Top 10 places for children in Odense
The iPad will soon be forgotten.
Throw in a castle, the world’s first play trail, vintage trains, paddle boats, and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales and the iPad will soon be forgotten.
Here are 10 things your kids will love in Odense:
A world-class zoo
Odense Zoo
Odense Zoo has been named the best in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. World-class facilities, excellent communication of information, fantastic playgrounds, and exciting animals make the zoo one of the best all-day experiences around.
H. C. Andersen's fairy tale treasures
H. C. Andersens Hus
The unique museum is a tribute to Denmark's most beloved storyteller. H. C. Andersen's House takes you on a 360-degree journey through the author's magical fairy-tale treasures. With the help of innovative technology, all senses are stimulated in the most unexpected ways.
Playful time travel
Den fynske landsby / The Funen Village
This beautiful open-air museum recreates a Funen village as it would have looked in the 19th century, with original half-timbered houses, flower gardens, fenced enclosures and farm animals, a village pond, a rectory, and a school room. Here you can see, feel, and smell how the rich and poor used to live, with plenty of history and surprises into the bargain.
13 activity areas and playgrounds
Legeruten langs åen / Riverside play trail
The broad banks of the Odense River create a long green belt running through the city containing 13 activity areas and playgrounds designed for a range of ages – why not try them all?
Odense by water
Paddle boats
In the summer, you can go up the river by paddle boat and catch a glimpse of the lions and zebras as you pass the zoo’s savannah area. Or take a trip around the harbor and see a different side to the city from the water.
A piece of railway history
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum / The Danish Railway Museum
Huge steam locomotives, third class cars and the royal train, each tell their part in the history of Danish railways from the first line in 1849 to the interrail age and the Great Belt link to today. You can go on a journey of discovery on old and modern trains and play in the Children's Station and Train playground, ride a miniature train and play with a model railway. A hit.
Spend a full day at the castle
Egeskov Slot / Egeskov Castle
Award-winning Egeskov Castle is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, and the children will love the endless things to do. The castle gardens have treetop suspension bridges, old-fashioned toys such as stilts and soapbox cars, a playground, a maze, and even a Segway track. Inside the castle you can admire vintage cars, test the equipment in old ambulances, or marvel at the world’s most amazing dolls’ house, Fairy Queen Titania’s Palace.
Historical and interactive environment
Tidens samling
Here you can see, touch, and try out the clothes, houses, and everyday life of the past. Rooms with original interiors dating from 1900 to the 1980s provide an insight into the lifestyle of the times, and you can sit on the furniture, read the papers, try on the clothes, and listen to the music of the day. In the café, enjoy a coffee, some kiksekage biscuit cake, or a soda like in the old days.
Shopping for all ages
Kramboden
In one of Odense’s oldest streets lies the atmospheric Kramboden, which dates back to the 16th century. This old merchant’s house is laid out as a store from last century and sells everything from kerosene lamps, shoes made from rushes, and coffee substitute, to toys, hard candy, soap, and enamel signs. As well as traditional candies such as ‘rusty nails’ and licorice for those with a sweet tooth.
Odense from ancient times to today
Møntergården
Explore 18th and 19th Century homes, play in a children's back yard like when your great grandfather was a servant and watch epic Viking battles. Listen to monks chanting, learn about monasteries and the Black Death, and about Ingrid Marie, who died of a childhood illness but had an apple named after her. Møntergården is a fascinating museum that presents the cultural history of Odense from ancient times to today. You can spend a whole day here without getting bored.
Text by Lise Hannibal