H.C. Andersen

Photo:Rasmus Hjortshøj&Ard Jongsma

- the world's fairy tale poet

Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) is one of Denmark's most cherished authors and among the most famous storytellers in history. His fairy tales have been translated into over 125 languages and continue to enchant generations with their unique mix of magic, morality, and melancholy.

But who was the man behind iconic stories like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor's New Clothes? In Odense, you can take a closer look at his life, his works, and the myths surrounding his legacy.

Meet Hans Christian Andersen in Odense

Each of these attractions offers a different side of Andersen - the cobbler's son, the playful adult and the socially critical writer.

Photo: Daniel Jensen

Visit the Hans Christian Andersen House

In 2021, the biggest new attraction in Odense in many years opened - the new Hans Christian Andersen House. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the museum consists of both indoor and outdoor spaces totalling 12,600 m2.

Photo: Anja Panduro

Hans C. Andersen's Childhood Home

In Munkemøllestræde, close to the Odense Cathedral, the river and the Fairytale Garden, you will find the little yellow half-timbered house where Hans Christian Andersen lived with his parents from the age of 2 to 14.

Photo: Lærke Beck Johansen

Ville Vau - a Wonderworld for Kids

Ville Vau is a fun and creative kids’ activity in Odense – a playful fairytale world where H.C. Andersen’s stories come to life through hands-on imagination and adventure.

Photo: Ard Jongsma

H.C. Andersen’s original gravestone

Experience H.C. Andersen’s original gravestone at the H.C. Andersen House in Odense – a new dimension in the story of the poet’s life and death.

"The new H.C. Andersen House in the historic quarter puts the focus not on the man, but on his fairy tales. The children's cultural centre, underground museum and magical garden are a wonderful family attraction no matter how many of the fairy tales you know." Forbes Magazine

The traces of Andersen

Photo: Andreas Bastiansen

In the Footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen

Many of the buildings and places that were significant to H.C. Andersen can still be seen today

Photo: Skytte Visuals

Find the fairy tale sculptures in Odense

All over the city you will encounter sculptures inspired by fairy tales - how many can you find?

Photo: Jonas Legarth

Hans Christian Andersen for kids

Enjoy fairy tale adventures with your little ones when visiting Odense. Ville Vau, the children’s un

"In the mirror I’m wearing enormous golden pantaloons, but only I can see them. Children sit in a rock pool playing mermaids, and in the next room there’s a talking pea in a display case, beside a towering stack of mattresses. It’s the world of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), one of the 19th century’s most beloved writers." www.theguardian.com, 2025

Want to know more?

Photo: Peredo Media

Hans Christian Andersen's personal fairy tale

From a poor child growing up in the slums of Odense, the son of a shoemaker and a washerwoman, to a

Hans Christian Andersen with autumn leaves

Photo: Odense Fotogalleri

Hans Christian Andersen Q & A

Questions and answers about H.C. Andersen - here we answer some of the questions we are often asked.

Photo: Oliver Palmer

How to buy a ticket for the Hans Christian Andersen House

Explore the life and times of Hans Christian Andersen at Odense's museums and attractions. The loca

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