'''Odense''' [http://www.visitodense.com] is the capital & largest city on the island of Funen (da.Fyn) in Denmark. As Denmark's third-largest city, it offers the traveller a mixture of an exciting vibrant night-life, beautiful street-scapes, great shopping opportunities & a rich cultural heritage.

Understand

Odense is roughly in the center of Funen, which lies between the larger Zealand island & the Jutland peninsula. The first recorded reference to the city dates back to 988 AD in a letter from the German Kaiser Otto III.

Some recent archaeological finds have indicated that a settlement has in fact been around since the Viking period. At that time however, Odense was just the small centre of the Odin cult. In 1100, the first monastery, St. Knud's was established by English Benedictine monks.

Up until the middle of the 17th century, Odense enjoyed the position as a main trading-centre for the people from the surrounding areas. Local produce & livestock were exported from the city. However a war with Sweden in the 1600s weakened the city's economy, this economic downturn continued until 1803 when a canal linking Odense & the Baltic Sea was opened. This swiftly changed Odense into a port city & over the next 100 years Odense quickly developed into the modern industrial city which it is today.

Currently Odense has a population of 185,871 people, thus making it Denmark's 3rd largest city.

Odense is also the birthplace of the world famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen & the city proudly displays statues, parades & monuments in his memory. Andersen was born on 2 April 1805, in a tiny house on Munkemollestrade, quite close to the cathedral. During his lifetime, Andersen created many famous fairy-tales which today are internationally famous. For example 'The Little Mermaid', 'The Ugly Duckling' & 'The Snow Queen'.

Get in

By plane

The local airport, Odense Airport, no longer engages in domestic or international passenger flights. However there are nearby airports in Arhus, Billund, Esbjerg & Copenhagen. All of these airports are served by buses and/or trains which travel onwards to Odense.

  • '''Arhus Airport''', take the airport shuttle-bus to the train station in the city centre where you may take a train to Odense. Trains depart roughly every 30 minutes during the day & every two hours after 1am.(Served by: Ryanair)
  • '''Billund Airport''', take the local bus to either Kolding or Vejle & then get a train from there to Odense. Trains depart roughly every 30 minutes during the day & every two hours after 1am. The total trip is roughly 90 minutes.(Served by: Ryanair)
  • '''Copenhagen/Kastrup Airport''' take the train from the airport directly to Odense via Copenhagen City. This trip can take between 105 and 120 minutes. (Note: On trains leaving from Copenhagen Airport it is important that you clip your train ticket prior to boarding).
  • '''Esbjerg airport''' take the local bus from the airport directly to the town centre where you can then take a train to Fredericia & then onwards to Odense. (Served by: Ryanair)
  • By train

    DSB provides rail-links between Odense & many of Denmark's major towns & cities. The trains are of exceptional quality, offer very comfortable seating & have food + drinks served en-route. During peak times it might be advisable to book a seat. This is generally not required very early in the morning or late at night. Trains are quite regular & arrive generally on time. Ticket checks take place on every journey, thus it is vital that you are in possession of a valid ticket at all times. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the train.

    Odense is...

  • Roughly between 90 minutes & 2 hours from Copenhagen City. Trains depart 2-3 times an hour. (Average cost: 220dkk)
  • Around 105 minutes from Arhus.
  • Between 80 and 110 minutes from Esbjerg in southern Jutland.
  • About 45 minutes from Svendborg in the south of Funen
  • Between 4 and 5 hours from Hamburg in Germany.
  • For further details on train schedules, destinations & other services visit, [http://www.dsb.dk/] .

    By car

    '''Odense''' is situated in the centre of the island Funen (da.Fyn), and although not technically correct, many Danes consider it to be the centre of Denmark. The main highway between east (Zealand) and west (Jutland) Denmark, the E20, runs trough the southern suburbs of the city. If you are driving from Germany, this highway branches of the highway from Germany (E45) right after the Kolding O exit. It is important to note that there is a toll for crossing the Great-Belt Bridge from Zealand to Funen, the cost is 200 DKK one-way.

    By bus

    The cream coloured buses from FynBus [http://www.fynbus.dk/uk/velkom/] travel to Odense from locations all over the island of Funen, Fredericia in Jutland, and Nykobing on the island of Falster.

