Odense Tourist Attractions, Landmarks, Monuments and Sightseeing

(Odense, Region Syddanmark, Denmark)

As the third biggest city in the whole of Denmark, Odense is filled with tourist attractions and also contains a number of notable Danish landmarks, such as the rather splendid Cathedral of King Canute the Holy (Saint Canute's Cathedral). Many of the most historical attractions and sights in Odense are best viewed as part of a walking tour.

Although the suggested route for the walking tours takes just over an hour, you can easily while away an entire day by stopping off and exploring the various attractions and interesting monuments along the way. Tourists should start at Odense City Hall (Radhus), which dates from the 1950s, and head eastwards, along the Vestergade and the Overgade, before turning into the charming cobblestone street of the Nedergade.

Cathedral of King Canute the Holy (Saint Knuds Kirke)

Address: Flakhaven, Odense, Denmark, DK
Tel: +45 066 12 0392
The magnificent 12th-century cathedral is famed for its Gothic architecture and an important landmark in its own right. Step inside to enjoy an array of different attractions, which include the rather ornate altar, which is known to date from the 1520s. Beneath the altar is what many people come especially to see, a skeleton of King Canute (Knud), which is more than 900 years old and housed within a glass case. Also worth looking out for is the highly detailed triptych, which stands some 5 metres / 16 feet high and contains approximately 300 beautifully carved figurines.
Open hours: April to October, Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 15:00; November to March, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Odense Zoo

Address: Sondre Boulevard 206, Odense, Denmark, DK
Tel: +45 066 11 1360
The second-biggest zoo in the whole of Denmark, Odense Zoo is one of the best family attractions that the city has to offer and makes for a great day out, being open throughout the year. The zoo itself can be found around 2 km / 1.5 miles to the south of the city centre and is connected by both buses and boats, being located on the scenic riverfront pathway, which starts at the Munke Mose. Expect to see chimps, giraffes, lions, tigers, zebras and many other exotic creatures, together with a modern oceanium housing penguins and even some manatees.
Open hours: daily, July - 09:00 to 19:00; May, June and August - 09:00 to 18:00; September to April - 09:00 to 16:00 or later
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families

Hans Christian Andersen Garden (HC Andersen's Garden)

Situated within central Odense, the Hans Christian Andersen Garden commemorates this much-loved Danish author and can be found just behind the Saint Knuds Kirke. The gardens are at their very best in the height of the summer, when the flower borders are bursting with colour. Other attractions include a small winding river, plenty of scenic spots highly suitable for a picnic, and a kiosk serving ice creams and other refreshments.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Odense Golf Club (Golfklub)

Address: Hestehaven 200, Odense, DK-5220, Denmark, DK
Tel: +45 065 95 9000
Something for golfers everywhere, a round at the Odense Golf Club is relatively inexpensive. The golf course features 18 holes and stands close to the city's university campus. The club has hosted a number of championship tournaments and matches over the years, including the European ECCO Challenge Tour. Reservations are usually necessary and required at least one day ahead of your game. Golfing equipment is readily available for hire, for just a small charge.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, more expensive at the weekend

Odense Palace (Slot)

Address: Kongens Have, Odense, Denmark, DK
One of the most famous landmarks in the city, the Odense Palace has become an iconic symbol and lies within the Kongens Have, a large parkland directly opposite the railway station. This castle is full of history and spread over two floors. The Odense Slot is based around the courtyard and is fairly understated in many ways, being built in the early part of the 18th century by King Frederik IV. Today, the castle serves as a home for important government offices for the region and is sadly not open to the public, although the attractions within the grounds are well worth exploring.
Open hours: daily, grounds only
Admission: free

Nonnebakken (Nun Hill)

This imposing hill is home to a number of truly ancient sites and was once the spot where a group of Viking castles stood in the 10th century. Overlooking the Odense River, the Nonnebakken was also once home to the earlier Benedictine Nunnery. Many important archaeological finds have been made here in recent years, including the foundations of an ancient abbey, and even a well-preserved wooden spade.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free