Odense Bunkermuseum
Descend into a sealed Cold War command bunker frozen in time since 2008.
Step into a fully preserved 450-square-meter nuclear bunker built in 1953–54 that served as Odense Municipality's Cold War command center. This authentic underground facility, now a meticulously restored museum, houses original artifacts, period furnishings, and three distinct exhibitions exploring civil defense, the Eastern threat, and police operations during the Cold War era. Guided tours, included with admission, bring the bunker's history to life through knowledgeable volunteer guides.
A brief summary to Bunkermuseum Of Odense
- Kragsbjergvej 99, Odense Municipality, Odense M, 5230, DK
- +4550590599
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Arrive at least 2 hours before closing time to allow sufficient duration for the full guided tour, which typically lasts 90 minutes to 2.5 hours.
- The bunker is located beneath the Danhostel youth hostel; look for the bunker entrance on the right side of the hostel building near a phone booth.
- Children aged 0–9 years receive free admission; youth aged 10–16 years pay a reduced rate. Payment is cash or bank card.
- Guided tours depart at 11:00 and 14:00 (2:00 PM) and are included in the admission fee; no additional charge for the tour.
- The museum is closed December through Friday; visit on Saturday or Sunday only. Packed lunch is permitted inside the bunker.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Taxi from Odense City Center
Taxi service from central Odense to the bunker takes approximately 10–15 minutes and costs around 150–200 DKK. Drivers know the location better by the name Danhostel (the youth hostel above the bunker) than by Bunkermuseum. Odense Taxa accepts VISA and MasterCard.
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Walking from City Center
A scenic walk of approximately 2.6 kilometers from central Odense takes 25–35 minutes through residential neighborhoods. The route is flat and suitable for most fitness levels. Follow signs toward Kragsbjergvej; the bunker entrance is located on the right side of the Danhostel building.
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Car with Parking
Driving from central Odense takes 5–10 minutes. Free parking is available at the Danhostel site adjacent to the bunker entrance. GPS coordinates: 55.385, 10.407. The address is Kragsbjergvej 99, 5230 Odense M.
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Public Bus
Local bus services operate from central Odense to the residential area near Kragsbjergvej. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on route and traffic. Check Odense public transport schedules for current routes and frequencies serving the Kragsbjergvej area.
Bunkermuseum Of Odense location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Bunkermuseum Of Odense
A Fortress Beneath the Suburbs
Hidden beneath a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Odense lies one of Denmark's most remarkable Cold War relics: a 450-square-meter nuclear bunker designed to withstand a Hiroshima-class atomic strike. Built in 1953–54, this underground command center served as the operational headquarters for Odense Municipality during the height of Cold War tensions. The bunker remained active until 2007, when it was finally decommissioned and left largely untouched. Today, preserved exactly as it was abandoned in 2008, it stands as a tangible window into a pivotal moment in European history.Engineering for Survival
The bunker's construction reflects the existential anxiety of the 1950s. Designed to accommodate approximately 30–35 key municipal employees, it was engineered as a self-contained survival capsule capable of remaining completely sealed for an entire month. The facility featured its own electricity generation, water supply, and food reserves—everything necessary for leadership to maintain civil order in the aftermath of nuclear catastrophe. The thick concrete walls, reinforced doors, and sophisticated ventilation systems all testify to the seriousness with which Danish authorities approached the prospect of atomic warfare.Authentic Exhibitions and Cold War Artifacts
The museum's strength lies in its authenticity. Rather than relocating exhibits to a modern gallery space, the bunker itself becomes the exhibition. Original furnishings, communication equipment, filing systems, and administrative records remain in place, allowing visitors to experience the bunker much as it functioned during the Cold War. Three distinct thematic exhibitions explore different dimensions of the era: civil defense preparations, the perceived threat from Eastern Europe, and the role of law enforcement in wartime scenarios. The collection includes uniforms, documents, and equipment from both Danish and East German sources, providing a multifaceted perspective on Cold War ideology and preparedness.The Guided Experience
