tales like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling remain firm household favourites. The museum tells the story of Andersen's amazing life, from a recreation of the tiny cobbler’s shop where he was born right through to extensive collections of his drawings, paper-cut creations and his famous stories and poems.

The museum is located in the city’s historic quarter, making it the ideal starting point for a walking tour of Hans Christian Andersen’s world. Whilst some of the city has changed in the 200 years since he was born, many buildings and districts remain almost exactly as they would have looked during Andersen’s childhood. To help visitors discover these landmarks, a series of 13 granite markers have been set in the pavement to indicate places of relevance to Hans Christian Andersen’s life. Starting at his birthplace in what at the time was the city’s slum, the self-guided tour continues via the church at which he was christened; his childhood home; and other points of interest such as Odense Castle, the Town Hall and a large bronze statue of the man himself, located close to the city’s cathedral.

Other highlights of a visit to Odense include Brandts Klædefabrik, a cultural centre set within a converted textile factory that houses the Museum of Photographic Art plus a superb selection of art galleries, cafés and cinemas. Music lovers can visit the Carl Nielsen Museum to learn about the city’s famous composer, while railway enthusiasts can discover the valuable collection of historic locomotives at the Danish Railway Museum. There's more history to encounter just outside town at Funen Village, an open-air museum where visitors can glimpse what life was like on Funen in the 1850s. Recreated with traditional buildings and farming methods, the attraction comes complete with costumed 'villagers' going about their daily chores.

Odense also plays host to a wide range of festivals over the course of the year. One of the most spectacular is the annual Flower Festival that takes place every August and sees the centre of the town carpeted with a beautiful display of seasonal blooms. There are regular jazz events, farmers' markets and open-air concerts held throughout the period, while later in the year there's a 19th Century-style Christmas market in operation from mid-November, featuring craft stalls and traditional entertainment.

including Nyborg Slot (Denmark's oldest medieval fortress) and the lavishly decorated Valdemars Slot which was built in the 1600s by King Christian IV. Another attractive option is Lykkesholm Slot, which according to Hans Christian Andersen was "The most beautiful place I know in Funen". Most impressive of all is Egeskov Slot, one of Europe's best-preserved Renaissance castles. This magnificent structure (complete with turrets and moat) is truly the stuff of fairytales. Rising majestically above manicured grounds, Egeskov is a sight to behold - and is just as stunning on the inside, thanks to its grand collection of antique furniture and artworks.
 
Some of Funen's castles have even been converted into hotels and inns (kro) allowing visitors to spend the night and enjoy their very own fairytale experience. Kro offer traditional Danish hospitality alongside home comforts and gourmet restaurants featuring typical Danish cuisine. One of the island's most impressive is Hindsgavl Slot, a 13th Century castle not far from Odense that’s set within 300 acres of private grounds. Or for exquisite river views, Brobyvaerk Kro is a charming and characterful, 17-room property on the banks of the Odense River in South Funen.