    Regional buses arrive at & depart from the regional bus hub which can be found behind Odense Train Station on the north side of the railway. These are not to be confused with the local busses which depard from within the train station terminal on the south side of the railway. The Intra-city buses can be regognized from the regional buses by the length of the line number. Two-digit number lines are intra-city while 3-digit numbers are regional and inter-city.

    By yacht

    Odense City has been made accessible to yachts by the construction of a 7 km long canal from Odense Fjord to the old harbour. There are several marinas, however it is recommended that you make sure they have visitor berths before you arrive. You can also dock at marinas in Svendborg, Faaborg or Kerteminde. Then a connecting train or bus would link you to Odense.

    Get around

    By foot

    Most of Odense's attractions, bars, restaurants & shopping areas are very easily accessibly on foot. All of the city's main hotels & hostels are located within the city centre or train station areas. As a general rule all of the major attractions are between 5 & 10 minutes of each other.

    The exception to this is 'The Funen Village' (Den Fynske Landsby), which is about a 45 minute walk along the river. Similarly the zoo is on the same route & is roughly 30 minutes from the city centre.

    Both of these attractions are sign-posted all the way along the river.

    By taxi

    Taxis are relatively abundant throughout the city, but they are quite pricey when compared to local buses. Areas which usually have a large amount of taxis waiting to pick up customers include, the taxi pick-up point at the trainstation, outside the Rosengard centre & at Fisktorvet.

    On a Friday or Saturday night taxis can be found all over the city. You can hail a taxi on the street, or ask in a bar/restaurant for them to get one sent to come pick you up. It should be noted that taxis do cost more at night time.

    By boat

    For those interested in a more relaxed break, a river boat (Odense Afart) can be taken from the bridge in Munke Mose Park (Nyvestergade) to the Zoo & to the forest next to 'The Funen Village'.

    The journey, which takes around 30 minutes, is a very relaxing way of seeing Odense river, the Danish countryside & to just relax on a summers day. Sometimes live jazz bands occasionally play on-board during the summer months.

    Row-Boats & Paddle-Boats can also be rented at the same location.

    By bus

    The buses from Odense Bytrafik are available all over Odense. All city buses cost 16 DKK regardless of the destination.

    By train

    The regional train from Odense to Svendborg has a few stops in the Odense area. For example there is a stop at the picturesque Fruens Boge area which is relatively near to The Funen Village.

    See

  • Brandts Kladefabrik. randts Torv 1. 45 65 20 70 00. ttp://brandts.dk/. u-Su 10AM-5PM except Th noon-9PM. The art & cultural centre of Odense. Contains museums, galleries, specialist shops, a music library, a specialist cinema, bars & a post office.

  • Carl Nielsen Museum. laus Bergs Gade 11. 45 65 51 46 01. ttp://www.odmus.dk/db2/main.asp?kap=618. A museum which honours the life of the classical music composer, Carl Nielsen, who was born just outside of Odense.

  • <see name = "Danish Railway Museum" address = "Dannebrogsgade 24" directions = "" phone = "+45 66 13 66 30" email= "jbmuseum@dsb.dk" fax = "+45 66 19 02 20" url = "http://www.jernbanemuseum.dk" hours = "Daily 10-16 (Closed 1 January, 24, 25 and 31 December.). dmission: Children 5-13 DKK 20, Adults DKK 48, Families DKK 120 (2 adults and 3 children). A museum dedicated to the danish railways. Contains dozens of old trains, carriages & rail road memorabilia. There is also a ride-on model train for children.

  • Egeskov Castle. geskov Gade 3, Kvarndrup. 45 62 27 10 16. ttp://egeskov.dk/. aily 10AM-5PM (or 8PM in June/August). 75 DKK. Medieval castle dating from 1554, about 30 km south. The current owner, Count Ahlefeldt, has added numerous features, including a maze, walk-among- the treetops and a veteran auto museum, toy museum, kitchen garden, and more, all in a scenic park.

  • Hans Christian Andersen Museum. angs Boder 29. 45 65 51 46 01. ttp://www.odmus.dk/db2/main.asp?kap=616. aily 10AM-4PM (or 6 PM in July-August). 5 DKK for entrance. Part of the museum is located in the house where Andersen was supposedly born (though he would never confirm it). The collection is mainly documents from his life and times as well as period furniture.

  • Hans Christian Andersen's Garden. own Centre, behind Saint Knuds Kirke. A garden commemmorating H.C. Andersen. Large flower arrangements, a river & an ice cream shop make this park an ideal location for a picnic.

