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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.

Shopping in 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 of fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen.
This university city is steeped in medieval history, 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 in 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
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.


Events in Odense

Hans Christian Andersen Festival Plays
Every summer the Hans Christian Andersen Festival Plays in Odense perform a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen in the open air museum The Funen Village. In 2010 the chosen fairy tale is The Nightinggale.
21st July to 14th August

Robot Festival
In 2010, RoboDays once again welcomes you to the robot festival in Odense. Experience robots and technology that will change your life forever. Meet robots that move and robots that move you. Experiment and play with robots and technology that will surprise and help you.
9th September to 11th September

Where to stay

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