Experience Odense, Denmark: Fascinating 1-Day Itinerary

Odense, Denmark

1 days

Old street with houses
Odense Theater
Panorama of the houses
Aerial view of the city
Beautiful Streets of the Old City

About Odense, Denmark

Discover the charming city of Odense, Denmark, the birthplace of renowned fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen. This picturesque city is filled with quaint, cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and beautiful gardens. Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum to delve into the writer's life and works, or explore the Funen Village, an open-air museum showcasing 18th-century Danish life. Odense Zoo, one of the oldest in Europe, is a must-visit for animal lovers. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants. Odense is a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity, offering a unique Danish experience.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Fairy-tale City of Odense

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the birthplace of world-renowned author Hans Christian Andersen. Explore the museum dedicated to his life and works, and immerse yourself in the fairy-tale world he created.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Danish lunch in one of the charming cafes in the city center. Try the famous smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich, or a hearty Danish stew.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a stroll through the historic district of Odense. Visit the Saint Canute's Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and the Odense City Hall, a beautiful Renaissance building.

Dinner

For dinner, indulge in some fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Denmark is known for its excellent fish dishes, so don't miss out on this culinary experience.

Evening

End your day with a leisurely walk along the Odense River. The riverbanks are beautifully lit at night, providing a romantic setting for an evening stroll.

Attractions in Itinerary (4)

Saint Canute's Cathedral

1
Saint Canute's Cathedral

Saint Canute's Cathedral, also known as Odense Cathedral, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. It is named after the Danish king Canute the Holy, who was assassinated in Odense. The cathedral houses a crypt where King Canute and his brother Benedikt are buried.

Religious Sites
Architecture
Odense City Hall

2
Odense City Hall

Odense City Hall is a notable landmark in the city, known for its distinctive architecture. It is the administrative hub of the city and also a popular tourist attraction.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Odense River

3
Odense River

Odense River is a popular attraction in Odense, Denmark. The river runs through the city and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take a boat tour on the river or enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbank.

Attractions
Tours
Hans Christian Andersen Museum

4
Hans Christian Andersen Museum

A museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.

Museums
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Frikadeller

Frikadeller

These are traditional Danish meatballs made from minced pork and often served with potatoes and gravy. They are a staple in Danish cuisine and a must-try when in Odense.

Smørrebrød

Smørrebrød

This is a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, typically made with rye bread and various toppings such as pickled herring, liver pate, or cold cuts. It's a common lunch option in Odense.

Rød Pølse

This is a Danish red sausage, typically served in a bun with mustard, ketchup, and crispy onions. It's a popular street food in Odense.

Flæskesteg

Flæskesteg

This is a traditional Danish roast pork dish, typically served with potatoes and red cabbage. It's a common Christmas dish but can be enjoyed year-round in Odense.

Æbleflæsk

Æbleflæsk

This is a traditional Danish dish made from apples, onions, and pork belly. It's a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for the colder months in Odense.

Koldskål

Koldskål

This is a traditional Danish dessert made from buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. It's a refreshing and light dessert, often served with small biscuits called 'kammerjunkere'.

Rugbrød

Rugbrød

This is a traditional Danish rye bread, often used as the base for smørrebrød. It's a staple in Danish cuisine and can be found in any bakery in Odense.

Danish Pastry

Known as 'wienerbrød' in Denmark, these pastries are a must-try. They come in various shapes and flavors, often filled with fruit or cream.

Akvavit

Akvavit

This is a traditional Danish spirit, often served during festive occasions. It's made from distilled grain or potatoes and typically flavored with caraway or dill.

Glogg

Glogg

This is a traditional Danish mulled wine, typically served during the Christmas season. It's made from red wine, spices, and often served with raisins and almonds.

Carlsberg

This is one of Denmark's most famous beers. It's a lager-style beer and is widely available in Odense.

Royal Unibrew

Royal Unibrew

This is a popular Danish brewery with a wide range of beers. Their products are widely available in Odense and are a must-try for beer lovers.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Odense, Denmark as a tourist is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city also hosts several events and festivals during the summer, providing a rich cultural experience. However, if you prefer a quieter visit, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are also good times to visit, with fewer tourists and mild weather.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

March 28

Thu

Maundy Thursday

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

2nd Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Odense is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance from the city center. It's a pedestrian-friendly city with plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian zones.

Odense is known as the 'City of Cyclists' and has an extensive network of bicycle lanes. Bicycles can be rented from various locations around the city.

Odense has a comprehensive bus system, with routes covering the entire city and surrounding areas. The main bus station is located in the city center.

Odense is a major hub in the Danish train network. The central station offers connections to other cities in Denmark and beyond.

While driving in Odense is possible, parking can be difficult in the city center. However, there are several parking lots and garages available.

Taxis are readily available in Odense and can be hailed on the street, booked online, or picked up from taxi ranks located around the city.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Odense. These can be booked via their respective apps.

Odense River runs through the city and boat tours are available. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currencykr DKK

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type EPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Odense, Denmark as a first time visitor

1

Odense is the third-largest city in Denmark, located on the island of Funen.

2

The official language is Danish, but most locals also speak English.

3

The currency used is the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

4

Odense has a temperate oceanic climate. Summers are generally warm with an average temperature of 70°F (21°C), while winters are cold and wet with an average temperature of 32°F (0°C).

5

Public transportation is efficient and reliable. The city has an extensive network of buses, and bicycles are also a popular mode of transport.

