Flakhaven – Odense’s City Hall Square
Flakhaven is Odense’s city hall square. It connects Odense City Hall and the Cathedral, and its historical roots date back to the Middle Ages.
A square rooted in Odense’s history
Flakhaven lies in the heart of Odense, serving as a natural link between the city hall and the cathedral. It’s a place most people know – whether as a meeting spot, a thoroughfare or simply a part of the cityscape. But few may realise that Flakhaven has been central to Odense since the Middle Ages. Back then, it was a fenced-in grazing field, and the name likely means “the flat garden”.
A marketplace and gathering point
Flakhaven is first mentioned in historical records in 1496 in connection with a trade privilege granted to the city’s merchants’ guild. The document outlined which goods could be sold at the city’s various marketplaces – and Flakhaven was one of the key hubs. For centuries, the square has been used for everything from markets to celebrations and protests – always as a place where people come together.
The city hall's history on Flakhaven
At the corner of Flakhaven and Vestergade, the city’s first town hall stood as early as the 15th century. It was a solid two-storey stone building, and in front of it stood a water pump that was later replaced by a statue of Frederik VII. The present-day city hall – the one people recognise today – was built in the late 1800s, inspired by the famous town hall in Siena, Italy. At the time, it had a 45-metre tower, which was removed during renovations in the 1940s.
A vibrant part of city life
Today, Flakhaven remains an important part of urban life in Odense. It is both historical and modern – a place to pause, meet friends or simply enjoy the city’s atmosphere. The square is in active use all year round, and its central location makes it a natural gathering place – this is where the city’s Christmas tree is lit in November, and where flea markets, concerts, demonstrations and festivals take place throughout the year.