in Odense have opening hours which tend to vary greatly. For example some bars close everyday at around midnight, while others stay open until 5AM or even later.

• Albani

  phone: +45 65 48 75 00
  address: Tværgade 2
  A local beer, primarily Odense Pilsner and Odense Classic. The brewery was founded in 1859. Does not serve beer.

• The Australian Bar (A-Bar)

  address: Brandts Passage
  The A-Bar is popular with students & young people due to its low prices. It is particularly popular with exchange students. ID is required at the door.

• Birdies

• Boogies

  address: Nørregade (near Ryan's Irish Pub)
  Popular with young people & students, open most weekday nights. During the summer there is an open air court with its own bar.

• Carlsens Kvarter

  phone: +45 63110110
  address: Hunderupvej 19
  A traditional Danish pub, with a cozy Danish atmosphere. A wide range of Danish and foreign beers. Close to Munke Mose & the Teknisk Skole.

• Christian Firtal

  address: Vintapperstræde 31
  A small traditional Danish pub, with a cozy Danish atmosphere. A wide range of Danish and foreign beers.

• Froggys Café

  phone: +4565907447
  address: Froggys Café, Vestergade 68

• Ryan´s of Odense

  phone: +45 65 91 53 00
  address: Fisketorvet 12
  Ryan's is an authentic traditional Irish pub, stocked with Irish drinks & staffed by Irish barmen. Live music every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 23:00.

• Odense Casino

  phone: +45 6614 7800
  address: Claus Bergs Gade 7
  American Roulette, Black Jack,Texas Hold Em Poker, TouchBet Roulette Terminals, Slot Machines, Viking Stud Poker

Budget

• Danhostel Odense City

  phone: +45-6311-0425
  address: Østre Stationsvej 31

• Odense Danhostel Kragsbjerggaard

  phone: +45-6613-0425
  address: Kragsbjergvej 121
  Denmark's only manor-house hostel. Quiet residential area, 2 km from the city centre.

• Bed&Breakfast

  address: Engvej 9

• Odense Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +45-60919891
  address: Faaborgvej 434B/Lettebækvej 32
  Nice and clean rooms. Close to the town but in the countryside.

Mid-range

• Hotel Windsor

  phone: +45 66 12 06 52
  address: Vindegade 45

• First Grand Hotel

  phone: +45-66 11 71 71
  address: Jernbanegade 18

• Hotel Domir

  phone: +45 66121427
  address: Hans Tausens Gade 19
  Small but light, well-furnished rooms.

Splurge

• Hotel Ansgar

  phone: +45-6611 9693
  address: Østre Stationsvej 32
  Reasonably spacious rooms decorated in a traditional style.

• City Hotel

  phone: +45-6612-1258
  address: Hans Mules Gade 5

• Radisson Blu H.C. Andersen Hotel

  phone: +45-6614-7800
  address: Claus Bergs Gade 7
  Like most Radissons in Denmark, worn around the edges and not quite up to the global Radisson standards - but the central location makes it a practical choice.

• Knudsens Gaard

  phone: +45 63114311
  address: Hunderupgade 2
  Excellent if by car. Residential area, at major crossroads out of town. 20-30 min walk to city centre. Good restaurant.

• Gl. Avernæs

  phone: +45 63 73 73 73
  address: Helnæsvej 9
  A little from Odense, close to nature in a quiet and relaxing area.

There are free Wi-Fi hotspots and internet connected computers for public use at the public libraries. The computers may need to be booked ahead of time. There is also an internet café at the central station. Same thing for most cafés where internet are free to use too.

• Odense Central Library

  phone: +65 66 13 13 72

• Odense is generally a safe town for visitors, but criminal activities and violence occasionally occur and caution is recommended late at night. Although there is not really any reason for tourists to venture there, the Vollsmose area is infamous in Denmark for its crime, social problems and a recent terrorism case. The problems are, however, highly exaggerated by the media and you will find the Vollsmose area to be no more unsafe than most places.

• Local Police

  phone: +45 66 14 14 48
  address: Hans Mules Gade 1-3

Maps of Odense can be purchased in the two shops in the train-station for 10 kr. Similarly there are maps placed all around the town for visitors, Most ATM machines in Odense close between 02:00 and 06:00, Most shops only accept Danish credit cards & will not take foreign cards. (One exception to this is Ryan's Irish Pub), Post offices can be located in the Brandts Passage, the Rosengård Center and at the northern exit of the central train station.

Pharmacies

• Apoteket Ørnen

  phone: +45 66 12 29 70
  address: Filosofhaven 38A

Consulates

• Belgium

  phone: +45 65 71 10 10
  address: Østre Stationsvej 1-5

• Finland

  phone: +45 63 14 20 20
  address: Englandsgade 25

• Germany

  phone: +45 23 43 60 56
  address: Campusvej 55

• Netherlands

  phone: +45 66 11 27 77
  address: Christiansgade 70

• Norway

  phone: +45 65 95 70 02
  address: Energivej 40

• Sweden

  phone: +45 63 12 82 00
  address: Vestergade 97- 101

• United Kingdom

  phone: +45 66 14 47 14
  address: Albanitorv 4

• Kerteminde, about 20 km to the northeast, this cute seaside town with a large centre of 18th-century houses offers beautiful beaches, mini-golf & an aquarium, complete with sharks.
• Ringe, an agricultural town in the middle of the island of Funen.
• Middelfart, a coastal town which is near to the bridge to the Jutland peninsula.
• Nyborg, a coastal town which is complete with a medieval castle, beautiful gardens & walks by the harbour.
• Fredericia, a beautiful medieval fortress town. 50 minutes by train this town offers beautiful walks along the old town walls, a gorgeous sandy blue-flag beach & the chance to visit the Jutland peninsula.
• Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city. 90 minutes by intercity train. Visit the Mermaid, Tivoli Theme Park or the Carlsberg brewery.