Odense: Step back in time at Hans Christian Andersen’s home
Take a trip to Odense to explore the cobbled streets of his Hans Christian Andersen's childhood home and the associated museum, and take a step back in time.
Walk in the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen was born in a tiny yellow house on a cobbled street in the centre of Odense in 1805. And it’s still there! Today it’s one of the oldest poet museums in the world and a great place to start a Hans Christian Andersen tour through Odense’s oldest and prettiest parts. Take a photo next to Hans Christian Andersen’s statue in the Fairy Tale Garden, or of the dramatic 12-metre high mural of his face at Bangs Boder. And continue the tour with a walk around Munkemose Park, where you'll find sculptures right out of his fairy tales, including The Little Mermaid and The Wild Swans.
The new museum
Open from Summer 2021, the new H C Andersens Hus is also in the historic quarter of Odense. You won't find his old shoes or writing desk there because it is all about his work, rather than him. In fact, the whole idea is that the museum speaks like him, not about him. It's full of award-winning art and items from other inspiring children's writers, and you can buy a three-in-one ticket that give you access to both museums and the Møntergården, all in the same trip.
More things to do in Odense
Odense has an antique market, one of Denmark’s biggest shopping centres, Rosengaardcenteret, and Fyn’s largest market every Wednesday and Saturday. Head to the area outside the concert hall to sample fresh farm produce from across the island of Fyn, as people have done in Odense for centuries, and if you're really keen to get in the Hans Christian Andersen spirit, look out for hindbærsnitte in the local bakeries - apparently these raspberry biscuits were his favourites! Odense’s street food market, Storms Pakhus, is also a popular place to grab some grub and get to know the locals.
Cultural highlights in Odense
Head to Odense in August to experience the highly-respected Odense International Film Festival and the fairytale magic of Hans Christian Andersen Festival. If you’re bringing kids, or are just a big one yourself, Odense Zoo is open 365 days a year and October is when Harry Potter fans descend on Odense for the Magic Days Festival.