The Viking Route in Odense
The Viking Route is a circular walk of approx. 15.5 km from Åsum along the Odense River to the city centre and back again. Along the way, you follow both the river valley and traces of the history that shaped Odense – from the Viking Age landscape and early settlements to Harald Bluetooth’s ring fortress at Nonnebakken in the heart of the modern city.
From Åsum towards Odins Vi
The route begins in Åsum east of Odense. The area was active throughout both the Iron Age and the Viking Age, and archaeological finds point to settlement, craftsmanship and connections to trade networks far beyond Funen.
From here, the route follows paths along the Odense River towards the city centre. Along the way, you move through the landscape that connects Åsum with the town that gradually developed to the west.
During periods of heavy rain, parts of the riverside route may be flooded, so pay attention to the conditions and choose your footwear accordingly.
Follow the traces into the city
The closer you get to the city centre, the clearer the connection to early Odense becomes. The route takes you past Nonnebakken, where Harald Bluetooth built his ring fortress in the late 10th century.
Today, most of the fortress lies hidden beneath the city, but the site is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with Denmark’s four other ring fortresses.
In the city centre, you can continue the story along the historic street layouts, at the churches and at the places where Odins Vi gradually became Odense.
Hear the story along the way
If you would like more history as you walk, you can find an audio guide to the Viking Route in the Useeum app. Here, you can hear about trade, transport, faith, royal power and the people who lived in and around Odense during the Viking Age.
The route continues from the city centre back towards Åsum, so you finish where you started.
Facilities
- Length in km.: 15,5 km.
Last updated by:VisitOdensejmjen@odense.dk
