Explore Odense: A Fun-Filled Day Trip

Experience the enchanting allure of Odense, Denmark, where history and contemporary charm converge.

22 April 2023

Odense is a charming city located in the heart of Denmark, known for its rich culture and history. As a tourist, you can spend your days exploring the stunning Renaissance-era architecture and visiting the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, where the famous fairy tale author was born. You can also indulge in the local cuisine, sip coffee at cozy cafes, and shop for unique souvenirs in the vibrant pedestrian streets.

Day trip plan

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Day

Odense in a Day

  • Start your day with a visit to H.C. Andersen Birthplace, the charming yellow house where the famous fairy tale writer was born. The house is filled with memorabilia, letters, and manuscripts – perfect for literature lovers!
  • After a short walk, you’ll arrive at the brand new ODEON concert hall – an impressive glass building with a world-class auditorium. You can catch a concert if you’re lucky, or just enjoy the views from the top floor.
  • Next up, visit Brandts Museum of Art and Visual Culture, which features two museums and several exhibitions within its walls. You can see contemporary art, Danish design, or vintage photography – perfect for culture buffs.
  • Take a break at one of Odense’s many cozy cafes. Some recommendations are Cafe Kræz, Cafe No. 5, and Cafe Vaffel og Kaffeladen (which serves waffles with ice cream!).
  • For your final stop, head to the impressive Odense Cathedral, which stands proudly in the heart of the city. It’s free to enter and explore, and you can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, impressive altar, and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Bon appétit:
  • If you’re looking for traditional Danish smørrebrød, head to Rådhuskælderen restaurant – a charming cellar restaurant with a historic atmosphere.
  • Alternatively, if you love Vietnamese cuisine, visit Cafe Siesta for delicious pho soups and fresh spring rolls.
  • For a cozy and romantic dinner, try intimate Italian restaurant Lezzet. They serve homemade pasta dishes and an excellent wine list.
  • Odense has everything you need for a jam-packed day of culture, art, history, and tasty food. Enjoy!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Odense by plane is to fly into Copenhagen Airport and take the train directly to Odense Station, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Car

If you're driving to Odense, take the E20 motorway from Copenhagen or the E45 from Aarhus. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

Train

You can take the train directly to Odense Station from Copenhagen, Aarhus, or other major cities in Denmark. It's the most convenient way to get to Odense if you're already in the country.

Boat

Odense isn't directly accessible by boat, but you can take a ferry to nearby ports such as Kiel in Germany or Gothenburg in Sweden and then travel by train or car to Odense.

Bus

Several bus companies offer services to Odense from cities in Denmark and neighboring countries, such as Germany and Sweden. Check out Flixbus, Eurolines, or GoEuro for the best deals.

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