Introduction
The city of Odense is located on the island of Funen (Fyn) in Denmark. It is the administrative centre of the entire island and is the third largest city in the country. The island of Funen is called The Garden of Denmark because of its serene villages with their pastel painted farmhouses. Since ancient times Odense has been an important pilgrim place as well as a prosperous trading centre.

The city of Odense boasts of a rich but chequered history. The first source, which refers to the existence of Odense dates back to the 10th century. The city had a turbulent history in the middle ages. It was not only locked in a struggle with England but also had to face the humiliation of occupation by invading Swedish forces. The city is famous for its erstwhile ruler Canute the Holy, who ruled Odense in the 11th century and was a bitter rival of William I of England. However, Canute failed in his efforts and died a tragic death in the church of St Alban. King Canute (Knud) became so popular after his death that he was canonized by the pope as a saint in the 11th century. The city has been a bishop’s seat since 1020, and its 13th century Cathedral of St Knud (Canute) is one of the finest Gothic buildings in Denmark.

Odense suffered heavily when it came under the occupation of Swedish forces from 1654 to 1657. However, the city gained prosperity under the able guidance of King Fredrick IV in the 18th century. An 8 km (5 mile) long ship canal, built in 1797-1804, links the city to Odense Fjord, where there is a major shipyard at Lindø. Most visitors, however, come to the city because it is the birthplace of the fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen (1805-75). Several museums display mementos of his life. Among the places of interest is Hans Christian Andersen’s childhood home and the house in which he lived later; a Railway Museum; and the Funen Village-an open-air museum of traditional, local country life. The main industries of this city are sugar refining and food processing.

PART OF CIRCUIT
Odense is part of the Island circuit of Denmark.

What to do
The city of Odense is known for its rich history and association with personalities like Hans Christian Andersen and Carl Nielsen. It has a number of interesting museums, art galleries and historical monuments. The most famous historical landmark of Odense is the St Knud’s (Canute) Church, which is an excellent example of medieval Gothic style of architecture.

History
The city of Odense is one of the oldest amongst north European cities. The word Odense literally means “Odin’s shrine” and is a combination of two words “Odin” and “vi”. Odin is the name of an ancient Norse deity, while “vi” stands for ‘sanctuary’. It is said that Odense was a place of pilgrimage even before Christianity spread through the European continent.

Though the exact origin of the city of Odense is not known, its name is first mentioned in a religious document dating back to 10th century AD. The then German ruler Otto III sent this document to the Bishop of Bremen in 988 AD. According to the aforesaid document, both the men desired to set up a bishopric in Odense. The city has been a bishop’s seat since AD 1020.

Odense was a prosperous city under the reign of Canute the Great (AD 1018–35), who founded a convent in the city. The reigns of this city fell into the hands of Canute the Holy, who ruled it from 1040 to 1086 AD. Though, Canute was rebellious in his youth, he proved to be an able ruler, who carried out a number of reforms for the betterment of his subjects. He not only freed serfs from the shackles of forced labour but also streamlined the economy of his kingdom by levying a tax on the harvest. However, the good days of Odense were numbered and it was drawn into a conflict with England.

Canute the Holy was a fierce enemy of William I (William the Conqueror) of England. In 1085, Canute made a plan to invade England, with the help of the Norwegian King, Olaf III, and the count of Flanders. The invasion fleet numbered more than 1,500 warships (Danish and Norwegian ships). However, the invasion fleet never set off on its mission, as it was bribed into submission by emissaries sent by William I. In the matters of days the Danish ships deserted Canute. At the same time, the peasants who were mobilised for the invasion grew restless and rebelled against Canute. The situation worsened for Canute and he had to flee to Odense. He took refuge in the wooden church of St Alban, where he was killed by a group of marauding peasants.

After the death of Canute, Odense was struck by famine and poor harvests. However, a number of miracles were reported from the site, where Canute was killed. The popularity of Canute the Holy spread so rapidly that the Danish people began worshipping him and the pope canonized him as a saint in the 11th century. The canonization of Canute the Holy made Odense a popular pilgrim centre in the Middle Ages. The church of St Canute, (built on the site of the original stone building erected by Canute in 1084) built in the early part of the 14th century is one of the finest examples of the High Gothic style of architecture, which still exists today.