  • Odense Zoo. dr. Boulevard 306. 45 66 11 13 60. ttp://www.odensezoo.dk/site/engelsk/planlaeg/aabningstider. 0AM-4PM (or 6PM in summer). hildren: 55 DKK, Adults: 110 DKK, Family: (2 adults, and 2 children) 300 DKK. densezoo@odensezoo.dk.

  • Saint Knuds Kirke. losterbakken 2. ext to the Town Hall. 45 66 12 03 92. ttp://www.odense-domkirke.d. am-4pm. ree Entry.. Cathedral of King Canute the Holy, who became a martyr nearby in 1086. His tomb and that of his brother are in the crypt with many other burial stones of dignitaries of the day.

    Do

  • <do name = "Odense Golfklub" address = "Hestehaven 200" directions = "" phone = "+45-6595-9000" email= "" fax = "" url = "http://www.odensegolfklub.dk/wm1608" hours = "9 pm -5:30 pm. reen fees: Weekdays Dkr. 275 (38 Euro), Weekends and holidays Dkr. 325 (45 Euro). Odense Golfklub does not accept Euros and only permits credit card payments on weekdays between 8:30 - 16:30.
  • <do name = "Odense Go-Kart-Hal" address = "Cikorievej 32" directions = "" phone = "+45-70 25 0210" email= "info@gokart-hal.dk" fax = "+45-70 250 220" url = "http://www.gokart-hal.dk/" hours = ".
  • <do name = "Odense Symphony Orchestra (Odense Symfoniokester)" address = "Cikorievej 32" directions = "" phone = "+45 66 12 44 80" email= "orchestra@odensesymfoni.dk" fax = "+45 65 91 00 47" url = "http://www.odensesymfoni.dk" hours = ".
  • <do name = "Odense Aafart" address = "" directions = "" phone = "" email= "" fax = "" url = "http://www.aafart.dk/uk/ukstart.htm" hours = ". Odense Aafart has tour boats from the recreational area Munke Mose in the city centre on Odense River with stops at Odense Zoo and in Fruens Boge near The Funen Village.
  • Odense Boldklub. olbro. Odense has one of the most active fanscenes in Denmark and if you are so lucky that OB plays at home against FCK or BIF you will have to go to the stadium and watch it. If you want a drink among other fans go to Sprogo up to 6 hours prior to kickoff. You will find a great athmosphere and singing here.

    Learn

  • <see name = "University of Southern Denmark" address = "Campusvej 55" directions = "" phone = "+45-6550-1000" email= "sdu@sdu.dk" fax = "+45-6550-1090" url = "http://www.sdu.dk/E/Odense.html.
  • <see name = "OUH Odense University Hospital" address = "Sd.Boulevard 29" directions = " phone = +45 66113333" email= "ouh@ouh.fyns-amt.dk.

    Work

    Work can be difficult to find in Denmark unless you already have a fairly good level of Danish fluency. However for those who cannot speak the language work can be found delivering news papers, working in kitchens or collecting glasses in bars.

    Delivering Newspapers...

  • <listing name="Fyens Distribution A/S " alt="" directions="" address="Blangstedgardvej 2, 5220 Odense SO, Danmark." phone="65 45 56 22 or 80 60 90 90" email="" fax="" hours="Before 07:30." price="130dkk" url=""></listing>
  • Buy

  • Odense Pilsner & Odense Classic. (The locally brewed beer, available in shops & bars throughout the city.)
  • Eat

    Budget

  • China Box. ext to the Town Hall" hours="11am-10pm. etween 22 DKK & 35 DKK. Good quality take-away Chinese at affordable prices.
  • Emils Hot House. ext to the Town Hall. ll-Day. etween 15 DKK & 45 DKK. Take-away burgers, pizza & hot dogs.
  • Happy Chicken. ext to the Town Hall. ll-Day. etween 20 DKK & 45 DKK. Budget Chinese food. The quality is not quite as good as that in China Box.
  • Cafe du Nord. ear to the Town Hall. am-7pm.

