Explore Odense

Photo: Accidentally Wes Anderson

All the best things to see in Odense

Once upon a time, there was a little Danish city that gave birth to the most famous fairytale writer in the world. Yes, Mr Hans Christian Andersen hails from the city of Odense in Denmark, with its characterful old streets, inspiring museums and strong cycling culture. Come explore Odense and find your own happy ever after.

H.C. Andersen's House in Odense from outside in the garden

Photo: Lærke Bech Johansen for H.C. Andersen's House

Step into a fairytale

The H.C. Andersen's Hus brings Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales to life, from The Little Mermaid to The Ugly Duckling, full of interactive exhibits and surrounded by magical gardens you really will feel like you're in the pages of one of his tales!

Photo: Accidentally Wes Anderson

Visit the house where Hans Christian Andersen grew up

More things to see and do in Odense

Odense's top attractions include a fairytale castle, its modern harbour and its cycling culture. It's a pretty green place too, with 120 parks and 250 playgrounds.

Photo: Storms Pakhus

Storms Pakhus

People enjoying the sun beside the harbour bath in Odense, Denmark

Photo: Michael Fiukowski & Sarah Moritz

Odense Harbour

Photo: Tine Jørgensen

Brandts Art Museum

Res tillbaka i tiden på den Fynske Landsby

Photo: VisitOdense

The Funen Village

Photo: Andreas Bastiansen - VisitOdense

Odin's Odense

Photo: VisitOdense

Munkemose Park

Photo: Anita Skoven Jensen/ Destination Fyn

Egeskov Castle

Cycling down an old street in Odense, Denmark

Photo: Kim Wyon

Cycling in Odense

How to visit Odense

Day trip alert: Odense is 167km from Copenhagen - that's just over an hour by fast train, or two hours by car. Odense is also under 1.5 hours from Aarhus. Trains run from all over Denmark’s mainland (Jutland) to Odense, as well as from Copenhagen Central Station.