The beginning of Odense

When I stand here, I think about how much this place has meant to the city. A sacred place was called a “vi” at the time, and “Odins Vi” gradually became the name Odense.

Try closing your eyes and using your imagination. What do you think it looked like?

Line Borre Lundø, archaeologist and museum curator

From Odins Vi to Odense

Odense is first mentioned in writing in AD 988 as Othenesuuig, but the city is older than its first written record. Archaeological finds show activity in the area as early as the late 8th century, and by around AD 900 there appears to have been an early urban settlement around Vestergade and Klaregade.

The name Odins Vi also tells of a time when the Norse gods still played an important role. The word vi refers to a sacred place or grove, so the name suggests that there was probably a cult site dedicated to Odin somewhere in the area. Its exact location is unknown.

A place of faith, power and an emerging city

Several of the most important traces of early Odense can be found close together. North of the river, an early settlement began to develop, while to the south Harald Bluetooth built his ring fortress at Nonnebakken in the late 10th century. Later, Christianity became an increasingly visible part of the city, not least with St Alban’s Church.

Here, the stories of pre-Christian belief, royal power and a city gradually taking shape come together. History did not disappear as Odense grew – it settled in layers.

Follow the traces

Odins Vi is only one part of the story of Viking Odense. Follow the Viking route to Nonnebakken, ancient roads, churches, burial sites and other places where the early city has left its mark.

Follow the Viking route and discover more places where history still lies just beneath your feet.