Interesting Things to Do in Odense

An Overview of Odense

In ancient times, Odense was a sacred pilgrimage site for pagan worship, especially affiliated with the Norse god Odin. In the modern era, Odense has evolved to host a fairytale castle, endless cycling routes through 120 parks and green spaces throughout the city and a functioning harbour. There are many interesting things to do in Odense. The city remains a potent event and festival site, hosting concerts, the Odense theater, the Odeon Concert Hall, the Funen Opera and various cultural celebrations.

Interesting Things to Do in Odense

Egeskov Castle

This is the most popular and interesting thing to do in Odense. Egeskov Castle is an enormous fairytale structure and one of the best-preserved moat-castles in Europe.  The location hosts many beautiful features, including an old armory, a veteran car museum, beautiful gardens, large walkways, small cafes and museums. Numerous local legends are also rooted in the castle grounds, including a cursed doll, a fairy-dollhouse and village and more.

Funen Open-Air Village (Den Fynske Landsby)

Located about 4 kilometers outside town, this is  a summer-month period costume celebration which explores rural Denmark with cottages, farmhouses and historic village shops. The village has many cultural snacks available for guests alongside other open-air musuem features.

King Canute IV’s Tomb in St. Canute’s Cathedral

This building is a Gothic structure dating from the 1300’s. The church is named for the Danish King Canute IV who was murdered on this site after attempting to raise a peasant army to attack England.

Munke Mose Park

Accessible in the central ring of the city, this is a huge green area with a wide range of local activities. Visitors can follow nature trails, enjoy riverside walks, bike through the city or enjoy the small water features. There are many open-air events here throughout the year.

Odense Old Town

Odense’s Old Town District is home to various well-preserved buildings and shopping streets. The Old Town consists of numerous medieval structures and Middle Age features, making it a pleasant walk into the past. Old cobbled streets, colorful crooked houses, numerous pubs and public artworks can all be found here.

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Denmark’s most famous and beloved author was born in Odense. Hans Christian Andersen was the son of an unsuccessful cobbler, birthed into a tiny building with modest furnishings. The venue was converted into a museum over a century ago with many of his drawings, manuscripts and personal items preserved inside.

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