The oldest part of Odense

It may be hard to believe, but as you stand on Klaregade, surrounded by bicycles, tall buildings and traffic, you are actually standing in the very oldest part of Odense. This neighbourhood sits on a headland that extends into the river, and it is here that one of the oldest crossing points over the Odense River was located. Had you stood here 1,100 years ago, the scene would have looked very different, but you would not have been alone.

All around you, there would have been low, thatched huts and somewhat larger homes. Children would have been playing, adults talking, craftspeople focused on their work, young people falling in love, and all the other things that make up human life.

Take a moment to stand here and imagine the sound of their voices from long ago. What do you think it sounded like? And whose voices do you think will be heard here when another 1,100 years have passed?

Poul Baltzer Heide

Archaeologist and museum curator