    Mid-range

  • '''Cuckoo's Nest''' Vestergade 73, ''+45'' 65915787. Stylish but relaxed cafe-bar in the front, with a courtyard restaurant in the back. Nacos, burgers, salads, fish, and tapas platters. Main dishes 70-200 DKK.
  • Splurge

  • Den Gamle Kro. he Old Inn. vergade 23, 5000 Odense C. 45 6612 1433. engamlekro@city-hotel-odense.dk. 45 6617 8858. ttp://www.city-hotel-odense.dk/index.asp?language=uk&co=dengamlekro. Historical inn built in 1863. French inspired and serves traditional Danish food.

  • Sortebro Kro. 6132826 1433. ortebro_kro@mail.tele.dk. ttp://www.sortebro.dk. 18th century Inn near Den Fynske Landsby (Old Funen Village) Sejerskovej 20. Danish cuisine.

    Drink

    Bars in Odense have opening hours which tend to vary greatly. For example some bars close everyday at around midnight, while others stay open until 5AM or even later.

  • <drink name = "Albani" address = "Tvargade 2" directions = "" phone = "+45 65 48 75 00" email= "contact@royalunibrew.com" fax = "" url = "http://www.albani.dk" hours = ". A local beer, primarily ''Odense Pilsner'' and ''Odense Classic''. The brewery was founded in 1859.
  • <drink name = "Odense Casino" address = "Claus Bergs Gade 7" directions = "Inside the Radisson Hotel" phone = "+45 6614 7800" email= "info@casinoodense.dk" fax = "" url = "http://www.casinoodense.dk/" hours = "7pm-4am. 0 DKK entrance fee. American Roulette, Black Jack,Texas Hold Em Poker, TouchBet Roulette Terminals, Slot Machines, Viking Stud Poker
  • <drink name = "Ryan_Ls of Odense" address = "Fisketorvet 12" directions = "" phone = " +45 65 91 53 00" . Week Days 12pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 12pm-5am, Sunday 4pm-12am (Note: Opening hours vary). "" price= Expensive". The only Irish-Pub on the island of Funen, Ryan's is an authentic traditional Irish Pub, stocked with Irish drinks & staffed by Irish barmen. Live music every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 11pm.
  • The Australian Bar (A-Bar). randts Passage. oor: 45 DKK, Drinks: Relatively Cheap.. The A-Bar is popular with students & young people due to its low prices. It is particularly popular with exchange students. Note: ID is required at the door.
  • Carlsens Kvarter. underupvej 19, 5000 Odense C. 0045 63110110. ttp://www.carlsens.dk/. A traditional Danish pub, with a cozy Danish athmosphere. Close to Munke Mose & the Teknisk Skole.
  • Froggys Cafe. Froggys Cafe, Vestergade 68, 5000 Odense C. 4565907447. froggys@froggyscafe.dk. ttp://www.froggyscafe.dk.
  • Boogies. orregade (Near to Ryan's Irish Pub). Popular with young people & students, open most weekday nights. During the summer there is an open air court with its own bar.>
  • Birdies" very cosy cafe above Boogies, where you can get for instance your much needed fried jalapenos in cheese at 2 a.m.>

    Sleep

    Budget

  • <sleep name = "Dan Hostel Odense City" address = "Ostre Stationsvej 31" directions = "Adjacent to the central railroad station, located in the city center." phone = "+45-6311-0425" email= "info@cityhostel.dk" fax = "+45-6311-3520" url = "http://www.cityhostel.dk/Engelsk/index.htm" hours = ".
  • <sleep name = "Odense Danhostel Kragsbjerggaard" address = "Kragsbjergvej 121" directions = "" phone = "+45-6613-0425" email= "odense@danhostel.dk" fax = "+45-6591-2863" url = "http://www.cityhostel.dk/Engelsk/grupper.htm" hours = ". Denmark's only Manor-House hostel. Quiet residential area,2 km from the city center.
  • <sleep name = "Bed&Breakfast. ngvej 9" email = "susanhviid@mail.tele.dk. ttp://www.bbengvej9.dk. Walking distance to all attractions. Rates from DKK400.00 2 bed room.
  • <sleep name = "Odense Bed & Breakfast" address = "Faaborgvej 434B" directions = "" phone = "+45-60919891" email= "post@odensebedandbreakfast.dk" fax = "" url = "http://www.odensebedandbreakfast.dk" hours = ". rom DKK 300. Nice and clean rooms. Close to the town and anyhow in the countryside.