Visits are conducted as guided tours, included in the admission price, typically lasting 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on group size and guide engagement. The volunteer guides—passionate historians and Cold War enthusiasts—transform the bunker from a static museum into a living narrative. Their detailed knowledge of daily life during the Cold War, combined with their ability to contextualize the artifacts and spaces, elevates the experience beyond simple sightseeing. Many visitors note that the quality of the guide significantly enhances understanding and emotional connection to the period.Atmosphere and Historical Immersion
Stepping into the bunker is a disorienting experience. The narrow corridors, dim lighting, and cramped office spaces create an immediate sense of claustrophobia and tension. Time appears frozen: typewriters sit on desks, maps hang on walls, and the sparse furnishings evoke the austere functionality of 1950s institutional design. This temporal suspension is intentional and powerful—visitors consistently report feeling transported to another era, with the bunker's physical reality making abstract Cold War anxieties suddenly tangible and personal.A Hidden Gem for History Enthusiasts
The Odense Bunkermuseum occupies a unique position in Denmark's museum landscape. Unlike larger, more heavily promoted institutions, it remains relatively undiscovered by casual tourists, preserving an intimate atmosphere. It appeals strongly to history buffs, Cold War researchers, and those interested in civil defense infrastructure, but also engages general visitors through its compelling narrative and immersive setting. The museum's modest scale—explorable in roughly one to two hours—makes it an ideal complement to other Odense attractions rather than a full-day destination.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
1.5 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.”
Oceania
1.7 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
1.9 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
2.2 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
2.2 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.
Fredens Kirke
3.2 km
Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
3.3 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Det gamle vandtårn
3.5 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Richard Møller Nielsens Plads
3.8 km
Copenhagen’s Jægersborggade is a vibrant hub for coffee lovers, foodies, and creatives, blending artisan shops, eco-eats, and street art in Nørrebro’s heart.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
3.8 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Bolbro vartegn
3.9 km
A bold neighbourhood landmark celebrating Bolbro's vibrant community identity in western Odense.
TheDoorOdense
4.8 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
6.8 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
8.0 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
8.7 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rosengårdcentret
1.2 km
Funen’s largest shopping centre, blending over 150 stores, 25 eateries and a cinema into a bright, weather-proof hub for everyday errands and relaxed days out.
Go monkey odense
1.3 km
Tree‑top ziplines, bouncing net universes and nerve‑testing free‑falls bring forest‑style adventure to the edge of urban Odense at GoMonkey’s outdoor climbing park.
Eventyrhaven
1.5 km
Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Washing Site at Odense River
1.5 km
A modest riverside platform where washerwomen toiled, the Washing Site at Odense River quietly preserves the everyday world that shaped Hans Christian Andersen’s childhood.
Klokkedybet
1.5 km
A quiet, story-rich bend of Odense River where legends of a sunken bell and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale imagination deepen an otherwise modest city waterscape.
Klods Hans billedevæg
1.5 km
A small but vibrant picture wall where Hans Christian Andersen’s bold misfit, Klods Hans, steps off the page and into the streets of historic Odense.
Munke Mose Park
1.5 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
1.6 km
Discover Thomas Dambo’s eco-friendly giant troll, Hans Hulehånd, hidden along Odense’s scenic canal—blending public art, folklore, and a touch of adventure for all ages.
Kramboden i Odense
1.6 km
Gothic grandeur and royal history meet in the heart of Odense at St. Canute's Cathedral, a landmark of spiritual and architectural significance on Funen.
Bispens lysthus
1.6 km
A tiny red timber pavilion on stilts above Odense Å, Bispens Lysthus blends riverside calm, ecclesiastical history and postcard-perfect charm in the city’s green heart.
