Visiting Denmark in the Spirit of Hans Christian AndersenChasing the spirit of Hans Christian Andersen across Odense and Fyn feels like stepping through the pages of his stories. From his childhood home to fairytale gardens, castles, and cafés, it all hums with a bit of his magic. It’s part nostalgia, part discovery, and totally worth the wander.AuthorsSteller
DestinationsFunen (Fyn)Itinerary

H.C. Around Odense

Hotel Odeon
Hotel Odeon sits right in the neighborhood where Hans Christian Andersen grew up. The vibe is modern but hints at his stories with thoughtful design touches. You're just steps from the H.C. Andersen House and close to restaurants and shops. They bring a little fairytale feel without overdoing it.
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Café deilig
Can't miss this vibrant little cafe situated in the heart of H.C. Andersen's Garden in Odense. Grab a quick snack, drink, or full-on brunch!
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Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
Hans Christian Andersen’s childhood home in Munkemøllestræde is a small yellow half-timbered house where he lived from age 2 to 14. The three modest rooms and tiny courtyard—home to just one gooseberry bush—sparked the imagination that later shaped his stories. From the scents of Christmas to the loss of his father, this is where he first experienced the world. Even in poverty, it was a place full of wonder, dreams, and the beginnings of a remarkably creative life.
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Cafe Fleuri
Here’s another great spot to enjoy Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite bites and lovely atmosphere. This organic café serves brunch, lunch, and a variety of hot and cold drinks, along with delicious pastries. The small tables in the charming courtyard are a perfect spot to relax and reflect, and they offer vegetarian and vegan options as well.
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The Fairytale Castle in the Fairytale Garden
The Fairytale Garden in Odense is a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, designed to let visitors experience the charm and imagination of his world. Sculptures like the "Paper Boat," wooden bridges, and the iconic Rotunda are simply whimsical. You can walk in his footsteps through the garden, with his childhood home nearby, bringing these tales to life!
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Storms Pakhus | Odense Street Food
Storms Pakhus is a buzzing street food market in Odense, set in a raw, industrial space near the harbor. With tons of food stalls, bars, and creative spaces, it’s a great spot to hang out and taste flavors from around the world. A quote on the wall reads “To travel is to live,” one of H.C. Andersen’s most iconic lines—fitting for a place that’s all about curiosity and exploration.
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Odense Craft BeerWalk
Join a group of strangers—soon to be friends—exploring some of the best beers in town. Don’t dare miss a pint of Albani. H.C. enjoyed his share, once describing it in a letter: “I cannot recommend this beer enough. It is refreshing, savoury, and strong. Try it!”
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H.C. Out & About

H.C. Andersen Brewery
H.C. Andersen Brewery is a fitting tribute to Denmark’s beloved storyteller. Owner Steen Jensen has long been inspired by Andersen’s tales—his trucks once featured scenes from the stories, and in 2016, he launched the brewery in Odense. The goal? To share adventurous Danish beer with locals and visitors, brewed in the spirit of tradition and national pride. As he says, "We must remember to be proud of H.C. Andersen, who has put Denmark on the world map to such an extent". Oh, yes, the beer is top notch.
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Gelskov Gods - Exclusive Bed & Breakfast
Tucked into the South Funen countryside, Gelskov Manor B&B opens its doors to solo travelers and small groups just one month a year—July. Stay a couple of nights and enjoy cozy shared spaces, fireplaces, garden rooms, and a grand piano with a view of meadows and grazing cows. Play chess, read in the library, or unwind outdoors with hammocks, swings, fire pits, and quiet walks. It’s delightfully whimsical, low-key, and refreshingly unplugged.
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Egeskov Castle
This castle was one of Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite spots on Funen, especially for its impressive gardens, which he called some of the best on the island. He visited several times, including in August 1842, and often wrote about the castle with excitement in his diary. During one visit, he even created a paper doll named Augusta Snorifass, now on display at the castle today.
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Broholm
Broholm Castle was an important place for Hans Christian Andersen, as he often visited between 1836 and 1845. His experiences here greatly influenced his work, including his 1837 novel Only a Fiddler, where he described the castle and its surroundings. The beautiful natural scenery, with a park, lake, and moats, inspired much of his writing. Staying here today feels like stepping into one of Andersen’s stories, with elegant rooms and old-world charm!
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Vesterports Bageri
H.C.'s favorite pastry snack was Danish Raspberry Bars (Hindbærsnitter). These bars are a classic Danish pastry made with a shortbread-like dough and filled with raspberry jam. This spot offers many iterations of the same.
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The Great Belt Bridge
As a young fourteen-year-old, H.C. Andersen traveled to Copenhagen to pursue a career in theater, which would eventually evolve into his fantastic writing career. This bridge didn’t exist back then, of course, but it more or less marks the route he would have taken on his pilgrimage.
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