Viola Leuchter – German handball star enjoying life in Odense

It was handball that brought her to Odense, but the atmosphere, the short distances and the many little experiences have made her feel at home.

My first impressions of Odense

Moving to a new country is always a big change, but it didn't take me long to settle into life in Odense. One of the first things I noticed was how easy it is to get around the city. Everything is close by, whether you're looking for something to do or somewhere to unwind and take a break from a busy day.

I've always been curious about the world around me, and perhaps that's why I quickly grew to love Odense's mix of city life and a more relaxed, personal atmosphere.

There's plenty going on in the streets, but it never feels hectic.

It's actually become my favourite way to explore the city. Whenever I'm out cycling, I discover little streets, green spaces and new places that I might never have noticed otherwise.

When Odense feels most like home

When I have time off, I like exploring the city. My day often starts with a good cup of coffee or brunch at Sirup's or Café Unika. They're places I keep coming back to when I want to slow down a little.

I also enjoy browsing the city's shops, especially Moby Disc and Emptywall Store. I love music and literature, so I enjoy places where you can browse and discover something new.

Later in the day, I often meet up with friends or teammates for lunch or dinner. In Nomine Panis, Koi Sushi and Fratelli are among my favourites, and Storms Pakhus is somewhere I always enjoy returning to.

But it's not just the cafés and restaurants that make Odense special to me. I also love going to the cinema, watching sport or challenging friends and teammates to a game of pool or something else. One of the best things about Odense is that there are so many places where you can meet up and have fun together.

When I need a little peace and quiet, I head for some of the city's green spaces and waterfront areas. Munke Mose, the harbour and Eventyrhaven are among my absolute favourite places in Odense. Here, I can switch off, go for a walk or simply enjoy my surroundings between training sessions, matches and everyday commitments.

My perfect day off in Odense

The perfect day off doesn't need to be packed with plans. For me, it ideally starts with a good brunch and plenty of time to relax.

If the weather is nice, I love sitting with a book in the park or by the harbour. The rest of the day might involve cycling through the city or taking a walk along the waterfront. There might even be time for a game of padel, although I'll admit my skills could still use a little work.

As the day draws to a close, I like meeting up with my teammates to see a film at the cinema, watch sport or play pool at a bar.

It's this combination of spending time together, enjoying everyday experiences and discovering all the little places around the city that makes Odense special to me. It's a city that's big enough to offer new experiences, yet small enough to make you feel at home.