St. Alban's Church
1.6 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
1.6 km
Step into the tiny yellow house on Munkemøllestræde where a poor shoemaker’s son began the journey to becoming the world’s great master of fairytales.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
1.6 km
A vibrant tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tales, this lively mural transforms central Odense into a colorful celebration of Denmark’s literary heritage.
Museum Odense
1.6 km
An intimate city museum in Odense’s old town, blending Viking stories, historic homes and hands-on family exhibits across courtyards and centuries.
The maiden jump
1.7 km
Walk through history at The Funen Village in Odense, where 19th-century farmsteads, gardens, and local traditions offer a full-senses journey into rural Denmark.
Essential places to dine
Vår
0.9 km
Intimate, light-filled fine dining in Odense, where a Michelin-recognized chef crafts calm, seasonal tasting menus rooted in local Funen produce and thoughtful wine.
Restaurant Knudsens Gaard
0.9 km
Refined Danish cuisine in a half-timbered hotel farmhouse, where seasonal Funen produce meets candlelit country-house ambience on Odense’s tranquil south side.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
1.7 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
Grønttorvet
1.7 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
1.7 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
Restaurant Bacchus
1.7 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Den Lille Smalle
1.7 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
1.7 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
Druen & Bønnen
1.7 km
Cosy Danish–French bistro and café in the heart of Odense, serving comforting classics, plant‑friendly dishes and relaxed all‑day meals on lively Vestergade.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
1.7 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
1.8 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Ryan's of Odense
1.8 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
UBN
1.8 km
Lively city-centre brasserie in historic Odense, serving seasonal comfort food and stone-oven pizzas alongside a serious cocktail bar with 300+ spirits.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
1.8 km
A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
Restaurant Madklubben Odense
1.8 km
Big-hearted, central Odense brasserie serving modern seasonal comfort food in iconic premises, with space for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
GenbrugsHallerne
1.1 km
A vast indoor thrift hall in Odense where hundreds of private stalls turn second-hand shopping into an urban treasure hunt of everyday finds and quirky curios.
Det Gamle Apotek POP UP - Rosengårdcentret
1.2 km
A cosy Det Gamle Apotek pop-up in Rosengårdcentret, filling Odense’s biggest mall with Danish Christmas charm, nostalgic décor and atmospheric Scandinavian hygge.
aneBane
1.3 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
Reden Op Shop
1.6 km
Small, stylish second-hand boutique in central Odense where quality women’s fashion, community spirit and social impact come together on one friendly shop floor.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
1.7 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Moby Disc
1.7 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.
All About Kids
1.7 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Summerbird
1.7 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Aunt Green ApS
1.7 km
A long-loved, family-run yarn universe on Odense’s main pedestrian street, where colour, fibre and Scandinavian knitting traditions come together in one cosy shop.
Dr. Adams
1.7 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
House of Amber Odense
1.7 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Magasin Odense
1.7 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
1.8 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
1.8 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Look At This
1.8 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Lille Kro Odense
1.0 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
Carlsens Kvarter
1.4 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
1.6 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
The Flower and the Bee
1.6 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Rabalder Bar Odense
1.6 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
Kick Off - Sportspub
1.6 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Den Brølende And
1.7 km
Odense’s roaring dance basement where karaoke Thursdays, sing-along party hits and shared buckets of cocktails fuel carefree, late-night dancing on tables.
City Club
1.7 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Lørups Vinstue
1.7 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
No Stress Odense
1.7 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
Champagniet
1.8 km
Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
Lalou Vinbar
1.8 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
June Bar
1.8 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Tingstedet
1.8 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Proud Mary Odense
1.8 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BUTCHERS Odense
1.6 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.
Dansebar Odense
1.8 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
1.8 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
2.5 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
3.6 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
24.8 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
25.5 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
38.5 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
45.5 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
48.0 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
48.6 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
49.6 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
51.1 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
51.2 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
51.9 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
- Unique
- Adventurous
- Zen
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Industrial Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access