Winter in Odense

Winter in Odense brings together the world of Hans Christian Andersen, inspiring art, cultural events and memorable meals. Explore the historic city centre, then add ice skating, a sauna session or a winter swim. Stay for a few days and enjoy more of the city at an easy pace.

Skøjtebane på Flakhaven

Photo: Jacob Lisbygd

Winter events and exhibitions

Odense’s winter programme brings together art, film and food experiences across the city. Explore current exhibitions, discover new voices in cinema and enjoy special menus at local restaurants.

Photo: Johan Mussmann

OFF-Spring - Feature Film Festival

OFFSpring is Denmark’s feature film festival, celebrating debut filmmakers with an exciting lineup of screenings, talks, and networking events in the heart of Odense.

Pomegranates, green and purple grapes on a marbled windowsill.

Photo: J.L. Jensen

Art on the table

Why do artists paint flowers, fruit and everyday objects again and again? The answer can be found in Art on the Table! at Brandts Art Museum.

Gastro Festival 2 times every year in Odense

Photo: Dining Week

Dining Week - Food Festival

Dining Week brings a festive food experience to Odense with delicious set menus at special prices. Discover both familiar favourites and exciting newcomers that combine great taste with a warm and relaxed atmosphere — perfect for food lovers.

Art, museums and history in Odense

Explore Odense through art, museums and centuries of history. Step into the world of Hans Christian Andersen, follow the traces of the Vikings and discover current exhibitions across the city.

Photo: Ard Jongsma

Hans Christian Andersen House

Step into Hans Christian Andersen’s House in Odense – a museum attraction where fairy tales, architecture and immersive experiences come together.

Photo: 24Copenhagen

Viking Odense

In the heart of Funen, where the Odense River winds through the landscape, lies a city deeply rooted in the Viking Age. Where Harald Bluetooth built the ring fortress Nonnebakken – and where Denmark’s last Viking king met his end.

Photo: Odense Bys Museer

Current Exhibitions

Experience Odense’s vibrant art and cultural scene with the latest and most exciting exhibitions at the city’s museums and galleries. Find inspiration for your next visit and discover both local and international art – all in one place in Odense.

Photo: Søren rosenberg

Museums in Odense

Did you know that Odense is the city with the most museums outside the metropolitan area? From Vikings to women's fashion, from skeletons to the composer Carl Nielsen and our world-famous poet Hans Christian Andersen. You can easily spend several days in Odense if museums are your thing.

Winter experiences in Odense

Experience winter outdoors in Odense with ice skating, a winter swim or a sauna session by the harbour. You can also explore the historic city centre at your own pace on a self-guided walk.

Photo: Jacob Lisbygd

Ice rink at Flakhaven - the city's cosy winter spot

Step into the Christmas spirit on the ice rink in the heart of Odense. Flakhaven offers lights, music and fresh air - perfect for a break with friends, kids or colleagues in the city's festive winter atmosphere.

Photo: Kasper Dahl

Sauna experiences in Odense

Find a quiet moment in Odense’s sauna scene, where warmth, scent and small breaks from everyday life flow together. Here you can unwind, enjoy the moment and let your body settle – perfect for a wellness experience for both locals and visitors.

Photo: Anja Panduro

Odense Harbour Bath - go for a free swim

Odense Havnebad is located in the centre of Odense Harbour. It is shaped like a ship with a deck and cabin, making it easy to find. More activities on Odense Harbour

Photo: Elvinas Rokas

Self-guided walks in Odense

Explore Odense at your own pace with a digital walking tour on your phone. Choose from different themes and follow the stories through the city whenever it suits you – from history and culture to literature, Vikings and hidden traces in the streets.

Ideas for your winter stay in Odense

Build your winter stay around culture, history, good food and seasonal experiences. Use these flexible day plans as a starting point, and combine them with current events, the weather and your own interests.

Photo: Andreas Bastiansen

Day one – Hans Christian Andersen and winter events

Begin at Hans Christian Andersen House, where architecture, sound and design bring the writer’s world to life. Continue through the historic streets around the museum, or choose a self-guided walk to explore more of the city.

In the evening, eat alongside locals at Storms Pakhus, where food stalls and a varied programme of events fill the old warehouse. You can also choose a restaurant in the city centre before ending the day with a concert, festival or performance.

Hans Christian Andersen House

Self-guided walks

Storms Pakhus Streetfood

Where to eat

Right now in Odense

Photo: Anita Klitgaard

Day two – art and winter experiences

Spend the morning at one of the season’s current exhibitions, then explore the galleries and craftspeople around Brandts and Søndergade.

After lunch, choose another museum or add a winter experience with a sauna session, a swim at Odense Harbour Bath or ice skating at Flakhaven. Many of these experiences are within comfortable walking distance.

Ice skating at Flakhaven