    Mid-range

  • <sleep name = "Hotel Windsor" address = "Vindegade 45" directions = "" phone = "+45-6612-0652" email= "co.-windsor@choice.-dk" fax = "+45-6591-0023" url = "http://www.choicehotels.dk/" hours = ".
  • <sleep name = "First Grand Hotel" address = "Jernbanegade18" directions = "Just to the right as you leave the train station" phone = "+45-66 11 71 71" email= "odense@firsthotels.dk" fax = "+45-66 14 11 71" url = "http://www.firsthotels.dk/" hours = ".

  • <sleep name = "Domir Hotel" address = "Hans Tausensgade 19" directions = "" phone = "+45-6612-1427" email= "-booking@domir.-dk" fax = "+45-6612-1314" url = "http://www.domir.dk/" hours = ". ate DKK545.00+. Small but light,well furnished rooms. Center of town. 5 Min.walk to train station. Walk to most attractions.

    Splurge

  • <sleep name = "Hotel Ansgar" address = "Ostre Stationsvej 32" directions = ""About 2 blocks to your right as you leave the station" phone = "+45-6611 9693" email= "ansgar@email.dk" fax = "+45-6611 9675" url = "http://www.hotel-ansgar.dk" hours = ". 00Dkk-900DKK.
  • <sleep name = "City Hotel" address = "Hans Mules Gade 5" directions = "" phone = "+45-6612-1258" email= "reception@city-hotel-odense.dk" fax = "+45-6612-9364" url = "http://www.city-hotel-odense.dk" hours = ". 70 DKK and above.
  • <sleep name = "Radisson SAS H.C. Andersen Hotel " address = "Claus Bergs Gade 7" directions = "" phone = "+45-6614-7800" email= "hcandersen@radissonsas.com" fax = "+45-6614-7890" url = "http://www.radissonsas.com" hours = ". 50 DKK and above.
  • <sleep name = "Knudsens Gaard" address= "Hunderupgade 2" phone = "+45 63114311" url = "http://www.knudsensgaard.dk/" price= "DKK1.100.00 up. Excellent if by car. Residential area, at major cross roads out of town. 20-30 min.walk to city center. Good restaurant.
  • <sleep name = "Gl. Avernas" address= "Helnasvej 9" phone = "+45 63 73 73 73" url = "http://www.gl-avernaes.dk/" price= "DKK980.00 up. A little from Odense, close to nature in a quiet and relaxing area

    Contact

  • <listing name="Local Police" address=" Hans Mules Gade 1-3, 5100, Odense C" phone="66 14 14 48" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url=""></listing>
  • Stay safe

  • Odense is generally a safe town for visitors, although criminal activities and violence occur and caution is recommended late at night. Although there is not really any reason for tourist to venture there, the Voldmose area, is infamous in Denmark for it's crime, social decay and a recent terrorism case.
  • Cope

    Maps of Odense can be purchased in the two shops in the train-station for 10 DKK. Similarly there are maps placed all around the town for visitors, Most ATM machines in Odense close between 2am & 6am, Most shops only accept Danish credit cards & will not take foreign cards. (One exception to this is Ryan's Irish Pub), Post offices can be located in the Brandts Passage & Rosengard Centre.

    Consulates

  • <listing name="Germany" alt="Consul Knud Thybo" directions="" address="Svendborgvej 90" phone="+45 66 14 14 14" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • <listing name="Netherlands" alt="Consul Robert Rasmussen" directions="" address="Christiansgade 70" phone="+45 66 11 27 77" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • <listing name="Norway" alt="Consul Steen Haustrup" directions="" address="Energivej 40" phone="+45 65 95 70 02" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • <listing name="United Kingdom" alt="Consul Frits Niegel" directions="" address="Albanitorv 4" phone="+45 66 14 47 14" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • Get out

  • Kerteminde, Located about 20 km to the northeast, this cute seaside town with a large center of old 18th century houses offers beautiful beaches, mini-golf & an aquarium, complete with sharks.
  • Ringe, an agricultural town in center of the island of Funen.
  • Middelfart, a coastal town which is near to the bridge to the Jutland peninsula.
  • Nyborg, a coastal town which is complete with a medieval castle, beautiful gardens & walks by the harbor.
  • Fredericia, a beautiful medieval fortress town. 50 minutes by train this town offers beautiful walks along the old town walls, a gorgeous sandy blue-flag beach & the chance to visit the Jutland peninsula.
  • Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city. Only 90 minutes by intercity train. Visit the Mermaid, Tivoli Theme Park or the Carlsberg brewery.