Free Activities
Here are our recommendations for a visit to Odense that does not blow your budget. Visit our beautiful Gothic cathedral, take a walk along the river, take a dip in the harbour bath or the open-air bath(summer) and join the watchmen as they make their evening rounds in the historic quarter.
They could see she was a real Princess and no question about it, now that she had felt one pea all the way through twenty mattresses and twenty more feather beds. Nobody but a Princess could be so delicate. Hans Christian AndersenWorld-renowned author
Free activities in Odense
How about a walk in H.C. Andersen’s footsteps, where you can learn more about the world-famous author, a walk in the hills of Stige Ø with views across Odense Fjord, and a bus ride around Odense city centre? There are plenty of experiences waiting for you in the city, and you will find inspiration for free things to do right here.
The Viking castle at Nonnebakken was one of at least five known ring castles, which King Harald Bluetooth built around 980.
The St. Cnut's Cathedral is a gothic Cathedral from 1300 with royal skeletons in the crypt and a magnificent, hand carved altarpiece.
Bronze sculpture. Cnut ruled Denmark from 1080-1086, and was sanctified after being murdered in the old St. Albany's Church.
The Odense Harbour Swimming pool is located and built into the harbour closest to the city. The swimming pool will be open all year except on special holidays.
Many of the buildings and places that were significant to H.C. Andersen can still be seen today
All over the city you will encounter sculptures inspired by fairy tales - how many can you find?
Hollufgård sculpture park is open all year and offers many outdoor art experiences. A fine example of a cultural and natural landscape with great diversity.
Looking for a fun and active day out with the family? Then head to one of Odense's many playgrounds
The artist Thomas Dambo, who grew up in Odense, has created one of his iconic trolls in recycled materials right here in Odense.
Visit the remnants of the castle, where Queen Christine held court in the 16th century, and enjoy the beautiful nature in Næsbyhoved Forest.
Vesterbro Minigolf offers an atmospheric experience with beautifully landscaped minigolf courses suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
For those who love to combine fresh air with physical activity, Odense offers a wealth of outdoor fi
Are you travelling with children?
Many attractions are free for children and young people under 18. Click here to see the list
With the city bus you can take a trip around the center of Odense for free. The bus circles the inner city and passes each stop approx. every 10 minutes.
There are frequent art exhibitions in the park as well as in the gallery; the latter also contains a store offering sculptures and jewelry.
Not so much a gallery but more a creative meeting-place for pictorial artists, design and the exchange of ideas. Also uncensored exhibitions.
In the shop you can buy original handmade prints made by the workshop's artists at a pricerange from 100 to 10000 DKK.
North Atlantic House is a cultural center, which will act as a platform to raise the profile of Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
Sculptures, street art and performance are all something that help set the mood of the city.
Experience Odense in new and different ways through exciting digital city walks. Free options.
Explore the outdoors
Odense has many beautiful nature experiences - and it doesn't hurt that they're also free.
The garden has several functions, as it is used both as a park, inspiration garden for garden lovers and as a training location for kindergartens and schools.
Years ago Stige Island was in use as a landfill, but now it has been cleaned up and turned into a nature/activity area.
The Hans Christian Andersen Forest was planted in 2001. Seen from the air, the forest resembles Andersen's paper cut-out "The Sun Head".
Nice playground in Munke Mose with playground equipment inspired by the natural surroundings with butterburs, tree stumps and birds.
The little forest Fruens Bøge is situated in the southern part of Odense. Some of it's attractions are a little, idyllic lake and the restaurant Carlslund.
Odense is full of beautiful green areas that invite you to go for a walk, a bike ride, or sit and relax in green surroundings. Skovsøen is one of them.
Free events and festivals
Odense is buzzing with activities and events, especially during the summer. And you can participate in many of them for free. Find more festivals here
Free summer theatre in Odense’s Fairy Tale Garden. Enjoy beloved characters and family‑friendly fun at the H.C. Andersen Parade.
Go for an evening walk with the night watchman in the Overgade / H.C. Andersen Quarter. The walk starts in Overgade at "Den Gamle Kro" at 9 pm.
Experience the Odense Flower Festival in August: Creative floral displays, activities, and workshops inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales.
Explore H.C. Andersen Festivals in Odense with 500+ free cultural events, live shows, and art for all ages in the city where Andersen’s stories were born.
Discover Magiske Dage Odense, where trolls, fairies, witches, wizards and magical activities fill the city centre during the autumn holiday.
