Bolbro Vartegn – Odinstårnet Reborn
A slender steel silhouette on Bolbro Bakke, Bolbro Vartegn keeps the memory of Odense’s lost Odinstårnet alive as a compact, contemporary neighborhood landmark.
Bolbro Vartegn in western Odense is a modern tribute to the legendary Odinstårnet, the 1930s steel giant that once towered above Bolbro Bakke and was blown up during World War II. Today a smaller reconstruction stands as a proud neighborhood landmark, telling the story of Odense’s lost “Eiffel Tower” and the community that brought its silhouette back to the skyline. It is a compact, open-air stop ideal for a short, atmospheric detour.
A brief summary to Bolbro vartegn
- Middelfartvej 129, Odense Municipality, Odense V, 5200, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan this as a 15–30 minute stop, pairing it with a wider walk or bike ride through Bolbro’s sports grounds and residential streets.
- Come on a clear day or at dusk when the tower’s outline and lighting stand out most clearly against the sky.
- Bring a few historical photos of the original Odinstårnet on your phone to better visualize how enormous the former tower once was.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Tram from central Odense
From Odense city centre, take the light-rail line heading west towards Tarup and ride to a stop in Bolbro; the journey typically takes 10–15 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. From the nearest stop it is a short urban walk along level pavements to reach Middelfartvej near number 129. A standard adult single ticket within the Odense zone usually costs around 20–25 DKK, and trams are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
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City bus within Odense
Several local bus routes run along or close to Middelfartvej, linking Bolbro with the central station area in about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and route. Buses generally operate at least every 15–30 minutes in daytime, with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends. A single adult fare within the urban zone is typically 20–25 DKK, and modern low-floor buses provide step-free entry, though they can be busy at commuter times.
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Cycling from the city centre
Odense is well known for its cycling infrastructure, and the ride from the historic centre to Bolbro Vartegn usually takes 15–25 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route follows main streets with dedicated or shared bike lanes for much of the way, and the gentle rise toward Bolbro Bakke is manageable for most cyclists. This option is free aside from any bike rental cost, offers flexibility in timing, and suits visitors comfortable in moderate city traffic.
Bolbro vartegn location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Bolbro vartegn
A new landmark on an old hill
Bolbro Vartegn stands on Bolbro Bakke in western Odense, close to where the original Odinstårnet once dominated the city’s skyline. The contemporary tower is far smaller than its predecessor, but its distinctive steel frame clearly echoes the outline of the former giant. Set beside busy Middelfartvej, it rises from a grassy knoll as a surprising vertical accent above a largely low-rise residential district. Here, the tower works less as an observation point and more as a sculptural landmark. Its simple, geometric lines give it a graphic profile from a distance, while up close you notice the lattice of girders and the way light passes through the structure. In the evening, subtle illumination lends it a gentle glow, turning it into a beacon for the surrounding neighborhood.Remembering the Odinstårnet legend
The story behind Bolbro Vartegn reaches back to 1935, when the 177-metre Odinstårnet opened on this hill and quickly became a symbol of Odense and of Funen as a whole. With viewing platforms and a restaurant high above the city, it drew visitors from across Denmark, eager to experience the sweeping panorama from one of Europe’s tallest towers of its time. In December 1944, during the German occupation, saboteurs demolished Odinstårnet with explosives, leaving only the massive concrete foundations embedded in the hill. For decades, the city lived with the memory of a vanished landmark and a bare summit where the structure had once stood. The modern Bolbro Vartegn links directly to that narrative, giving physical shape to a story that would otherwise exist only in photographs and archives.Details to notice as you walk around
As you circle the base, look at how the slender steel elements rise and taper, hinting at the soaring form of the original tower without attempting to replicate its scale. The structure is open to the sky, so clouds and changing weather become part of the composition, constantly altering the way the tower feels. On a clear day you may catch the sun glinting off the metal; on overcast afternoons it has a more subdued, almost introspective character. Small interpretive elements nearby typically outline the history in concise form, making it easy to connect what you see with the site’s past. The modest size encourages you to slow down, take a few photographs from different angles and imagine how immense the Odinstårnet must have seemed on this same ridge.A brief but atmospheric stop in Bolbro
Bolbro Vartegn is best experienced as a short pause within a wider exploration of western Odense. The setting is thoroughly urban: passing traffic on Middelfartvej, nearby housing blocks and local shops all form part of the backdrop. Yet the slightly elevated position and open lawn around the tower create a pocket of space where you can step away from the pavement and look back at the city’s layers of history. Because there is no interior to visit, most people spend only a limited time here, enough for a reflective break, a few photos and perhaps a quiet moment on a nearby bench. It works well for families, couples and solo wanderers alike, and makes an easy addition to a walking or cycling route through Bolbro and the surrounding sports and residential areas.Symbol of resilience and local pride
Beyond its visual appeal, Bolbro Vartegn carries a strong symbolic meaning. It stands for the resilience of a city that lost a defining structure in wartime and later chose to honor that loss with a new, accessible landmark. The reconstructed outline pays homage without nostalgia, acknowledging the trauma of destruction while celebrating continuity. For locals, the tower helps anchor Bolbro’s identity within Odense, signaling the district’s history and its role in the wider story of the city. For visitors, it offers a compact window into that story: a place where a simple steel form, a modest hill and a few lines of history come together to evoke one of Denmark’s great vanished monuments.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
0.3 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.4 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
TheDoorOdense
1.6 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
visit
2.4 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
2.6 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
2.6 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
2.7 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
2.7 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Det gamle vandtårn
3.7 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Sortehusene
8.6 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
8.9 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
12.6 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
The Glavendrup Stone
13.3 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Rolfshøj
15.2 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
The Japanese Gardens
19.1 km
Experience authentic Japanese landscape artistry in the heart of Funen with tranquil gardens, koi-filled ponds, and a traditional tea pavilion in scenic Broby.
