Step into a real-life storybook in Odense located in Fyn, Denmark, the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen! Kids will have a blast wandering cobblestone streets, visiting castles, and discovering museums that feel straight out of one of his fairy tales.
H. C. Andersens House
Step inside Hans Christian Andersen’s (real) house, an immersive, subterranean fairy-tale museum filled with light, sound, and magic. Book your tickets ahead, grab an audio guide, enjoy Ville Vau’s kids’ play zone, and explore the enchanting sensory gardens surrounding the home. It’s truly a real-life storybook!
See MoreDen Gamle Kro A/S
Den Gamle Kro is one of Odense’s oldest, most fairy-tale-style dining spots, serving classic Danish dishes in a 17th-century inn filled with timber beams lit by candlelight. Highlights include the famous flambéed pepper steak prepared at your table, creamy fried Camembert with blackcurrant compote, and the ever-popular shrimp cocktail. Families love the cozy, storybook setting, while foodies can dive into the six-course chef’s menu featuring seasonal seafood, tender beef, and indulgent desserts.
See MoreThe Charity School
Walk by the old Poor School and imagine daily life for Odense’s children in the early 1800s… With its worn benches and modest rooms, the school shows the challenges Andersen faced as a boy, yet this space still helped inspire the imagination of Denmark’s most famed storyteller!
See MoreWashing Site at Odense River
Based on Andersen’s fairy tale, “She Was Good for Nothing!”, the washing site played a real part in Andersen’s upbringing. It sits by the river in Odense and is significant because Andersen’s mother labored here as a laundress. The washing site is located at the end of Paaskestræde, one of Odense’s most iconic and picturesque streets.
See MoreEventyrhaven
Wander through the Fairy-tale Garden, a peaceful park and manicured green space brimming with bulbs and dahlias (in season), next to Odense’s St. Canute’s Cathedral. The garden is filled with statues of H.C. Andersen’s beloved characters. Kids can spot the Tin Soldier or Thumbelina, while adults enjoy the flowers, fountains, and plenty of fairy-tale charm.
See MoreHans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
Time-travel back to 1807 at H.C. Andersen’s Childhood Home, where the young storyteller lived until 1819. The quaint house showcases his humble beginnings, family life, and personal artifacts, giving you a glimpse into the world that shaped a fairy-tale genius, beloved by kids and adults alike! Note that the entrance is free for visitors under 18.
See MoreStorms Pakhus | Odense Street Food
Storms Pakhus is Odense’s buzzing street food market, set inside an old warehouse by the harbor. Kids will love the variety, from wood-fired pizzas to sweet crepes, while parents can sample craft beers, global flavors, and enjoy live music. With long tables, casual vibes, and even kids’ corners on busy days, it’s the perfect place for families to refuel and soak up the city’s creative energy! There’s something for everyone in the family here.
See MoreOdense Havnebad
On a sunny day, the Odense Harbor Bath is the city’s coolest spot (literally) for families to hang out alongside locals. Kids can splash in safe swimming zones, while parents relax on the sun terraces or take a dip in the pool built directly into the harbor. With lifeguards on duty during the summer and an urban vibe, it’s the perfect mix of fun and chill-out time by the water in the heart of Odense.
See MoreOdense River Sailing
From spring through autumn, Odense River Sailing is a favorite for an afternoon of family fun on the water. The boats glide from Munke Mose Park, with swing sets and pretend lily pads to jump onto, through lush green landscapes en route to the Odense Zoo, providing a relaxing way to see the city from a new perspective. Kids love spotting animals along the riverbanks, while parents enjoy the peaceful ride!
See MoreThe Funen Village
Walk right into one of Andersen’s tales at the Funen Village. This open-air museum brings 19th-century Denmark to life with half-timbered farmhouses, animals in the fields, and costumed guides baking bread or spinning wool. Kids love meeting horses, goats, and chickens, while parents enjoy the gardens, old windmills, and a glimpse of everyday life from Andersen’s childhood era. It’s part history lesson, part countryside adventure, with the convenience of being right in the city.
See MoreEgeskov Castle
Egeskov Castle feels like something out of an H.C.A. fairy-tale, complete with turrets, a moat, and sprawling gardens. Kids can lose themselves in the giant hedge maze, climb among treetops on rope bridges, and explore the vintage car and motorcycle museum. The rose gardens, historic interiors, and the beauty of one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance castles capture the attention of both young and old. With playgrounds, secret paths, and plenty of picnic spots, it’s a full day of adventure for the whole family.
See MoreDanmarks Jernbanemuseum
Calling all future conductors! The Danish Railway Museum is a dream for train-loving kids. Families can ride the miniature train, climb aboard old locomotives, and even step into vintage carriages to pretend to be passengers of another era. A big railway-themed playground keeps little ones entertained, while interactive exhibits and simulators let them try out the role of train drivers, too. With plenty of space to explore and an on-site café for breaks, it’s an outing that blends history with hands-on fun.
See MoreKramboden i Odense
Kramboden is like stepping into a real-life time capsule. Once an old merchant’s house turned shop, shelves overflow with nostalgic toys, tin signs, glassware, and other Danish vintage curiosities. Kids love rummaging for quirky treasures, while parents enjoy the charm and sense of stepping back into Andersen’s era.
See MoreBest of Odense Day Trip from Copenhagen by Car or Train
Have time for a quick trip? Escape the bustle of Copenhagen and spend a day in Odense, the fairy-tale city where Hans Christian Andersen was born. Wander cobblestone streets, visit Andersen’s House and Childhood Home, and stroll through the Fairy-tale Garden. Families will love stops at the Danish Railway Museum and Odense Zoo, while foodies can sample local flavors at Storms Pakhus. No matter how you arrive, this day trip is the perfect way to experience Denmark’s history, charm, and creativity.
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BookOdense Unveiled: A Timeless Private Tour
Discover Odense on a 2-hour guided walk that is immersive and never boring, according to fellow travelers. From Andersen’s childhood streets to sleek new neighborhoods, this tour shows how the city grew from an old industrial hub into today’s green, creative oasis!
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BookTwo hour city tour through the new Odense
Wander past historic landmarks like Hans Christian Andersen’s birthplace and the graceful St. Canute’s Cathedral, then glide into revitalized neighborhoods buzzing with street art, cafés, and modern architecture on this hour-long tour through Odense, mixing old and new. This mini tour offers a perfect blend of fairy-tale heritage and urban reinvention.
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