In the 16th century, the city of Odense became a popular residential place for the Danish and Pomeranian aristocracy. The city was yet again caught in a spiral of misfortune, when it was first destroyed by fire in 1529 and later suffered extensively at the hands of different warring factions. However, by 1550 the city was rejuvenated by income flowing in from foreign trade. Peace in the city did not even last for a hundred years when in 1654, Odense saw itself at war with Sweden, which was seeking independence from the rule of the Danish empire. The economy of the city suffered heavily when it came under the occupation of Swedish forces from 1654 to 1657. The imposition of absolute monarchy in 1661 and the transfer of the great assembly from Odense, further contributed to the declined of the city.

The fortunes of Odense took a turn for the good in the middle of the 18th century, when King Fredrick IV and his wife popularised Odense by renovating the Sanki Hans Monastery into a castle. The King liked the city and died there in 1730. The royal family patronized the economy of the city. The prosperity of the city was disturbed for a few years during the period of the Napoleonic wars. However, an 8 km (5 mile) long ship canal was constructed in 1797–1804. This canal linked the city to the Odense Fjord, where an important port was established. The rise in trade activities from the harbour and the construction of a good railway network across the district helped Odense to become an important city in Denmark.

The city of Odense is popular because of its association with the writer Hans Christian Andersen (1805–75), who was born here. During World War II, Denmark came under the rule of the invading German Nazi forces and Odense became an important centre for construction of German U-boats. In 1943, the people of this city put up a stiff resistance against its occupying forces. After the war, Odense became a centre of learning, with the establishment of the University of Odense in the 1960’s. In the 20th century, Odense played an important role in the economy of Denmark because of its heavy industry.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Odense mainly experiences temperate maritime climate, which is marked by mild summers and cold winters. As it is situated on an island, the temperature of Odense city is not too extreme and the city can be visited throughout the year.

Attractions
The Hans Christian Andersen Museum
It is dedicated to the fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen. Apart from displaying the memorabilia associated with the great writer, this museum also has a good collection of books and illustrations.

Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home
It is the place where Hans Christian Andersen spent his childhood. This museum is associated with the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and has a number of exhibits depicting the life of the young writer.

The "Tinder-Box" Children’s Cultural Centre
A virtual fairyland for children, where they can play and have fun in a “dream world” created in accordance with the stories written by Hans Christian Andersen. Activities include music and story telling events.

Funen Art Gallery
The Funen Art Gallery is an important gallery-cum-art museum in Odense. It has a good collection of artefacts of Danish art from 1750 AD onwards. It also has a number of galleries dedicated to contemporary Danish artists. Apart from Danish works, the museum also has special exhibitions related to international art.

Filosofgangen Fyns Udstillingsbygning for Kunst & Design
It is a meeting place for artists from Odense and plays host to a number of art exhibitions throughout the year.

Carl Nielsen Museum
The Carl Nielsen Museum is dedicated to the life of the famous composer Carl Nielsen. This museum has a number of artefacts on display, which are related, with the life of Carl Nielsen and his wife Anne Marie Nielsen.

Vor Frue Church (The Church Of Our Lady)
It is the oldest church of Odense and dates back to the 13th century. The Vor Frue Church is a simple but elegant building.

Munkebjerg Church
It is an important church of Odense was constructed in 1961. The most attractive feature of this building is its eye catching modern architecture style.

St. Knud’s (Canute) Church (Cathedral)
This is the most important monument of the city of Odense. This church dates back to the 14th century and is the finest example of High Gothic style of architecture that still exists today. It took almost 200 years to complete this monument. The cathedral houses the tomb of St Knud (Canute), who was one of the medieval rulers of Denmark.

Railway Museum (Jernbanemuseet)
It is a popular museum and has a good collection of locomotives, wagons, carriages and related artefacts, belonging to different periods. The play area and the station like atmosphere of this unique museum are its main attractions.

European Automobile Museum (Europæisk Automobilmuseum)
It is a museum which is dedicated to the golden age of cars and has a collection of more than 100 European automobiles.

Museum of Public Transport (Odense Bytrafiks Museum)
Is an interesting museum, which displays the various modes of public transport being used in the city of Odense since 1911 till present.

Odense City Museum (Møntergården)
It is a museum about the history of urbanisation in Odense since 16th century to the present. Apart from a number of medieval and modern buildings, this museum also has a good collection of household articles belonging to the medieval period.

The Funen Village (Den fynske landsby)
It is an open-air museum, which has a number of buildings belonging to the 18th and the 19th century. This museum displays the rustic life of the people in and around Odense.

The Iron-Age Village (Jernalderlandsbyen)
The Iron-Age Village is a virtual museum depicting the lifestyle of the people living in and around Odense during the Iron Age. The main attraction of this museum is workshops which make Iron Age craft items.

