3-Day Local Outdoor Activity Guide for Odense, Denmark
Odense, Denmark
3 days
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.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Cycling and Cultural Experiences in the City
Morning
Start your day with a bike tour around the city. Odense is a bike-friendly city with many scenic routes to explore.
Lunch
Have lunch at a cozy café in the city center, where you can try the Danish pastry known as 'wienerbrød'.
Afternoon
Visit the Funen Village, an open-air museum showcasing rural structures and artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant offering a variety of international cuisines. Try the 'smørrebrød' with a modern twist.
Evening
Attend a performance at the Odense Symphony Orchestra, one of the finest orchestras in Denmark.
Day 3
Hiking and History in Odense
Morning
Go for a hike in the Fruens Bøge forest, a beautiful natural area with several walking trails.
Lunch
Have a picnic lunch in the forest, with fresh produce from the local market.
Afternoon
Visit the Odense City Museums, a collection of museums showcasing the history and culture of Odense.
Dinner
Have dinner at a seafood restaurant, where you can try the famous Danish 'fiskefrikadeller', fish cakes.
Evening
End your day with a relaxing walk in the Munke Mose park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city.
Attractions in Itinerary (8)
1King's Garden
A beautiful park and garden in the heart of the city, known for its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere.
2Odense Zoo
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Odense, featuring a wide variety of animals from around the world.
3Odense 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.
4Funen Village
Funen Village is an open-air museum that offers a glimpse into the rural life of the Funen region in the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum features over 25 buildings including a school, a parsonage, a windmill, and various farm buildings. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Danish food and drink at the museum's café.
5Odense Symphony Orchestra
One of Denmark's five regional orchestras, the Odense Symphony Orchestra is a significant cultural institution offering a variety of concerts ranging from classical to popular music.
6Fruens Bøge
A popular park and landmark in Odense, known for its beautiful scenery and tranquil environment.
7Odense City Museums
A collection of museums in Odense, offering a wide range of exhibits and cultural experiences.
8Munke Mose
A beautiful park in Odense, known for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
| Date | Day | Holiday 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 |
How to get around
By Foot
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.
Bicycle
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.
Bus
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.
Train
Odense is a major hub in the Danish train network. The central station offers connections to other cities in Denmark and beyond.
Car
While driving in Odense is possible, parking can be difficult in the city center. However, there are several parking lots and garages available.
Taxi
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
Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Odense. These can be booked via their respective apps.
Boat
Odense River runs through the city and boat tours are available. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Important information
Currencykr DKK
Time zoneUTC+1
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone112
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
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
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts
Pants/Jeans
Sweater or Jacket
Pajamas
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimwear (if planning to swim)
Scarf, gloves and hat (if traveling in winter)
Rain jacket or umbrella
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Hairbrush or comb
Sunscreen
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport/ID
Flight tickets
Hotel booking confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Emergency contacts and addresses
Maps and guidebooks
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone and charger
Headphones
Camera and charger
Power bank
Travel adapter
Laptop and charger (if necessary)
Miscellaneous items
Snacks for the journey
Travel pillow and blanket
Books or e-reader for entertainment
Reusable water bottle
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Ziplock bags for liquids
Tissues or wet wipes
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.
| Month | Hi / 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?
Places near by Odense, Denmark
Legoland Billund
A world-famous amusement park based on the popular LEGO brand.
Roskilde Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cathedral is the burial site for Danish monarchs.
Kronborg Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle is known as the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Tivoli Gardens
One of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world.
Nyhavn
A 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district.
Christiansborg Palace
The seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark.
The Little Mermaid
A bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid becoming human.
National Museum of Denmark
The largest museum of cultural history in Denmark.
Frederiksborg Castle
The largest Renaissance residence in Scandinavia.
Møns Klint
A 6 km stretch of chalk cliffs along the eastern coast of the Danish island of Møn in the Baltic Sea.
Skagen
A unique town at the northernmost tip of Denmark known for its scenic landscapes and artistic heritage.
