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Odense - The Fairy Tale City of Denmark
Odense is a beautiful city in Denmark.
With a plethora of activities and attractions to choose from, this
fairy tale city is for the whole family.
Odense, the third largest city in Denmark, is the birth place of the fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. The famous Danish composer Carl Nielsen was also born here. Odense is located on the island of Funen and has a plethora of attractions to offer. Funen is believed to be the most fertile region of Denmark; one's never away from nature in Odense. About 100 km away from Copenhagen, Odense can be a perfect weekend break from the capital. Odense City Pass provides free access to all of the city's museums and a 50% discount at the zoo.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home and Museum - The small house where Hans Christian Andersen lived his childhood has been a museum since 1930. The fairy tale 'The Snow Queen' was inspired by the house. The museum, opened in 1908, is one of the oldest poet museums and showcases the life and works of Andersen. One can experience his creative range through his art and drawings.
Carl Nielsen's Childhood Home and Museum - Built in the 1850s, the house has been home to Nielsen's family until they migrated to USA in 1891. The museum shows the works of Nielsen and his wife Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen, a famous sculptor.
The Funen Village - It is an open-air museum with an aura of the eighteenth century. The entire village is recreation of a village in the 1850s with thatched houses, farms, ponds etc. Traditional agriculture is practiced here and one can also get involved in the activities.
The Danish Railway Museum - The museum exhibits 150 years of trains and ferries, sprawling across 10,000 square meters. There are trains for everyone: indulge in the luxuries of a private saloon or take a humble seat in the wooden benches of a third-class compartment. Enjoy a royal lunch at the blue Wagons-Lits restaurant car.
Odense Zoo - The zoo is theme-based on different continents -- Asia, Africa and South America. Visit the roaring lions of Africa, the majestic Siberian tigers of Asia and the humid climate and downpour of the tropics in South America. The oceanarium, a chilly world of penguins, is not to be missed. In the summer, the zoo can be reached by boats through the meandering Odense river.
Odense Cathedral (Saint Knuds Kirke) - Built in the 1300s, it is considered to be the best Gothic cathedral in Europe. The intricate altarpiece is designed by Claus Berg in the 1500s. King Canute the Holy was murdered here in 1086 and his bones are on display in the crypt. The cathedral also houses the remains of King Hans and Christian II.
Museums - The Odense City Museum is an impressive museum telling the glorious times of Odense and its rise as an important city in Europe between 900 and 1660. For shutterbugs and photography enthusiasts, there is Museum of Photographic Art. For connoisseurs of art, the Funen Art Museum is a must- visit. If you wish to be transported 2,000 years back, visit the Iron Age Village. Other interesting museums include the Danish Media Museum, Military Museum, Automobile Museum and the Time Collection.
Churches - There are many churches in Odense. Vor Frue Kirke or the Church of Our Lady is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the thirteenth century. Ansgar church is built in Roman style in 1902 and named after the first apostle of Scandinavia. Other notable churches are Sct. Albani church, Sct. Hans church, Dalum church and Fraugde church.
Parks - H. C. Andersen Haven is a beautiful garden with bridges, flower-beds and pergolas. The garden has a statue of Andersen built by Louis Hasselrii. Kongens Have is an old, baroque garden; well-known as a venue for concerts and cultural events. Head to Munke Mose to relax and rest or catch a boat for a trip along the Odense river.
Shopping - Rosengaard is the largest shopping centre in Denmark with more than 140 shops. From haute couture to grocery items, it caters to all your needs under one roof. The city's shopping opportunities can be explored by jaunting through the many shopping streets. Shopping at the FynBazaar, with its spicy aromas, is an experience for your olfactory senses. There are many items to shop: spices, figs, Arabic cakes, the special couscous etc.
Christmas in Odense - Christmas starts here on the last Saturday of November by lighting and decorating a big Christmas tree in the city square. Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market is the best place to buy stylish decorations. Christmas at the Funen Village is old-fashioned and traditional.
Odense also has a lot of activities for kids like the Tinderbox, an active culture house for the children. It is a place for all; the cobblestone streets, exuberant parks, multifarious museums, assorted churches, fairs and festivals and the abundant nature offer something for everyone. For more information, visit the official tourism site.
