Odense, the birthplace of the world-famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, is a dream destination for literature lovers. The city in Denmark honours its most famous resident with the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, where visitors can explore his life and works. A stroll through the historic quarter reveals charming cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and sculptures inspired by his fairy tales. Here is a guide to walking in the footsteps of Andersen and reliving the magic.
The Hans Christian Andersen House, designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, opened in 2021. This innovative museum is inspired by Andersen's enchanting stories, providing visitors with an immersive experience within his literary universe. The museum features both indoor and outdoor spaces, covering a total area of 12,600 square meters. Interestingly, two-thirds of the museum is located underground and is surrounded by a fairy-tale garden that blooms with colorful flowers and unique greenery during the summer months. Find out more here - www.hcandersenshus.dk/en
Address: H.C. Andersen Haven 1, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
This charming yellow half-timbered house, located in Munkemøllestræde, near the historic Odense Cathedral, is the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen, where he lived with his parents from the age of 2 until he was 14. Opened to the public in 1930, the house not only showcases its original cobblestone street, which creates an authentic atmosphere of Andersen's time but also serves as a gateway into the fairy tale writer's early life. As you walk through the modest rooms, you will get a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a man who would go on to become one of the world's most beloved storytellers. In addition to the interior, the delightful backyard garden—established in 2018—features an array of plants and flowers that Andersen famously mentioned in his stories.
Address: Munkemøllestræde 3, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Odense is home to several sculptures depicting characters from beloved fairy tales. You can find Thumbelina, the one-legged tin soldier, the wild swans, the shepherdess, and the chimney sweep scattered throughout the city's streets. The Hans Christian Andersen Festival in Odense includes street performances as part of its week-long celebration of the renowned author. In addition to street performances, the festival features theater, concerts, art exhibits, and much more.
This sculpture is well-known artist Bjørn Nørgaard's portrait of Hans Christian Andersen. It's located at Banegårdspladsen. In this, three figures are intertwined in a spiral, symbolizing the artist's dream of encompassing the world while also reflecting a conflicted personality—a blend of genius, self-assurance, humility, and a sense of artistic failure. Characters from Andersen's numerous tales are depicted around the sculpture, all situated among stairs of varying heights and directions, highlighting the complexity of the artwork.
Discover the historic sections of the town, starting with Paaskestraede, one of the most picturesque streets in the old quarter. This charming street is lined with colorful, historic houses and leads to the river. Don't miss Hans Jensens Stræde, which places you in the heart of the old neighborhood and offers access to the newly established Hans Christian Andersen House.
What could be more magical than a railway museum? Experience history up close with large locomotives and beautiful vintage carriages. Find a seat in the old passenger carriages, and peek inside the royal saloon carriages. You can also set miniature model trains in motion and study fascinating ferry models. At the Danish Railway Museum, there's a chance to ride on a miniature train that takes you through the Danish cultural landscape and past child-sized historical railway environments. YVisitors will also enjoy the Locomotive Master Bus's workshop and the Children's Railway Station—a miniature railway station complete with a ticket office, control tower, and play area. Don’t miss the outdoor playground, where you can explore a large steam locomotive and slide from the top of a water tower.
Address: Dannebrogsgade 24, 5000 Odense, Denmark
The city is filled with gardens and parks, and the Odense River meanders through the city center. You can relax in the parks or go sailing on the river. Nearby, you'll find the Fairytale Garden by Odense Å, located just behind Odense Cathedral and Odense City Hall. A lovely wooden bridge allows you to cross the river to reach the rotunda, a small circular island in the garden. In 1949, a statue of H.C. Andersen, created by Louis Hasselriis, was placed in the garden. The Botanical Garden, founded in 1948, is a popular destination offering a unique botanical experience. Visitors can admire an impressive variety of perennials, as well as Denmark's largest collection of birch and fern plants from around the world.
