Odense - right in the middle of Denmark
With a history dating back more than 1,000 years of history, Odense is one of the oldest cities in Denmark. A legacy dating from the Vikings, all the way into today’s transformation to a modern Danish city with a hub for robot technology and innovation, connects Odense with the outside world and makes us proud to live in Odense.
Easy to reach, easy to navigate
Odense - more than 1,000 years of fascinating history
In a rebellion in 1086, the Danish king, Canute, was killed in front of the altar of Sct. Albani Church in Odense and just four years later was canonised as a saint, Canute the Holy. His remains, which today are found in the cathedral in Odense, meant that the city became the centre of pilgrimage and religious worship.
Odense has a long history as a city. The city played a central role in the Middle Ages and Renaissance Denmark and became in 1805 the birthplace of Denmark's world-famous author Hans Christian Andersen.
Throughout the history of Odense, trade and craftsmanship have been key components of urban life and development. In the 20th century, Odense was the largest industrial area outside the capital region, with large and renowned companies and the home of Danish business pioneers such as C. F. Tietgen and Thomas B. Thrige. In 1966, Odense became a campus city with the founding of the university. The city hospital, whose history can be traced back to the founding of Gråbrødre Hospital in 1539, was from the beginning closely linked to the university and in 1993 was awarded formal title of university.
The financial crisis in the early 2000s, however, hit Odense hard, prompting the city to take matters into its own hands. Investment of more than DKK 34 billion will be spent on developing the city with light rail, rethinking the city centre, the entire port area and construction of a new campus area and university in the period up to 2030. Targeted investment in selected business clusters means that Odense is well on its way to establishing itself as a centre for robotics and computer technology, including an airport that is a leader in the testing of drone technology. Odense is also at forefront when it comes to welfare and health technology.
With its lively city centre, green areas and many active local environments, and by virtue of its ambitious growth policy, Odense is today very much on track to becoming a smart, open city with more than 200,000 inhabitants.
Odense information and worth to see
Tourist information:
English version: Visit Odense EN
Danish version: Visit Odense DK
German version: Visit Odense DE
H.C. Andersens Hus: official website Tickets must be booked in advance! This can be done online.
Map for "Fairy tale sculptures in Odense", a map to cover all the worth to visit sights, can be downloaded HERE
3 useful apps to download for visiting Odense:
- USEEUM App: one app to include all the travel and sightseeing tips. We strongly recommend it. USEEUM App
- Storyhunt: 8 city tours are included. Fun and interactive game to take you discovering Odense. The app can be found in the App Store or Google Play. The game is in English and the Odense Storyhunt is free of charge.