King Cnut the Holy in the Cathedral crypt

Viking Age Odense

Step 1,000 Years Back in Time

In the heart of Funen, where the Odense River winds through the landscape, lies a city deeply rooted in the Viking Age. This is where Harald Bluetooth built the ring fortress Nonnebakken – and where Denmark’s last Viking king, King Canute the Holy, met his dramatic end in St. Alban’s Church.

Beneath the city's modern surface lie tales of royal murder, trade, and sacred rituals. Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings through the streets of Odense, where the past comes to life – from the cathedral crypt to the hidden ramparts at Munke Mose.

Things to experience in Odense

Photo: Anja Panduro

Cnut the Holy - King and Saint

King Cnut the Holy was King of Denmark from 1080 until his death in 1086. He was the son of Sweyn Estridsen and brother of Harald Hen. Cnut was a Christian king who fought to strengthen the power of the church and introduce reforms in the country. He was killed during a rebellion in Odense...

Photo: 7Reasons

Nonnebakken - Odense's hidden ring fortress

The newly named UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Viking castle Nonnebakken in Odense, is the only one of Harald Bluetooth's 5 ring castles located in the centre of the vibrant city - although well preserved underground, part of the surrounding earthworks can still be seen.

Photo: VisitOdense

City miniatures - this is what Odense was like

The Early Odense: Bronze Models in 1:1000Visit the fascinating bronze models at the Cathedral, showcasing Odense across 600 years.

Photo: Andreas Bastiansen

Odense Cathedral - St. Cnut's Church

Odense Cathedral was built in the 14th century. It is a Gothic cathedral with a high and bright nave, and in the crypt you will find the remains of Saint Cnut, Denmark's last Viking king. The cathedral is also known as Saint Cnut's Church.

Photo: Dansk Luftfoto

Denmark's 5 ring castles - 5 experiences

Walk in the footsteps of royalty and the Vikings when you visit Nonnebakken on Funen, Trelleborg and

Photo: Bjørn Klausen

Exhibition: Odense's Viking Fortress

Discover Nonnebakken – Odense's Fascinating Viking FortressAre you curious to discover what makes Nonnebakken so special? Step into the exhibition and gain insights into the power structures of the Viking Age.

Photo: VisitOdense

Marking of the original Albani Church

This marker shows the location of the wooden church, St. Albani, where Denmark's last Viking king, Cnut the Holy, was murdered on July 10, 1086.King...

Photo: Elvinas Rokas

Digital City Tours in Odense

Experience Odense in new and different ways through exciting digital city walks. Free options.

Photo: Andreas Bastiansen

Odin's Odense - Iron Age and Viking Age

Join us for an adventure at the Iron Age Village of Odin's Odense, a unique ancient environment that brings 2,000 years of history to life!

Photo: VisitOdense

Find traces of the Viking Age in Odense

Viking Age stories fascinate people all over the world and in Odense they live on to this day. Odens

Photo: VisitOdense

The Viking Route in Odense

Follow in the footsteps of the VikingsGet out your walking shoes and download the APP from USEEUM.

Photo: Vikingemuseet Ladby | VisitKerteminde

Vikingemuseet Ladby

Vikingemuseet Ladby rummer Danmarks ældste kongegrav og er det eneste sted i verden, hvor man kan træde direkte ind en vikingekonges skibsgrav på det ...

Photo: Anja Panduro

Statue - Cnut the Holy

King Cnut was very a important figure in Odense's history during his reign from 1080 to 1086. Aelnoths Saga written in Odense around 1120 tells the st...