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| Odense Flower Festival |
Odense, the third largest city in Denmark, is the birth place of the fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. The famous Danish composer Carl Nielsen was also born here. Odense is located on the island of Funen and has a plethora of attractions to offer. Funen is believed to be the most fertile region of Denmark; one's never away from nature in Odense. About 100 km away from Copenhagen, Odense can be a perfect weekend break from the capital. Odense City Pass provides free access to all of the city's museums and a 50% discount at the zoo.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home and Museum - The small house where Hans Christian Andersen lived his childhood has been a museum since 1930. The fairy tale 'The Snow Queen' was inspired by the house. The museum, opened in 1908, is one of the oldest poet museums and showcases the life and works of Andersen. One can experience his creative range through his art and drawings.
Carl Nielsen's Childhood Home and Museum - Built in the 1850s, the house has been home to Nielsen's family until they migrated to USA in 1891. The museum shows the works of Nielsen and his wife Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen, a famous sculptor.
The Funen Village - It is an open-air museum with an aura of the eighteenth century. The entire village is recreation of a village in the 1850s with thatched houses, farms, ponds etc. Traditional agriculture is practiced here and one can also get involved in the activities.
The Danish Railway Museum - The museum exhibits 150 years of trains and ferries, sprawling across 10,000 square meters. There are trains for everyone: indulge in the luxuries of a private saloon or take a humble seat in the wooden benches of a third-class compartment. Enjoy a royal lunch at the blue Wagons-Lits restaurant car.
Odense Zoo - The zoo is theme-based on different continents -- Asia, Africa and South America. Visit the roaring lions of Africa, the majestic Siberian tigers of Asia and the humid climate and downpour of the tropics in South America. The oceanarium, a chilly world of penguins, is not to be missed. In the summer, the zoo can be reached by boats through the meandering Odense river.
Odense Cathedral (Saint Knuds Kirke) - Built in the 1300s, it is considered to be the best Gothic cathedral in Europe. The intricate altarpiece is designed by Claus Berg in the 1500s. King Canute the Holy was murdered here in 1086 and his bones are on display in the crypt. The cathedral also houses the remains of King Hans and Christian II.
Museums - The Odense City Museum is an impressive museum telling the glorious times of Odense and its rise as an important city in Europe between 900 and 1660. For shutterbugs and photography enthusiasts, there is Museum of Photographic Art. For connoisseurs of art, the Funen Art Museum is a must- visit. If you wish to be transported 2,000 years back, visit the Iron Age Village. Other interesting museums include the Danish Media Museum, Military Museum, Automobile Museum and the Time Collection.
Churches - There are many churches in Odense. Vor Frue Kirke or the Church of Our Lady is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the thirteenth century. Ansgar church is built in Roman style in 1902 and named after the first apostle of Scandinavia. Other notable churches are Sct. Albani church, Sct. Hans church, Dalum church and Fraugde church.
Parks - H. C. Andersen Haven is a beautiful garden with bridges, flower-beds and pergolas. The garden has a statue of Andersen built by Louis Hasselrii. Kongens Have is an old, baroque garden; well-known as a venue for concerts and cultural events. Head to Munke Mose to relax and rest or catch a boat for a trip along the Odense river.
Shopping - Rosengaard is the largest shopping centre in Denmark with more than 140 shops. From haute couture to grocery items, it caters to all your needs under one roof. The city's shopping opportunities can be explored by jaunting through the many shopping streets. Shopping at the FynBazaar, with its spicy aromas, is an experience for your olfactory senses. There are many items to shop: spices, figs, Arabic cakes, the special couscous etc.
Christmas in Odense - Christmas starts here on the last Saturday of November by lighting and decorating a big Christmas tree in the city square. Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market is the best place to buy stylish decorations. Christmas at the Funen Village is old-fashioned and traditional.
Odense also has a lot of activities for kids like the Tinderbox, an active culture house for the children. It is a place for all; the cobblestone streets, exuberant parks, multifarious museums, assorted churches, fairs and festivals and the abundant nature offer something for everyone. For more information, visit the official tourism site.
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