6

Tipping is not mandatory in Denmark as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it is customary to leave a small tip for good service.

7

Odense is a safe city, but like any other place, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

8

The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with many streets in the city center being pedestrian-only.

9

Denmark uses the Europlug (Type C & F), so you may need a power adapter if your devices use a different type of plug.

10

The city is known for its green spaces. There are many parks and gardens where you can relax and enjoy nature.

11

Odense has a rich history and culture. It's the birthplace of famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and his influence can be seen throughout the city.

12

The city has a vibrant food scene, with a mix of traditional Danish cuisine and international options.

13

Shopping in Odense is a mix of high-street brands and independent boutiques. The city center is a great place to start.

14

Odense has a vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

15

The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Hans Christian Andersen Festival and the Odense Flower Festival.

16

Denmark has a high cost of living, and Odense is no exception. Plan your budget accordingly.

17

Odense has a strong focus on sustainability and green living. You'll find many eco-friendly initiatives throughout the city.

18

The city is very bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and bike rental services available.

19

Odense is a great base for exploring the rest of Funen, known for its beautiful landscapes and historic castles.

20

Remember to respect local customs and traditions. Danes value punctuality, privacy, and personal space.

Basic Danish to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hej

hi

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Farvel

far-vel

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Vær så venlig

ver so ven-lee

When asking for something

Thank you

Tak

tak

After receiving something or someone's help

Yes

Ja

ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nej

nay

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Undskyld mig

oon-skool mee

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Jeg er ked af det

yai er ked af det

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Taler du engelsk?

taler doo eng-elsk?

Trying to find someone who speaks English

I don't understand

Jeg forstår ikke

yai for-stoar ee-keh

When you don't understand what was said

Where is the bathroom?

Hvor er toilettet?

vor er toy-let-et?

When you need to find the bathroom

How much does this cost?

Hvor meget koster dette?

vor my-et koster dette?

When you want to know the price of something

I would like...

Jeg vil gerne have...

yai vil gerne have...

When you want to order something

Help

Hjælp

yelp

When you need assistance

Can I use my credit card?

Kan jeg bruge mit kreditkort?

kan yai broo-geh mit kredit-kort?

When you want to pay with credit card

Open

Åben

open

When you want to know if a place is open

Closed

Lukket

look-et

When you want to know if a place is closed

Today

I dag

ee dag

When you want to refer to the current day

Tomorrow

I morgen

ee morgen

When you want to refer to the next day

Yesterday

I går

ee gor

When you want to refer to the previous day

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Warm sweater or jacket

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized toothpaste

  • Toothbrush

  • Deodorant

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Razor

  • Travel-sized body wash or soap

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Face mask

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Danish krone)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel reservation details

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel guidebook for Odense

  • Map of Odense

  • Notebook and pen

  • Backpack or daypack

  • First-aid kit

Weather Conditions

Odense, Denmark experiences a temperate oceanic climate, which means you can expect mild, changeable weather throughout the year. In the summer months, from June to August, temperatures usually range from 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F). It's the perfect time for outdoor activities like exploring the city's beautiful parks and gardens. However, summer is also the rainiest season in Odense, so it's a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella. During the fall, from September to November, temperatures drop to between 7°C and 15°C (45°F to 59°F). The city is particularly beautiful during this time as the leaves change color, but be prepared for occasional showers and windy conditions. Winter, from December to February, can be quite cold with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F). Snow is possible but not guaranteed. If you're visiting during this time, be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring, from March to May, sees temperatures ranging from 2°C to 15°C (36°F to 59°F). This is a lovely time to visit as the city begins to bloom, but similar to fall, it can be quite wet and windy. Regardless of when you visit, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast regularly as conditions can change quickly. Also, due to Odense's northern location, daylight hours vary significantly throughout the year, with long days in the summer and short days in the winter. Plan your activities accordingly to make the most of your visit.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

4° / -1°

January is the coldest month in Odense, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy the winter season and don't mind the cold.

February

4° / -1°

February is still quite cold in Odense, with temperatures similar to January. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports or cozy indoor activities.

March

8° / 1°

March sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still chilly. The city begins to thaw, and it's a good time to visit if you enjoy fewer crowds.

April

14° / 3°

April brings warmer temperatures and the start of spring. It's a great time to visit for outdoor activities and to see the city in bloom.

May

20° / 7°

May is the start of the warm season in Odense, with pleasant temperatures. It's an excellent time to explore the city's parks and outdoor attractions.

June

23° / 10°

June is a beautiful month to visit Odense, with warm temperatures and long days. It's perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the city's summer festivals.

July

25° / 12°

July is the warmest month in Odense, with temperatures often reaching the mid-20s. It's a great time to visit for beach activities and outdoor dining.

August

24° / 12°

August is still quite warm in Odense, with similar temperatures to July. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities.

September

20° / 9°

September sees a decrease in temperature, but it's still pleasant. It's a great time to visit for those who prefer milder weather.

October

15° / 6°

October brings cooler temperatures and the start of autumn. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy fall foliage and fewer crowds.

November

9° / 3°

November is quite cold in Odense, with temperatures often dropping to single digits. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy indoor activities and don't mind the cold.

December

5° / 1°

December is a festive month in Odense, with Christmas markets and lights. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy the holiday season and don't mind the cold.

Did you know?

Did you know that Odense is the third-largest city in Denmark, after Copenhagen and Aarhus?

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