The Funen Village is located on the outskirts of Odense, so it is still technically in the city, but it feels a million miles away. This is a living museum that looks at the pastoral way of life that dominated Funen in the 18th and 19th centuries. All the buildings here date from that period and were sourced on Funen. Most are built in half-timbering and with thatched roofs. The village is surrounded by fields and gardens
There are several farmhouses on show from small holdings to the property of wealthier farmers. As well as farmhouses we got to visit a school, a jail, and the most incredible thatched windmill.
This is a living museum so there are plenty of farm animals around the place – not factory farming here, everything is free-range. Even the horses looked friendly, and I usually fear them! And my all-time favourites, the cows were happily munching away on the sod while their calves looked on. It was idyllic and I forgot all about my woes from earlier in the day.
The place was full of children as the school holiday had just started. Not that being inundated with hordes of children is always fun, but it was so nice to see families enjoying themselves in a healthy and natural environment. There was a performance of an H C Anderson fairytale in the amphitheatre, it was going to be in Danish, so we decided to skip it. The nice thing was that most of the families do head there so things suddenly got much quieter and less busy around the rest of the village.
We spent a good couple of hours walking the paths of the Funen Village, occasionally popping into a farmhouse or other buildings along the way. It was also interesting to see what was growing in the farm gardens with some things unexpected such as red clover.
Planning your visit to the Funen Village
By bike
Do like the Danes and hop on a bike to visit us. You can rent a bike to get there. Find out more here.
By car
The Funen Village is located close to E20 motorway, exits 50 and 51.
Find your way with Google.
There are good parking facilities in front of the Visitors’ Centre at the entrance to the Funen Village. There are two parking spaces for the disabled. See Village map: click here.
By bus
Bus no. 110 and 111 (direction Nr. Broby) stop outside the Funen Village. For timetables, click here.
By train
Take the train to Fruens Bøge Station. From there, you have about a 15-minute walk to the Funen Village. For timetables, click here.
By boat
Odense Aafart (river boats) sail from Munke Mose in Central Odense to the riverboat terminal at Fruens Bøge, It takes about 20 minutes to walk through beautiful natural surroundings to the Funen Village.
The best time to visit Odense
Odense, nestled in Denmark, experiences a marine west coast climate commonly known as warm summer climate, classified as “Cfb” under the Köppen climate classification. A year-round mild temperature distinguishes this climate, along with high humidity and significant rainfall.
The best time to visit Odense
Crowd preference and weather data suggest the best visiting period in Odense falls between May to September. These months bring out the best of Odense weather, with temperatures averaging from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 20.1°C (68.2°F), providing a pleasant warmth, devoid of extreme heat. The city also records the highest sunlight hours within this period, reaching up to 9.9 hours in June, ensuring longer daytime activities. Rainfall is also minimal in the early summer, contributing to a favourable atmosphere for outdoor tourism.
The worst time to visit Odense
The period from November to February in Odense might prove challenging due to its cold, humid, and cloudy weather. Within this span, average temperatures range from 1.2°C (34.2°F) to 3.4°C (38.1°F), with occasional snowfall, especially in December and January, recording an average of 11mm (0.43″) and 23mm (0.91″), respectively. Furthermore, daylight is restricted, registering its shortest duration of 7.2 hours in December, further limiting outdoor activity.
Where to stay in Odense
1. Hotel Odeon
Hotel Odeon is located in Odense, 656 feet from Odense train station. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. The accommodations offer a business centre and free WiFi.
Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The rooms come with a private bathroom with a hair dryer. The units at Hotel Odeon include climate control, a desk and a chair.
2. City Hotel Nattergalen
Ideally located in a central yet quiet Odense district, this hotel offers a nice breakfast, has free fiber Wi-Fi and a roof terrace with panoramic city views. Odense Station is 8 minutes’ walk and the ODEON conference- and culture center just a 3-minute walk away.
City Hotel Nattergalen’s modern guest rooms have simple yet comfortable furnishings. All include a TV, a work desk and a private bathroom with shower.
Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main building is the hotel’s cozy restaurant, Den Gamle Kro. It is located in a half-timbered house from 1683 and has traditional décor with wooden paneling.
3. Budget – Kragsbjerggaard Vandrerhjem
Located in Odense and with Hans Christian Andersen ‘s Home reachable within 1.3 miles, Kragsbjerggaard Vandrerhjem has a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a grill. The hostel has family rooms.
Guests at the hostel can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
You can play table tennis at Kragsbjerggaard Vandrerhjem, and the area is popular for cycling.