Odense Zoo, H.C. Andersen and Odense Å

As the birthplace of Denmarks maybe most famous person, the faitytalewriter H.C. Andersen, Odense is a little fairytale in itself.

Because even though Denmarks third biggest city doesn't offer the urban pulse from Copenhagen or the brilliant beaches of Northern Jutland, Odense offers a unique mix of cozy, laid back life, memorable attractions and superb activities in the vicinity of Odense with everything the modern tourist needs from a vacation.

On this page, Danhostel.dk will try to help you with a few suggestions for your stay in Odense.

PLACES TO STAY IN ODENSE

Danhostel Odense City

This five-star hostel is situated next the central Odense Banegaards Center (Central Train Station), with a superb view over The Royal Gardens of Odense. The hostel lies in the former Park Hotel, with bus connections several times pr. hour to all of Odenses attractions such as The House of H.C. Andersen, the pedestrian Zone, sports facilities. Danhostel Odense City offers 38 rooms with with the choice of 2, 3, 4 and 5 beds, with shower and toilet in all the rooms.

More information about Danhostel Odense City 

Danhostel Odense Kragsbjerggaard

Just two kilometres outside Odense, you can find the peaceful and romantic hostel of Kragsbjerggaard. The 136-bed hostel is situated in a former manor house with a large courtyard garden and its own park. The hostel is particularly well suited for, and very popular with, groups, courses, training camps and school camps, and is the perfect place for those, who wishes a peaceful stay at night with the possibility of reaching the vibrant city of Odense with all its attractions within a few minutes at daytime.

More information about Danhostel odense Kragsbjerggaard

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ODENSE

The life and works of the famous fairytale writer H. C. Andersen are the most wellknown and visited attractions, and Odense is famous worldwide for being the birthplace of the father of The Little Mermaid. And of course, all the unique Andersen-exhibitions have to be exploited, but Odense is much more than H.C. Andersen, and here you can see, what Funens biggest city has to offer.

H.C. Andersens childhood home & museum
 

For 12 years of his childhood, the worlds most famous fairytale-writer lived in this little house in the center of Odense. Here he lived with his parents until the age of 14, and the house with its very humble room was opened as a museum in 1930. Not very far from his birthplace, you will find the museum of the famous writer. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum opened in 1908 as a museum of the poet's life and work, and you are presented with the man Hans Christian Andersen, his distinctive appearance and his mind.

You can explore Hans Christian Andersen's universe, leaf through his books via PC and hear his tales at the many listening posts. The museum shop has a comprehensive selection of books in several languages about and by Hans Christian Andersen.

H.C. Andersen Garden - The Fairytale Garden

This beautiful garden was established by a book club in 1876, where the only access for the wealthy citizens of Odense. In 1942, the book club handed the gardens over to the Municipality of Odense, which caused a reconstruction, and seven years later, the statue of Hans Christian Andersen was erected in the garden. The pergola, all the bridges and the "Chinese Wall" are designed and built to the highest standards, as befits a Town Hall garden, and today you can experience the garden in the quarter between the city centre and Sankt Knudsgade.

The H.C. Andersen Forest

A wood was planted in 2005 in honour of the 200th anniversary of the writer's birth. The bright

and open oak wood with a large number of trees stretching out into the landscape in the shape of one of his most famous paper cutting, "The Sun as a Face", which shows the face of the sun and the corona. The The Hans Christian Andersen Wood has been in the process of being established since 2001, and today covers an area of approx. 8 ha. From the car park on Svendsagervej, there is approx. 500 m to the wood, and a trip around the various play areas and then back to the

car park is about 2 km and is the perfect walk for the whole family.

Odense Zoo

The cosiest Zoo in Denmark is a five-star experience. Here you can get close to some of the most fascinating animals in the world. Enjoy a green oasis in the middle of Odense with beautiful scenery and wide open spaces for your amusement and maybe a big picnic for the whole family.

Brandt Klædefabrik - arts exhibition
 

Kunsthallen Brandts (formerly The Art Hall Brandts Klædefabrik) moved into an old textile mill in 1987. In its four large galleries, Kunsthallen shows changing exhibitions - mainly contemporary Danish and international art. The programme includes thematic shows, sensory shows for children, and dialogue shows of artists and their sources of inspiration. The exhibitions are primarily of visual art, but also present decorative art, performance, design, architecture and video art.

Brandts Klædefabrik alson contains The Danish Media Museum and The Museum of Photographic Art.

Iron Age Village

In the northwest part of of Odense, The Iron Age Village is a reconstructed ancient environment built according to findings from archaeological excavations. The village is a 'Historical Workshop' where you can obtain insight in the general living conditions of our ancestors 2000 years ago - in theory and in practice. The ancient houses are converted into active workshops, where old crafts are carried out. The Iron-Age Village is situated in a beautiful area in Stavidsaadalen, where campfire facilities, tables, and benches are available to the public.

The Tinderbox

Near the H. C. Andersen Museum, you will find The Tinderbox Cultural Centre For Children, which is a fabulous house for children who are invited into the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen through storytelling (during summer also in English), drawing and music. They can make their own plays after having been made up and dressed up in costumes.

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