Top 13 Points of Interest & Things to Do in Odense (Free + Paid)

Whether you’re already in Odense, are going to soon, or are considering it.

I’ve collected the ultimate list of interesting things in Odense for you so that you won’t miss out on anything, no matter what you’re in the mood for (or the weather allows).

As a fellow Dane, I’ll also make sure to give you suggestions from a local perspective. Exactly like I would with any of my friends visiting the Kingdom.

So get ready to dodge that FOMO like Neo is dodging bullets in the Matrix.

1. Ride a Bicycle Like the Locals

It’s NOT a coincidence I chose to give this the 1. spot on the list.

Denmark has been crowned the world’s most bicycle-friendly country on several occasions.

If you feel comfortable riding a bicycle, I suggest this being your primary type of transportation during your visit to Odense.

And not only is it hella fun, but it’s also healthy and the cheapest option.

The easiest way to get your hands on a bike is by downloading The Donkey Republic app.

After setting up the app, you’re able to convert one or more of their bikes into yours, with a little bit of Bluetooth magic.

And you can rent the bike for as long as you want, literally from a few minutes to several days.

Time	Prices
4 hours	66 kr. ($9)
6 hours	77 kr. ($10)
12 hours	95 kr. ($13)
1 day	110 kr. ($15)
2 days	195 kr. ($27)
3 days	255 kr. ($35)
4 days	315 kr. ($43)
5 days	375 kr. ($51)
6 days	435 kr. ($60)
7 days	495 kr. ($68)

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2. Taste Traditional Danish Pastry

Also known as the stairway to the food heaven.

To be honest, we Danes have just used it as an excuse to eat dessert for breakfast for many years.

But there’s a good reason for that – it tastes heavenly.

You can go to most bakers which you’ll find all over town.

I suggest trying the “Brunsviger” or “Kanelsnegl”.

If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, there’s also the “Romkugle” or “Træstamme”.

And if you want something a bit less sweet, try the “Frøsnapper” or “Thebirkes”.

If you’re a bit prone to “sugar crashes” like me, I suggest skipping this until later on the day, (or ordering a large coffee with it if you can’t resist).

I recommend the “Wendorff” bakery on Asylgade 16 (Google Maps + Opening hours) only a few minutes by foot (or bicycle) from the train station.

Though none of the pastry is vegan, it’s possible to have a vegan sandwich there as well.

📌 TIP: If you want to have the full experience, consider having Cocio chocolate milk along with your pastry of choice. 

The recipe hasn't changed since it was launched in 1951, and consists of only 3 ingredients: Fresh milk, chocolate from Africa, and sugar. 

But watch out, we Danes have a "joke" that it only takes a few sips to down a bottle. 

Maybe you'd like to confirm this?

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3. Immerse Yourself in the Old Town Quarter

And “Old” town means going back to medieval times.

Expect to see some of the oldest houses in the city, some of them still preserved in original condition, while others are reconstructed.

Here you can watch everything from old courtyards to schools.

One of the more exciting points of interest is the still functioning hardware store Kramboden (Google Maps + Opening hours).

Here you can buy antiques, old stock, or museum copies if this is your thing.

You’ll find the old town on the east side of the city center (the main streets being Overgade and Nedergade).

📌 TIP: This is the area you'll also find two other activities on this list (4. Møntergården and 5. H.C. Andersen's Childhood Home).

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4. Take a Trip Back to the 16th Century at Møntergården Museum

This museum is located in the very heart of the Odense historic district (Old Town Quarter).

Here you can explore cozy courtyards, beautiful buildings, and interiors from the past.

More specifically those kinds from hundreds of years before we even imagined flying tin cans one day could take us around the globe in less than 24 hours (hint: airplanes).

This museum offers three exhibitions.

The Fyn – midt i verden (Funen – Centre of the Universe), Falk Gøyes gård (Falk Gøyes Farm), and Pernille Lykkes Boder (Pernille Lykke’s Dwellings).

For example at Fyn – midt i verden, which is the newest building of the three (from 2013).

