By Air

Limited flights are available at the nearby Odense Airport, which is located close by and within Beldringe, a small Danish village. However, the majority of visitors flying into Denmark and heading to Odense will find that there are a number of larger and better equipped airports fairly close by, such as those in Aarhus, Billund and also Copenhagen. These airports are well connected by a number of transport options, such as buses, trains and hire cars, allowing passengers to travel into Odense with relative ease and without breaking the bank.

By Train

The city of Odense is conveniently located on a major Danish railway line, which links prominent cities such as Aarhus (one and three quarter hours), Copenhagen (one and a half hours) and Nyborg (20 minutes). The only other railway line within Funen is the regular route travelling between Odense and Svendborg. These trains are all operated by the Danske Statsbaner, which is otherwise known as the Danish State Railways (DSB).

By Bus

Regional bus transport is available in Odense, departing at regular intervals from the bus station along the Dannebrogsgade, behind the railway station. Some of the main bus stops can be found on the Klingenberg and close to the City Hall, and next to the Rosengaardcentret shopping centre. Tickets can be purchased from the driver as you board the bus, while 'multi-ride' tickets are available within the railway station and provide good value for money. Further cream-coloured buses are run by FynBus and travel to and from Odense from Fredericia, on the Jutland peninsula, and also from Nykobing, which is situated on the nearby island of Falster.

Cathedral of King Canute the Holy, Odense Zoo, Hans Christian Andersen Garden, Nonnebakken, Odense Palace

Cathedral of King Canute the Holy

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.

Odense Zoo

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.

Hans Christian Andersen 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.

Nonnebakken

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.

Odense Palace

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.

May - August

July - September -> 22(°C) - Summer
December - February -> 0(°C) - Spring

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