Odense City Hall (Odense Rådhus)
It is an important landmark and historic place in the city of Odense. It is the starting point of a number of city sight seeing tours.

Odense Zoo
The zoo is an interesting place to visit in Odense and has a good collection of mammals, birds and reptiles.

IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS
Different museums and art galleries of Odense organise art exhibitions throughout the year. The Hans Christian Andersen Festival Plays is an annual event and is usually held in the months of July/August

PLACES NEARBY
Carl Nielsen’s Childhood Home
This is located at a distance of 12 km from Odense and is the place where the famous composer was born and spent his childhood.

Hollufgård - Archaeology & Landscape
It is a museum dedicated to the prehistory of the island of Funen and houses the Funen Archaeological Centre. This museum is set up in an old manor house on the outskirts of Odense amongst the peaceful settings of a wooded area.

VISITOR INFORMATION AND IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Tourist Office Odense
Odense Tourist Bureau
Rådhuset
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 12 75 20
Fax: (+45) 66 12 75 86

Opening hours:
15th June-31st Aug: Monday-Saturday, 9 am-7 pm; Sunday 10 am-5 pm
1st Sept-14th June: Monday-Friday 9.30 am-4.30 pm; Saturday 10 am-1 pm,
Sunday closed

The Hans Christian Andersen Museum
Hans Jensens Stræde 37-45
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 14 88 14 Ext. 4601

Opening hours:
1st September-31st May: 10 am to 4 pm, Mondays closed.
16th June-31st August: 9 am-7 pm
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home
Munkemøllestræde 3-5
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 14 88 14 Ext. 4601

Opening hours:
1st September-15th June: 11 am-3 pm, Mondays closed.
16th June - 31st August: 10 am-4 pm
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

The "Tinder-Box" Children’s Cultural Centre
Hans Jensens Stræde 21
5000 Odense C
Tel.: (+45) 6614 44 11

Opening hours:
2 pm-4 pm except Sunday & Monday
Easter and summer holidays: 11 am-4 pm
Closed on 24, 25, 26, and 31 December as well as January
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

Funen Art Gallery
Jernbanegade 13
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 14 88 14 Ext. 4601

Opening hours:
2nd January-30th December: 10 am -4 pm, Mondays closed
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

Filosofgangen Fyns Udstillingsbygning for Kunst & Design
Filosofgangen 30,
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 19 07 33
Fax: (+45) 66 19 07 32

Opening hours:
11th January -21st December 11 am-5 pm, Mondays closed

Carl Nielsen Museum
Claus Bergs Gade 11,
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 14 88 14 ext. 4601

Opening hours:
1st April-31st May: Thursday-Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
1st June-31st August: Thursday-Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
1st September-31st October: Thursday-Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
1st November-31st March: Thursday-Sunday 4 pm-8 pm, Saturday-Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

Carl Nielsen’s Childhood Home
Odensevej 2 A, Nr. Lyndelse,
5792 Årslev (12 km from Odense)
Tel: (+45) 14 88 14 ext. 4601

Opening hours: 1st May-30th September 11 am-3 pm, Mondays closed
1st October-30th April: Closed

Railway Museum (Jernbanemuseet)
Dannebrogsgade 24,
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 13 66 30

Opening hours:
2nd January-30th December: 10 am-4 pm

European Automobile Museum (Europæisk Automobilmuseum)
Fraugde Kærbyvej 203,
5220 Odense SØ
Tel: (+45) 65 95 18 80
Fax: (+45) 65 95 18 80

Opening hours:
20th April - 24th Sept.: Sun- & holidays 10 am-5 pm
5th July - 20th August: Daily 10 am-5 pm

Note: 25% discount with the Odense Adventure Pass

Museum of Public Transport (Odense Bytrafiks Museum)
Billedskærervej 13,
5230 Odense M
Tel: (+45) 66 12 61 23

Odense City Museum (Møntergården)
Overgade 48-50,
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 14 88 14 ext. 4601

Opening hours: 2nd January - 30th December 10 am-4 pm, Mondays closed
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

The Funen Village (Den fynske landsby)
Sejerskovvej 20,
5260 Odense S
Tel: (+45) 66 14 88 14 ext. 4601

Opening hours:
1st April - 15th June: 10 am -5 pm, Mondays closed
16th June - 15th August: 9.30 am-7 pm
16th August - 31st October: 10 am -5 pm,, Mondays closed
1st November - 31st March: Sun- & holidays 11am -3 pm
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

