Nature close to the city centre

Fruens Bøge Skov stretches along the Odense River and is home to a varied mix of deciduous woodland dominated by beech trees. Some of the trees are more than 300 years old, and you will also come across oak, ash, maple, hazel and horse chestnut.

Between the woodland and the river, you will find Skovsøen lake and open meadows where you can stroll through the landscape or stop for a break. The area is also known for its biodiversity. Rare fungi, several species of bat and a rich variety of birdlife make the woodland well worth exploring for nature lovers and curious visitors alike.

A woodland with a long history

Fruens Bøge has been a popular place for days out since the early 19th century. Back then, people came here for Sunday outings and social gatherings. In 1875, Odense Municipality bought the woodland to provide public access to the green surroundings. Since then, it has become one of Odense’s most popular natural areas.

You can still see traces of this history in the landscape. The winding paths largely follow the layout created when Fruens Bøge was developed as a recreational woodland, while Restaurant Carlslund is the only surviving historic inn in the area.

More than a woodland walk

There is more to Fruens Bøge than its natural surroundings. The woodland is close to The Funen Village, making it easy to combine a walk among the trees with a visit to the open-air museum or a break surrounded by greenery.

Whether you come for the natural surroundings, the history or a little of both, Fruens Bøge Skov makes it easy to understand why generations of visitors have enjoyed spending time here. Ancient trees, local history and outdoor experiences come together in one of those corners of Odense where the city feels far away.