Odense, Denmark

Park in Odense, Denmark
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Odense_aa.jpg
Author: Malene
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Odense is the third largest in Denmark. It also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest in the country, dating back to pagan times. Its name was derived from Odins Vé, meaning shrine to Odin, the Viking god. Modern Odense covers 15 sq km (5.8 sq mi) and has a population of 168,000 (2011 estimate) within a metropolitan area of 190,000 people.

Sankt Knuds Kirke, Odense, Denmark
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sankt_Knuds_Kirke_Odense_2.jpg
Author: Peter Larsen
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Odense is located on the island of Funen. As it celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 1988, we can deduce that it was founded in AD 988. The city prospered greatly in the 19th century, following the completion of the canal linking it with the sea. This period of growth was accompanied by a blossoming of cultural life, setting the stage for Hans Christian Andersen, Odense's most famous citizen, to make his mark in history.

Odense made a different on on history when it built the second tallest tower in Europe, the Odinstånet, in 1935. The tower was destroyed by the Nazis in 1944. Today a miniature model of the tower stands in Odense Park (Odinsparken), on the site of the original tower.

Timber-framed farmhouse at the open-air museum, Den Fynske Landsby, Odense
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Den_Fynske_Landsby_-_bindingsv%C3%A6rkshus.jpg
Author: chocoborama
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Today the medieval part of the city has a number of historic sights that are worth visiting. Visitors should get the Odense Eventyrpas, a visitor pass that allows free travel and admission to its museums, and discounts for taking the boat cruises.

Visiting Odense

You can reach Odense by train from Copenhagen. The journey is around two hours. You can also take the train from Hamburg, Germany, which is about 5 hours away.

Hans Christian Andersen's childhood home, Odense
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Denmark-odense-hans_christian_andersen-childhood_home.jpg
Author: Kåre Thor Olsen
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Sights & Attractions in Odense

Brandts Klædefabrik
The Brandts textile factory was the biggest establishment in Odense until it closed in 1977. Today the manufacturing plant has been turned into a cultural center housing museums, restaurants, art galleries and shops. the museums located here are the Danmarks Mediemuseum and Museet for Fotokunst.
Carl Nielsen Museet
Museum celebrating the famous Danish composer Carl Nielsen.
Den Fynske Landsby
Living museum showcasing traditional way of life in Denmark.
Egeskov Castle
One of the best preserved Renaissance-style water castles in Europe.
Flakhaven
Odense's main square, location of its city hall, Rådhus.
Fyns Kunstmuseum
Museum with the largest collection of fine art in Denmark outside of Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersens Barndomshjem
The childhood home of the famous author, where he lived from age 2 to 14, has been preserved with period furnishing.
Hans Christian Andersens Museum
Located in Andersen's former home, this museum showcases documents related to the famous children's author.
Odensee Zoo
One of the best zoos in Denmark.
Sankt Knuds Kirke
This is the Odense Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Canute, one of the most beautiful Gothic-style churches in Denmark.

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Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.

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