Here you can go back in time with a funnel of scenographic effects, sounds, and video and interactive games for all senses.

And If you’re traveling with kids (between 4 and 11) with a certain interest in history, this experience also offers an exciting way of discovering the past through touching and testing.

For example discovering a mini-town from the 18th century with an apartment, shop, water pump, chickens, and clothes for dressing up.

You’ll find the museum on Møntestræde 1 (Google Maps).

Prices
Adults	100 kr. ($13)
Kids (0-17 years)	Free

Opening Hours (all week)
Jul. 01 – Aug. 31	10:00 – 17:00
Sep. 01 – Dec. 30	10:00 – 16:00 (closed on Mondays)

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5. Enter H.C. Andersen’s Childhood Home and Go Back in Time

Chances are that you’re already familiar with H.C. Andersen (Hans Christian Andersen), now that you ended up here in the first place.

If not, what about the Disney movies “The Little Mermaid” or “Frozen”?

The Little Mermaid was written by H.C. Andersen himself in 1837, and Frozen was officially inspired by another work from the author called “The Snow Queen” from 1844.

He was born in Odense in 1805, and since 1930 his childhood home has been open to the public, where he lived from age 2-14.

Everything from the rooms and flowers in the garden has been designed based on the author’s descriptions in his self-biography.

So if you’re a fan of the author, this is the place for you.

You’ll find H.C. Andersens house in Munkemøllesstræde close to Odense Cathedral (Google Maps).

Prices
Adults	75 kr. ($10)
Kids (0-17 years)	Free

Opening Hours (all week)
Jul. 01 – Aug. 31	10:00 – 17:00
Sep. 01 – Dec. 30	11:00 – 16:00 (closed on Mondays)

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6. Join the Fairytales at H.C. Andersens House Museum

If you’re suffering from Headphonophobia (the fear of headphones).

Then you might want to spend your valuable time elsewhere.

On arrival, you’ll receive your very own headset for your stay, which will guarantee maximum immersion in the world-famous fairy tales by H.C. Andersen.

This is also one of the reasons you must pre-book your tickets and time, besides making sure you’ll get the best experience possible.

This new and modern museum which first opened its doors on the 30th of June 2021, was designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma (also known for building the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo), in collaboration with 12 local artists as well as from abroad.

The museum is not focused on H.C. Andersen as a person himself, but rather on the fairy tales he wrote, brought to you through the newest architecture, art, design, images, light, and sound.

You’ll find the museum on H.C. Andersens Haven 1 (Google Maps) – a street named by the author himself.

Prices
Adults	165 kr. ($22)
Kids (0-17 years)	Free

Opening Hours (all week)
Jul. 01 – Aug. 31	10:00 – 20:00
Sep. 01 – Oct. 31	10:00 – 17:00
Nov. 01 – Dec. 30	10:00 – 17:00 (closed on Mondays)

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7. Take a Swim With the Locals at the Public Odense Harbour

Not only is it free.

It’s also open all year round, except on the two days of December 25 and January 01.

And it’s designed like a ship with a deck and cabin.

I mean, what more is there to ask for?

*Arrr matey!*

But if you’re into winter swimming or had enough Danish beer to tranquilize an elephant, then this window for this activity is probably narrowed down to a few months during summer.

Btw. I don’t endorse swimming while being hammered, it’s often stupid and most of the time also dangerous.

And as if it wasn’t the gift that just keeps on giving, you also have access to changing facilities, showers, a small locker, and a big sauna.

Remember to bring a towel to sit on in the sauna, and notice that it closes 15 min. before the opening hours between Sep. 01 – May 31, and 1 hour before Jun. 1 and Aug. 31.

If you’re not the most skilled of swimmers (or even if you are), there’ll be a lifeguard present during the opening hours.

The pool is limited to 300 people, so during summer/high season, consider being there in good time to make sure to get a spot.

You’ll find the pool at the very center of the harbor at Gamle Havnekaj 3 (Google Maps).

