Background

Odense Cathedral – St. Canute’s Majestic Landmark

Odense Cathedral – Discover Denmark’s royal saint and Gothic splendor at St. Canute’s Church, the spiritual centerpiece of Odense and a must-see landmark for visitors.

4.3

Odense Cathedral, officially known as St. Canute’s Church (Sankt Knuds Kirke), stands at the heart of Odense. A striking example of Gothic brick architecture, it is the city’s most storied church—famous as the final resting place of King Canute IV, Denmark’s royal martyr. Inside, visitors find soaring vaults, medieval relics, and intricate altar carvings, all steeped in over 900 years of history.

A brief summary to Cloos Tower

Local tips

  • Entry is free, but donations for maintenance are welcome.
  • Don’t miss the crypt where St. Canute’s remains lie—access is often allowed during regular opening hours.
  • Check the events calendar if you wish to experience a concert or special occasion within the cathedral’s atmospheric setting.
  • Photography is permitted except during services or events; flash may be prohibited to protect delicate artwork.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll in the nearby cathedral garden for a tranquil break between city sights.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    Odense Cathedral is located at the heart of Odense, a short walk from the city’s central square and the Hans Christian Andersen Quarter. Visitors will pass vibrant cafés, boutiques, and historic facades en route. The cathedral’s towering spire is visible from much of the city center. Expect a pleasant stroll of about 5–10 minutes from major hotels and key landmarks.

  • Public Transport

    From Odense Central Station or bus terminal, board any city bus heading toward the city center. Disembark at the stop for the pedestrian zone near the main square—a 2–5 minute bus ride (one-way ticket approx. 24 DKK, or free for under-12s with a ticket-holding adult). The cathedral’s red-brick tower is an easy landmark from the bus stop, set among Odense’s main attractions.

  • Car/Taxi

    Arriving by car or taxi, follow signs to Odense city center. Cathedral parking is limited; the nearest city car parks typically charge 18–25 DKK per hour. Taxis from central hotels reach the cathedral in under 10 minutes (usual fare 60–90 DKK). Note: city-center traffic can be slow in summer weekends and during large events.

Unlock the Best of Cloos Tower

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Cloos Tower

Odense Cathedral, or St. Canute’s Church, is the city’s towering brick sentinel—a masterpiece of Gothic design that anchors Odense’s skyline. Begun at the end of the 13th century atop the site of earlier religious structures, the current cathedral took its name from King Canute IV, the Viking-age monarch who was murdered during an uprising here in 1086 and subsequently canonized for his unwavering authority. The cathedral’s high, light-filled nave radiates a quiet grandeur; sunlight spills through slender arched windows to illuminate a refined white-washed interior punctuated by imposing columns and ornate wooden stalls. The sanctuary’s centerpiece is the gilded 16th-century altarpiece, a Northern Renaissance marvel spanning nearly six meters, meticulously carved with biblical scenes. Beneath the church, the crypt shelters the relics of St. Canute and his brother Benedict, making it a destination of pilgrimage for centuries. Throughout the space are commemorative plaques, medieval artifacts, and subtle memorials to Denmark’s princely history—each whispering stories of faith, power, and intrigue. Odense Cathedral isn’t only a monument to history; it serves as a vibrant gathering point for concerts, city events, and spiritual reflection. The tranquil cathedral garden offers a green pause from city bustle, while the peal of the bells marks the hours for locals and travelers alike. A visit here is not just a step inside one of Denmark’s most significant churches but a journey through the currents that shaped Odense and all of Denmark.

Popular Experiences near Cloos Tower

Popular Hotels near Cloos Tower

Select Currency