The Funen Village focuses on past experiences of living circularly and in closer harmony with nature, and how the past can inspire sustainability in everyday life today.
Denmark: Syddanmark – Odense, visitors guide
Odense, city, northern Funen island, Denmark, on the Odense River. The site was sacred in pagan times as the vi, or sanctuary, of Odin (one of the principal gods in Norse religion) but was first recorded in history about 1000 CE.
About Odense
Odense is the third largest city in Denmark with more than 200 000 inhabitants. It is located in the heart of Denmark, on the island of Funen. Known as the fairytale capital of the world, Odense is the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen. Throughout the year, a number of different events and activities are held in his name. Odense is also a green city with many parks and over 250 playgrounds. In 1966, Odense became a university city and a home to the main campus of the University of Southern Denmark, and the city’s development continues today. A new light rail connecting the campus to the city center was introduced in May 2022, and a number of major projects are currently underway, including a new university hospital and several new residential and commercial buildings.
Things to do
H C Andersen Museum
The museum gives you the opportunity to see new sides of Hans Christian Andersen’s writing. The focus is not on Andersen the person and his story, but on the fairy tales he wrote and their voice.
The Funen Village – Living Museum
The Funen Village opened in 1946. The idea to build an open-air exhibition about Funen originated from a collective sense of loss. Many old half-timbered buildings had become obsolete, fallen into disuse and were then torn down. A desire to preserve such buildings and the cultural landscape and lifestyle that was typical on Funen before 1900 led to the establishment of a rural architectural museum, the Funen Village.
Egeskov Castle
An unfortified village manor house in the 1400s, Egeskov was transformed into a highly fortified stronghold by Frands Brockenhuus. The work was completed in 1554, and the result is one of the best-preserved moated Renaissance castles in Northern Europe today. Constructed on either side of the transition from one distinct architectural style to another, the building features elements of the sober-mindedness of the Late Gothic period, as well as dashes of the orderliness of the Renaissance age.
Today, Egeskov Castle is a major tourist attraction with a number of family-oriented activities on the grounds of the castle.
The picturesque town of Faaborg
If you have time during your stay in Odense then we recommend taking a side trip to the small port town of Faaborg, one of Denmark’s oldest and most beautiful market towns. Faaborg is the epitome of southern Funen holihock idyl. The town is steeped in history with its cobbled narrow streets, well-preserved old merchant’s houses and the Bell Tower – landmark of Faaborg.
Planning your visit to Odense
Train & Buses
The main railway station in Odense is just across the road from the conference centre. There are direct or one-change trains from Copenhagen airport. The journey takes ca. 1.5 hours. See the national train network (DSB) website for tickets. Information about travel and tickets within Europe can also be found here.
Plane
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is conveniently accessible by train (1.5 hrs). Billund Airport (BLL) on Jutland is also convenient and approx 1.5 hrs by bus and train.
Car
- Copenhagen: 1.5 hrs
- Lund: 2 hrs
- Hamburg: 5 hours
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.
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