Prices
Adults	Free
Kids (0-17 years)	Free

Opening Hours
Sep. 01 – May 31 (low season):
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday	06:00 – 09:30
Tuesday and Thursday	16:00 – 20:30
Saturday and Sunday	08:00 – 10:30
Jun. 01 – Aug. 31 (high season):
All week	06:00 – 07:30 and 11:00 – 18:30

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8. Try the Most Popular Danish Dish (Smørrebrød)

Smørrebrød essentially means bread with butter, but it’s a bit more than that.

This open sandwich made with rye bread and different toppings are the most popular Danish dish of all time.

The dish was invented by working-class people who ate outside of their homes, where they would use leftovers from the day before as topping.

But that doesn’t make hinder it tastes amazing.

Especially the ones with fried plaice fillet (fish) or eggs, which are my favorites.

If you choose one with fish, you’ll also get the chance to try the typical Danish Remoulade sauce, which is a yellow mayonnaise-based sauce, infused with either turmeric or curry powder.

And usually mixed with capers and pickled cucumbers. Sometimes you’ll also find it with cabbage, cauliflower, and/or carrots.

You can try Smørrebrød in many places around town. But I recommend going to Kong Volmer located in Brandts Passage 13 in the center (Google Maps + Opening hours).

They have vegetarian-friendly options with cheese as well.

📌 TIP: If you're vegan, I can recommend the popular organic and vegan restaurant Kosmos only 3 min. away on foot (Google Maps).

And their prices are reasonable as well, ranging between 109 - 129 kr. ($15-17) for the main dish like a burger or salad.

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9. Visit Denmarks Largest Flea Market (GenbrugsHallerne)

This is where deals of lifetimes are being made.

Or a fair share of our curiosity can be satisfied by going exploring.

This flea/second-hand market consists of two sections.

A section where you’ll find stands with more regular items. And what’s probably the more exciting one – a section where independent owners have their little stands with unique goods.

So if making a bargain or just finding something unique makes you excited, this is the place to go.

You’ll find the market on Rødegårdsvej 182 (Google Maps).

Opening Hours (all week)
Jan. 02 – Dec. 31	10:30 – 17:30

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10. Visit the Egeskov Castle and Their Award Winning Garden

This one you’ll actually find a bit outside of Odense.

It will take you around 50-75 minutes with public transport from the center (Google Maps).

Or around 1 hour and 40-50 minutes on a bicycle (also Google Maps – hurray!)

Taking the bike is the perfect opportunity for an active day out of the city, where you’ll also get to see some smaller villages near Odense and the beautiful countryside on the way.

Egeskov Castle was built in the 16th century and is one of Europe’s best-preserved castles.

And are surprisingly enough it’s still privately habituated by the family Ahlefeldt until this day.

But despite that, you’ll still be able to enter the castle and see the auditoriums and more.

Outside you can experience what’s probably Denmark’s most beautiful garden.

On the property, you’ll also find the kid-friendly play garden with a big maze, old veteran cars, motorbikes, and even airplanes on display.

In other words, it’s also a family-friendly place with something for everyone.

You’ll find the castle on Egeskovgade 22 (Google Maps).

Notice that during the winter season (Oct. 31 – Apr. 29), only the exhibition and play areas are open, and the castle and garden will be closed.

Prices (garden + castle)
Adults	245 kr. ($33)
Kids (4-12 years)	140 kr. ($19)
Kids (0-3 years)	Free

Prices (garden only)
Adults	205 kr. ($28)
Kids (4-12 years)	125 kr. ($17)
Kids (0-3 years)	Free

Opening Hours (all week)
Jan. 16 – Apr. 29 (winter season)	10:00 – 16:00 (only exhibitions & play areas)
Apr. 30 – Jun. 24	10:00 – 17:00 (castle 11:00 – 17:00)
Jun. 25 – Aug. 7	10:00 – 19:00
Aug. 8 – Oct. 30	10:00 – 17:00 (castle 11:00 – 17:00)

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11. Become a Viking for a Day at Odin’s Odense Museum

If you haven’t been drinking Mjöd (mead) from a beaten-up Viking helmet, have you really been to Denmark then?