Unmissable attractions to see
Richard Møller Nielsens Plads
0.3 km
A modest suburban square in Odense V that quietly honours Denmark’s Euro 1992 coach beside the city’s main football stadium complex.
Skjoldsparken bålsted 1
0.8 km
Community sports park in Odense's spirited western neighbourhood, where local pride and Nordic heritage meet recreational opportunity.
Kvægtorvet
1.7 km
A former cattle market turned national broadcast hub, Kvægtorvet quietly links Odense’s industrial past with Denmark’s modern media present.
Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum
1.8 km
Compact military museum in Odense’s former barracks, tracing 400 years of Funen’s soldiers, resistance and overseas missions through objects, stories and uniforms.
Gerthasminde
1.9 km
A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
Odense Dyrskueplads
1.9 km
Odense’s flexible fairground, where quiet open fields transform into bustling arenas for Det Fynske Dyrskue, major concerts and large outdoor events.
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
2.1 km
A monumental Hermes of granite and water marks the gateway to Odense’s main shopping street, weaving myth, Viking history and urban everyday life into one sculpture.
Pantheonsfrisen
2.1 km
A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.
Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
2.1 km
A historic woollen mill turned vibrant cultural quarter, where art, film, shopping and café life fill atmospheric brick courtyards in the heart of Odense.
Brandts
2.1 km
Funen’s flagship art museum in a historic woollen mill complex, blending Danish masterpieces, contemporary exhibitions, family-friendly creativity and café life on Amphi Square.
Tidens Samling
2.1 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Funen Opera
2.1 km
An intimate Danish chamber opera beside Odense’s parkland, where classic works and bold new productions unfold just a few metres from your seat.
The Sea Horse
2.2 km
A powerful Andersen-inspired sea horse and mermaid burst from the Odense River, marking a poetic gateway between city streets and leafy Munke Mose park.
Munke Mose
2.2 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
The Darning Needle
2.4 km
A provocative Hans Christian Andersen–inspired granite sculpture on Odense’s main shopping street, where a simple needle becomes a playful, ambiguous urban conversation.
Essential places to dine
Pinsame Odense ApS
1.7 km
Roman-style pinsa in an unfussy Odense neighborhood setting, serving long-fermented, crisp-yet-airy bases with both classic and creative toppings for dine-in or takeaway.
I Pupi Siciliani
2.0 km
Intimate Sicilian restaurant in central Odense, serving seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta and robust southern Italian flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant Flammen - Odense
2.1 km
Big-flavour grill buffet, glowing open kitchen and family-friendly feasts in the heart of Odense’s bustling Kongensgade.
GOMA
2.1 km
Refined omakase-inspired Japanese dining in the heart of Odense, blending Nordic ingredients, meticulous sushi and crafted drinks in an intimate urban setting.
Restaurant HOS
2.1 km
Intimate Nordic dining in central Odense, serving elevated smørrebrød by day and seasonal set menus by night in a calm, minimalist setting on lively Kongensgade.
Bone's Odense
2.2 km
Family-friendly American barbecue in the heart of Odense, with saloon-style interiors, slow-cooked ribs, salad and soft-ice bar, and space for relaxed group dinners.
Pasfall
2.2 km
Refined French-inspired fine dining in Odense’s atmospheric Brandts Passage, where seasonal Nordic ingredients, precise cooking and relaxed elegance turn meals into occasions.
