One Day in Odense: A Fairytale Getaway in Denmark’s Heart

Wondering if Odense is worth visiting? Or if you can see everything in a day? The answer to both of those questions is YES!

Odense is Denmark’s third-largest city and the proud birthplace of the world-famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, author of The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and many more beloved fairytales. You’ll quickly notice that much of the city revolves around his life and legacy—from statues and museums to whimsical art installations and literary references tucked into the streetscape.

Where is Odense?

Odense is located on the island of Funen (Fyn in Danish), nestled between Zealand and Jutland. Despite being a significant city, Odense has the calm and cosy charm of a large town, rather than the bustle of a city with just above 200 000 inhabitants. It doesn’t always make it onto the classic Denmark itinerary, but it absolutely should. It’s compact, easy to walk around, and packed with cultural and historical gems—perfect for a short stay. In fact, you can cover most of its highlights in just 24 hours. And if you have more time, Odense makes a great base to explore nearby small towns and attractions like the stunning Egeskov Castle.

By the way, a quick tip for pronunciation: Odense is pronounced “OOTH-ense”, with the stress on the second syllable—not “OH-dense” as you might think.

Here’s how to spend a perfectly magical day in Odense.

👉 Looking for ideas for a multi-day stay? Check out our guide on the Best Odense Day Trips for a full experience of Fyn!

Morning: A Cinnamon-Scented Start

Start your morning with a true Scandinavian staple: a kanelsnegl — the classic Danish cinnamon roll. Even if you’re not the biggest cinnamon fan, this treat is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Denmark. Soft, sticky, and spiced just right, it’s a must-try and pairs perfectly with a cup of warm coffee or tea.

One of our favourite places for a morning pastry and drink is Café Sølle, located just outside the busy city centre at Nedergade 18, 5000 Odense. It’s cosy and relaxed, a bit off the beaten track, with just the right amount of hygge to get your day off to a warm start.

Other great options include:

• Lagkagehuset – Vestergade 1, 5000 Odense. This is a beloved Danish bakery chain offering fresh pastries, breads, and a solid coffee selection.
• Café Den Lille Smalle – Vestergade 5, 5000 Odense. A charming and artsy little spot with friendly service and excellent baked goods right in the heart of town.

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the city center toward the river for a relaxing boat cruise. The streets of Odense are lined with colourful old buildings, cobbled lanes, and public art—including sculptures and whimsical touches that pay tribute to Andersen’s stories.

Mid-Morning: Cruise Through History

Make your way to Munke Mose Park, where the Odense River Cruise departs. These slow, scenic boats let you see an entirely different side of the city—including the backyards of some of Odense’s more affluent residents and plenty of canoeing locals who’ll often give you a friendly wave.

The trips start at Odense Aafart where you can buy your tickets. Roundtrip is 120 DKK, which is roughly 16 EUR.

👉 Tip: If you don’t like the idea of a cruise, you can also rent pedal boats and canoes there to explore on your own. Check out their website for more information.

You’ve got two great options for this cruise:

Option 1: Round Trip to Skovsøen Lake

Stay on board for the full round trip to Skovsøen Lake, located on the edge of a leafy park. At the final stop, you disembark and have to walk for a few minutes to reach the lake. In the warmer months, you can enjoy ice cream or waffles from the lakeside kiosk. It’s a peaceful, refreshing spot that feels a world away from the city center.

Option 2: Stop at Odense Zoo

Alternatively, hop off the boat halfway and visit Odense Zoo, one of the highlights of the city. There is a designated boat stop for the zoo, and you can purchase a combo ticket when you board.

Odense Zoo might not be the largest in Europe, but it’s very well-designed and thoughtfully laid out. With around 150 species, you can see everything from penguins and tigers to giraffes and chimpanzees. Plenty of enclosures are designed to bring you close to the animals. A major highlight is the kangaroo enclosure, which you can walk through (yes, you read that right). It’s ideal for families and animal lovers alike, and we suggest you set aside at least 2 hours to explore.

Once you’re done, simply return to the pier and catch the boat back to the city centre.

Lunch: Street Food with Soul at Storms

After your nature and animal-filled morning, you are probably ready to refuel. Dining out in Scandinavia can be expensive, and Odense is no exception. While the city has plenty of charming cafés and restaurants, a sit-down lunch can easily cost upwards of 30 EUR per person, not including drinks.

That’s why we recommend heading to Storms Pakhus in order to keep things more budget-friendly without sacrificing flavour. This vibrant indoor street food market is located in a converted warehouse just a few minutes from the train station. Inside, you’ll find a curated mix of food stalls offering everything from bao buns and burgers to vegan bowls and Danish smørrebrød.

Prices here range between 10-20 EUR per dish, and portions are generous. Beyond food, there’s also craft beer, coffee, and often live music or small events happening in the shared seating area. It’s lively, fun, and a great way to sample a bit of everything without breaking the bank.

Afternoon: Urban Wanders and Andersen’s World

After lunch, go for a walk around the harbour area, which has been revitalized in recent years. It offers a mix of modern urban architecture, quiet corners to relax, waterfront paths, and striking art installations—including a partially submerged statue of Hans Christian Andersen, almost as if he’s diving into his own imagination.

Then head to the crown jewel of Odense: the H.C. Andersen House. Located on Hans Jensens Stræde, this recently reimagined cultural experience goes far beyond your typical museum. It combines cutting-edge design with immersive storytelling, and even if you’re only vaguely familiar with Andersen’s work, it’s a moving and insightful visit.

Some highlights:

• The museum is mostly underground, creating a mysterious, storybook atmosphere.
• Interactive exhibits let you engage with Andersen’s tales in unique, sensory ways.
• The outdoor area features a beautifully landscaped urban park and minimalist architecture.

⚠️ Note: The museum closes early (usually around 5 PM in summer, 4 PM in winter), so plan your day accordingly. If you’re particularly interested in Andersen, you might consider starting your day here and visiting the zoo or boat cruise in the afternoon instead.

Evening: Keep it Simple

Dinner in Denmark is often enjoyed at home—partly due to the high cost of eating out, but also because of the cultural emphasis on hygge and home life. In fact, we didn’t eat out ourselves during our stay, choosing instead to have a relaxed meal with friends.

That said, you still have some great options if you want to eat out:

Option 1: Return to Storms

Storms Pakhus also makes a great dinner spot. The evening vibe is a little more relaxed, and the selection of stalls and dishes means you can try something new without feeling like you’re repeating lunch.

Option 2: Try a Local Restaurant

If you’re looking to splurge a little or would just rather sit down for dinner, look for local places offering modern Nordic cuisine or international dishes. Also, consider booking ahead— as the better restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Final Thoughts: A Fairytale in a Day

Odense is a city that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t overwhelm with big-city flash, but it charms with its gentle pace, literary history, and warm community feel. In just one day, you can stroll through cobbled streets, cruise along peaceful waterways, meet kangaroos, eat delicious food, step into the magical world of Hans Christian Andersen and, of course, walk in his footsteps.

If you have more time, consider exploring other parts of Fyn: visit Egeskov Castle, one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance castles, or take a day trip to the idyllic coastal towns that dot the island.

But even if Odense is just a short stop on your Denmark itinerary, it’s one that will stay with you long after you leave—like a fairytale you once heard as a child and never quite forgot.