I guessed not 😉

The good thing is you now have your chance (kind off).

At this museum, you can become a part of life back through the Iron- and Viking Ages (500 BC to 1000).

Activities here include shooting bows, forging at a blacksmith, tasting Mjöd, shopping at markets, joining gatherings, and other craftsmanship activities.

There are also different events being held all year round.

Though be aware that their activities and events depend on what time of the year you’re visiting.

You can expect more activity in the high season vs the low seasons (see table further down below).

Also, some of these require booking in advance.

I suggest you send them a message on their Facebook page to hear what activities are available at the time of your visit and ask them about booking whatever is in your interest.

You’ll find the village on Store Klaus 40 (Google Maps).

Prices (high season)
Adults	75 kr. ($10)
Kids (6-14 years)	30 kr. ($4)
Kids (0-5 years)	Free

Prices (low season)
Adults	50 kr. ($7)
Kids (6-14 years)	20 kr. ($3)
Kids (0-5 years)	Free

Opening Hours (all week)
Jun. 22 – Aug. 31	10:00 – 16:00
Sep. 01 – Oct. 14	10:00 – 16:00 (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Oct. 15 – Oct. 23	10:00 – 16:00

High season	Low season
Jun. 27 – Aug. 30	Apr. 23 – Jun. 26
	Aug. 31 – Oct. 18

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12. Visit the Funen Village: A Complete Village From the 18th and 19th Century

If you can’t get enough of history and want to immerse yourself even further into the past, then there’s a whole village waiting for you to do just that.

With everything, you can expect from the 18th and 19th centuries. Half-timbered buildings, a historical main street, farm animals, fences, and artifacts.

This open-air museum had been recreated to look exactly like the real thing. And tells the story of how life was back then.

But something particular makes this experience even more authentic than most.

You’ll be able to take on the work as a cook, farmer, candle maker, or take responsibility for the gooses if that’s your thing (and more). And there are live actors and characters you can interact with as well, while they’re going on with their daily life in the village.

A good thing is that you don’t even have to go far from the city to experience all of this.

You’ll find the village at Sejerskovvej 20 (Google Maps).

Prices
Adults	145 kr. ($20)
Kids (0-17 years)	Free

Opening Hours (all week)
Jul. 13 – Aug. 06	10:00 – 18:00
Aug. 07 – Aug. 31	10:00 – 17:00
Sep. 01 – Sep. 30	10:00 – 16:00 (closed on Mondays)
Oct. 01 – Oct. 16	10:00 – 17:00 (closed on Mondays)
Oct. 17 – Oct. 23	10:00 – 17:00

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13. Chill in the Public Fairy Tale Garden (Picnic Friendly)

Once you’ve crossed the small wooden bridge entering the park, you’ll find plenty of park’ish things to do.

Like chilling on benches, and enjoying the greenery, water, ducks, and other birds. Or even some statues, sculptures, and monuments around the park.

But if the weather allows it, I highly recommend getting your hands on a disposable grill or two and going on a picnic.

You can buy these for around 20 kr. ($3) in most supermarkets, where you can preferably buy food and drinks as well.

There’s a supermarket called Superbrugsen under 10 min. walk from the park (Google Maps + Opening hours).

It’s allowed to grill in most parks and green areas in Odense. Just remember to not place the grill on a non-flammable surface, and never directly on tables or benches.

If possible use the included holder to avoid damaging the grass as well.

And once done with the grills, pour some water over them, and leave them next to one of the trashcans.

So you don’t risk putting the trashcans on fire (these are official guidelines, so don’t worry about being a suspect of littering).

And of course, never leave any trash behind.

But of course, you already knew that, because I’m sure you’re a sensible adult 😎

You’ll find the park here (Google Maps).

📌 TIP: It's also allowed to drink alcohol everywhere in public in Denmark, so don't hesitate to treat yourself to some beer or wine if you're in the mood. Yummy...

Top 13 Points of Interest & Things to Do in Odense (Map)