VisitOdense

Discover Odense’s Historic Treasures

Odense is full of fascinating history – from Viking ring forts to atmospheric streets and museums. Spend hours exploring cultural heritage, architecture and exhibitions that bring the past to life for both adults and children.

Photo: Danmarks Jernbanemuseum

Indoor History Attractions

In the city centre, within walking distance of the old town, you can explore Danish railway history and Denmark's (and especially Funen's) antiquity and recent history, visit Kramboden in Nedergade and much more. If you are up for a slightly longer walk, you can also dive into Funen's military history and visit a bunker from the Cold War era.

Viking Ring Fortress
Photo: Odense Bys Museer

Viking Ring Fortress Nonnebakken

The Viking castle at Nonnebakken was one of at least five known ring castles, which King Harald Bluetooth built around 980.

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Family in the crypt under the Odense Cathedral
Photo: 24Copenhagen

Cnut the Holy - King and Saint

Cnut was a Christian king who fought to strengthen the power of the church. He was killed during in Odense Cathedral and was later canonized.

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Family at Museum TID
Photo: BKKLA

TID City Museum

A historic oasis in the heart of the Historic Quarter. This museum shows the history of Odense and surroundings since Antiquity.

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Three children at the Railway Museum
Photo: Ard Jongsma

The Danish Railway Museum

Danish railway history illustrated by real trains, exhibitions and activities for children and adults alike.

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Old museum shop in Odense
Photo: VisitOdense

Kramboden (The old Store)

Discover Kramboden, a charming museum shop in Odense featuring antiques and vintage items that tell part of the city’s captivating history.

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Children at the Tidens Samling Museum
Photo: Tidens Samling

Tidens Samling - HANDS-ON Museum

Tidens Samling is a museum of design and fashion in Denmark during the 20th century. The permanent exhibition shows living rooms from 1900 to 1980.

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Uniform Hat at the Bunker Museum
Photo: Johan Joensen

Odense Bunker Museum

Apart from the original atom bunker facility you can see a series of exhibitions focusing on different aspects of the Cold War.

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The Funen Military History Museum - Exhibition
Photo: Johan Joensen

The Funen Military History Museum

At the Funen Military History Museum, you can dive into the Funen war history, the Funen resistance movement and the Funen Home Guard.

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Open Air History Attractions

Just outside the city centre you will find museum gems like the Funen Village and Odin's Odense that focus on 18th century farm life and Odense's role in the Iron Age/Viking Age in Denmark respectively.

The Funen Village - family with chickens
Photo: Ard Jongsma

The Funen Village - Open Air Museum

The Funen Village is a historical museum where you can experience many different activities and see how people lived and worked in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Odin's Odense drone photo
Photo: Oliver Palmer

Odin's Odense - Iron Age and Viking Age

Open air museum village showcasing Iron Age and Viking Age in Denmark with reconstructions and activities, primarily during the summer.

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Næsbyhoved Slotsbanke - drone photo
Photo: VisitOdense

Næsbyhoved Castle Ruin

Visit the remnants of the castle, where Queen Christine held court in the 16th century, and enjoy the beautiful nature in Næsbyhoved Forest.

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Family on a walk on a forest path
Photo: 24Copenhagen

The Viking Route in Odense

Follow the traces of the Vikings in Odense. Along the way, you'll hear archaeologists talk in short videos about how the Vikings left traces in the landscape.

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