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Odense and its suroundings

Funen’s fairytale feel doesn’t stop in Odense with over 120 beautifully preserved mansions, castles and palaces dotting the countryside.

Castles
Don’t miss Denmark’s oldest medieval fortress of Nyborg Castle  that housed the early seat of Danish parliament; King Christian IV’s lavishly furnished Valdemar Castle with its extensive grounds and fascinating Toy, Game, Trophy and Yachting museums; and, most impressive of all, Egeskov Castle - one of Europe’s most well preserved moated castles. 

Coastal towns
With so much coastline to be enjoyed, it’s not surprising to find  a number of seaside towns.

The idyllic market town and fishing village of Kerteminde with its ancient 2nd-century BC burial ground, 10th century Viking ship, famous Danish painter Johannes Larsen Museum and the new sea-life centre Fjord & Bælt for getting up close and personal with small whales and other fascinating sea life.

Go west to the centuries old harbour of Assens for seafaring history and remarkably well-preserved collection of 18th and 19th century merchants houses. Take the scenic route to the picturesque village of Faaborg to climb the medieval clock tower with its far stretching coastal views, examine famous Danish works of art at the Faaborg Museum and saviour luxurious furnishings in Den Gamle Gaard’s Roccoco Room.
Odense

At the heart of the island Funen and literally surrounded by 11,000 kilometres of stunning coastline lies Funen’s capital city, Odense.

Coined the ‘garden of Denmark’, the island of Funen and its archipelago of southern islands combines some of Denmark’s most stunning scenery of lush rolling pasture lands, steep cliff tops and wide sandy beaches with a fascinating array of historic sights and great family attractions. 

Odense is one of the oldest cities in Denmark and birthplace to fairytale creator Hans Christian Andersen

This university city is steeped in medieval beginnings, fairytale fantasy and modern attractions; Take a boat cruise on the Odense River  to the open-air Den Fynske Landsby museum with its impressive collection of ancient rural buildings and craftwork. Discover what inspired one of the world’s most famous fairytale writers with a visit to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the interactive ‘Fyrtøjet’ (The Tinder Box) where children can immerse themselves his storytelling, drawing and music. Climb aboard the Danish Railway Museum for 10,000sqm of family train spotting or take a more musical route to the Carl Nielsens Museum for an in-depth look at this famous composer’s life.

For a shot of art, culture and coffee, head to the former textile factory Brandts Klædefabrik to check out its superb selection of galleries, cafés, cinemas and the city’s Museum of Photographic Art before retiring to one of the many and varied canal side bars and restaurants.

Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market
In the old part of Odense near Hans Christian Andersen’s house, the historic Christmas market is held in the end of November and the first weekend of December. You can experience old fashioned market atmosphere with Christmas decorations, booths and entertainment based on the period of Hans Christian Andersen and the famous characters from his fairytales.

Read more about the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market

Read more about Odense
Read more about Funen


Where to stay

Odense offers a good range of accommodation from international hotels to private bed and breakfast accommodation and hostels.
Accommodation in Odense