The Iron-Age Village (Jernalderlandsbyen)
Store Klaus 40,
5270 Odense N
Tel: (+45) 66 18 09 87

Opening hours:
1st January - 30th June: Monday-Thursday 08.30 am-3.30 pm, Friday 8.30 am-2 pm
1st July - 30th July: Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm
31st July -31st December: Monday-Thursday 8.30 am-3:30 pm, Friday 8.30 am-2 pm
Hollufgård - Archaeology & Landscape
Hestehaven 201,
5220 Odense SØ
Tel: (+45) 66 14 88 14 ext. 4601

Opening hours:
1st April - 31st October: 10 am-4 pm, Mondays closed
1st November - 31st March: Sun- other holidays 10 am-4 pm
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

Odense City Hall (Odense Rådhus)
Flakhaven,
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 13 13 72

Opening hours:
Monday-Wednesday: 9 am -3.30 pm, Thursday 9 am-5.30 pm, Friday 9 am-12 pm

Odense Zoo
Sdr. Boulevard 306,
5000 Odense C
Tel: (+45) 66 11 13 60
Tel: (+45) 65 90 82 28

Open all year:

Ticket sale closes half hour before closing.
Note: Free entrance with the Odense Adventure Pass

International Traveller Information
To visit interesting places in the city of Odense, you can obtain a 24-hour or 48-hour Odense Adventure Pass, which entitles you to a number of benefits and concessions. The benefits that can be derived from this unique pass are as follows:

1)Free unlimited rides on city buses, ferry and trains within the city.

2)25% reduction on:
European Automobile Museum
Hans Christian Andersen Festival Plays 12th July - 6th August
Fishing licence for Odense River
Cruise on Odense River

3)Free Access to:
Hans Christian Andersen House
Hans Christian Andersen Childhood Home
The Tinderbox - a cultural house for children
The Art Gallery Brandts Klædefabrik
The Museum of Photographic Art
Danish Museum of Printing/ Danish Press Museum
The Time Collection
Carl Nielsen´s Childhood Home
The Carl Nielsen Museum
The Funen Village
The Funen Art Gallery
Hollufgård - Archaeology & Landscape
Odense City Museum Møntergården
Odense Zoo
Guided tour of the City Hall 1st June - 31st August
Sightseeing tour in Odense
Indoor/outdoor swimming pools

24-hour Odense Adventure Pass
A 24hour Adventure Pass costs DKK 85 for adults and DKK 40 for children under the age of 14 years
Children under 4 are allowed free of charge., while children under the age of 3 are allowed for free in the Odense Zoo

48 hours Odense Adventure Pass
A 48 hour Adventure Pass costs DKK 125 for adults and DKK 60 for children under the age of 14 years Children under 4 are allowed free of charge., while children under the age of 3 are allowed for free in the Odense Zoo

How to get the Odense Adventure Pass
Odense Tourist Bureau
Odense Public Transport ticket sales points
From railway stations in Odense and other places in Denmark

HOTELS
Odense offers a variety of accommodation option to the tourists which ranges from top end hotels, motels to budget accommodation.

Radisson Sas Hotel - H C Andersen
Claus Bergs Gade 7
5000 Odense
Tel: +45 66-14-78-00
Fax: +45 66-14-78-90
Reservation: +1 (800) 333-3333

Odense Plaza Hotel
Østre Stationsvej 24
5000 Odense C
Tel: +45 66-11- 77- 45
Fax: +45 66 -14 -41- 45

Hotel Knudsens Gaard
Hunderupgade 2
5230 Odense M
Tel: +45 63- 11- 43- 11
Fax: +45 63- 11- 43- 01
First Grand Hotel Pass
Jernbanegade 18
5000 Odense C
Tel:+45 66 -11- 71 -71
Fax: +45 66 -14 -11- 71

RESTAURANTS
There are a number of restaurants and eating joints across the city, which serves Danish, cuisine apart from fast food and snacks. You can easily get Italian, French, Mexican and American food in Odense.

Den Gamle Kro
Overgade 23, 5000 Odense C
Tel: +45 66- 12- 14 -33
Cuisine: Danish, international
A Hereford Beefstouw
Vestergade 13, 5000 Odense C
Tel: +45 66- 12- 02- 22
Cuisine: Grill food

McDonald’s
Kongensgade 18, 5000 Odense C
Tel: +45 66- 14- 52- 22
Cuisine: Fast food

McDonald’s
Odense Banegård Center, 5000 Odense C
Tel: +45 66 -14- 58- 00
Cuisine: Fast food