Odense, Fyn

Culinary guides of Copenhagen presents:

The birthplace of fairytales

Odense, established in 988, is a cultural and historical town with fanciful influences from their native Hans Christian Andersen. The capital of Fyn is a center of festivals, gastronomic offerings and a Green lifestyle in a manageable size that includes a relaxing river in the center of town.

Hans Christian Andersen Museum is our meeting place. Photo opp with the Man himself and the Farmer’s Market offers us the opportunity for our first tasting. Note the half-timbered houses from the 1600s and old gas streetlights! We pass by Bang’s boder (maybe my old family?) to Nørregade shopping street.

Skt. Albani church’s exterior offers wonderful wooden sculptures from the 1800s we can admire; but the true highlight is the cathedral of Skt. Knud. The first foundations of a church originate from 1095! We will see King Knud and his brother’s physical remains in the crypt. He was murdered here in 1086. As King, he ruled Denmark from 1080-1086. We pass his statue on our way to the townhall.

Odense Town Hall is an amazing piece of architecture on the inside and out. Even the entrance bodes of a violent period as we see a gunshot hole in the city’s coat of arms over the door. But the beauty and detail of the building’s interior will astound many as well as the art collection.

Flakhaven Brewery is next door which is a great place to have our next tasting. The have several copper kettles for distilling and brew some of the town’s favorite drafts.

HCAndersens childhood home in charming yellow half-timber. Around the corner we have our next tasting.

Hilbert Christiansen Fish and Game, 1928 all the fish are locally sourced at the daily fish auctions. You will taste their homemade codfish cakes and hear some mighty fish stories!

Brandt’s Klædefabrik houses an art museum, café’s and shops. It is a highly creative enclave in the center of town. Here we can see many specialties the locals create themselves.

Mortens Chocolates in this charming courtyard we find a handmade chocolate shop where we will get to try an incredibly special treat that is only found on Fyn! Morten uses only Fairtrade chocolate and his fantasy!

Gråbrøder Torv (Square) is formed by the Monk’s cloister on one-side and charming shops and cafes on the other side. Often there are open air markets, performances and other happenings. Experiences are always spontaneous.

Walking tour:

About 3.5 hours; not recommended for disabilities/wheelchairs

Total distance:

3.5km (2.50 miles).

Train:

From Copenhagen, regional trains ride of 1.5 hours. Walk from Odense station to the Hans Christian Andersen museum non Claus Bergs Gade 11, where we will meet.