Yara ten Holte – from the handball court to Odense's cosiest coffee spots

For Yara ten Holte, life in Odense is about simple pleasures: good coffee, time outdoors and spending time with her teammates. When she's not playing handball, she enjoys staying active, exploring the city and discovering new places to relax and recharge.

Laban Kaffebar

A city full of favourites

One of the things I love most about Odense is that there's always a cosy place to sit down with a cup of coffee or enjoy a good meal. For me, a great day often starts with a visit to Café Unika or In Nomine Panis.

I love coffee and good food, so the cafés in Odense are definitely some of the places I visit most often.Yara ten Holte
Handball player

Storms Pakhus

Photo: Lisa Møller

Storms Pakhus

Photo: VisitOdense

When I go out for dinner, I often return to Mamma's for its Italian atmosphere, Wokshop when I'm in the mood for Asian food, or Nao when I fancy sushi. It's this variety that makes exploring the city's restaurants so enjoyable.

Small shops and creative breaks

I also enjoy spending a bit of time shopping in the city. Søstrene Grene and Magasin are among the shops I visit most often, and I like places where I can find inspiration or something new for my home.

I also enjoy activities that let me get creative. That's why Creative Space is one of my favourite places to visit when I feel like doing something a little different.

I always try to be creative, and I enjoy making things myself.Yara ten Holte
Handball player

Odense Domkirke

Photo: ELS Production

Where I go to unwind

Although I'm an active person, I also love the places in Odense where life moves at a slightly slower pace. The harbour is one of my favourite areas. I particularly enjoy spending time around the beach volleyball and padel courts, where there's always something going on. I also love just sitting by the harbour and soaking up the atmosphere.

I enjoy going to the cinema or watching other sports, such as ice hockey, football or volleyball. It's fun to experience sport from the stands instead of always being the one playing.

Staying active in different ways

When I'm spending time with friends or teammates, a relaxing afternoon can easily turn into a game of pool or darts at a café. I love activities where you can enjoy a bit of friendly competition while having fun together. In general, I just love being active and spending time outdoors.

H.C. Andersens Hus

Photo: ELS Production

My perfect day off in Odense

My perfect day off starts with a good cup of coffee and a BMO – a Danish breakfast roll with butter and cheese – somewhere in the city. After that, I often head outdoors for a long walk through Munke Mose park or around Stige Ø.

Later, I enjoy some quiet time in nature or meet up with a few of my teammates.

It doesn't have to be complicated. Just coffee, nature and good people around me.Yara ten Holte
Handball player

H.C. Andersens Hus

Photo: ELS Production

As the day draws to a close, I head home, spend some time relaxing on the terrace and fire up the barbecue. For me, that's the perfect way to end a day off.

It's this combination of city life, nature, sport and welcoming places to meet that makes Odense somewhere I really enjoy living.