Kong Volmer Odense
2.2 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Mona Lisa
2.2 km
Cozy Italian trattoria tucked into Odense’s artsy Brandts Passage, serving generous pastas, crisp pizzas and classic antipasti in a warm, candlelit setting.
KÖZ Resturant
2.2 km
Authentic Turkish grilling and traditional cuisine in Odense's vibrant city center.
Mitchell's Odense
2.2 km
Denmark's only British gastro pub, serving authentic carvery and craft beverages in warm, family-friendly surroundings.
Café Cuckoo's Nest
2.2 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Eydes Gastro Pub
2.2 km
All-day brunch, hearty pub dishes and a full bar in a cosy, central Odense gastro pub with both snug corners and lively street-side seating.
Restaurant Værdsat
2.2 km
Informal Scandinavian gourmet in central Odense, where seasonal Funen produce, playful menus and a warm neighborhood atmosphere meet from lunch until late.
Marcello's
2.2 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tarup Center
1.8 km
Everyday Odense under one roof: a compact, light-rail-connected mall for easy groceries, casual shopping and relaxed family time in the Tarup district.
Bohemian Wonders
1.9 km
Odense’s intimate vintage and boho boutique, blending handpicked pre-2000 treasures, colorful slow-fashion pieces and home accessories in a cozy, conscious showroom.
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
2.1 km
A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
2.2 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Underground
2.2 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Faraos Cigarer
2.3 km
A vast 600 m² universe of comics, games, miniatures and cosplay, Faraos Cigarer Odense is the city’s colourful hub for Nordic geek culture and tabletop fun.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
2.3 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Bog & idé - Odense C
2.3 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Friluftsland
2.4 km
Compact outdoor specialist shop in central Odense, offering quality gear, expert advice and hands-on testing for everything from city showers to Nordic trekking.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
2.4 km
Central Odense lingerie and swimwear boutique offering feminine designs, expert bra fitting help and relaxed browsing right on the city’s main shopping street.
All About Kids
2.4 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Dr. Adams
2.4 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Moby Disc
2.5 km
Odense’s long-standing record shop, where forty thousand-plus vinyl and CD titles, cozy aisles and music-savvy staff keep the spirit of crate-digging alive.
Summerbird
2.5 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
2.5 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar Rar Ltd.
2.0 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Pianobar odense
2.1 km
Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
Den Røde Bar
2.1 km
A cozy, crimson-toned bar inside Teater Momentum, serving relaxed drinks, local Arnbitter cocktails and cultural vibes in the heart of Odense’s creative scene.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
2.1 km
Closed but not forgotten, this basement bar once turned central Odense into a roaring Alpine lodge of big steins, table dancing and unapologetic après-ski energy.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
2.2 km
Smoky, old-school Danish pub energy in the heart of Odense’s main shopping street, with cheap beers, loud nights and a lived-in, brown-bar charm.
Viggos
2.2 km
Lively, wallet-friendly brown bar in central Odense, pouring cold draft beer, simple pub food and long, sociable nights for students, locals and night owls.
The Boat House
2.2 km
A cozy, spirits-focused bar in central Odense, famed for its extensive whisky shelves, creative cocktails and laid-back themed evenings in soft, lounge-like surroundings.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
2.3 km
Basement tequila shots, loud beats and a young crowd turn this Odense city‑centre bar into a compact late‑night party zone on weekend nights.
Proud Mary Odense
2.3 km
Big, boisterous and central, Proud Mary Pub Odense turns a former arcade into a vast English-style party pub with sports screens, cocktails and dancing till late.
Christian Firtal
2.3 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
James Dean Bar
2.3 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
The Old Irish Pub
2.3 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Tingstedet
2.4 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Lalou Vinbar
2.4 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Grand Bar & Lounge
2.4 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
1.9 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dansebar Odense
2.4 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
2.6 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
2.9 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
7.3 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Muzirkus
28.7 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
29.4 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
40.8 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
41.7 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Ærø Golf Klub
48.1 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
48.7 km
Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.
Vinkapellet Samsø
49.8 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Samsø Island Distillery
51.2 km
Experience authentic Danish craftsmanship at Samsø Island Distillery, where local botanicals and sustainable practices fuse to create distinctive gin and aquavit on scenic Samsø.
Ræven
51.3 km
Island spirit and Danish hospitality await at Ræven, Samsø—a cozy neighborhood bar with local brews, lively evenings, and a real taste of authentic island life.
Garagen
52.1 km
Garagen is Samsø’s beloved island bar, famed for live music, a rustic woodland setting, and its welcoming, laid-back vibe—a true hub for locals and travelers alike.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
