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Kulturbotanisk Have

A 10-hectare sanctuary of 13,000 plant species, where botanical education meets peaceful contemplation.

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Kulturbotanisk Have is a serene 10-hectare botanical garden in eastern Odense featuring over 13,000 plant species from around the world, including Denmark's largest collection of birch and fern varieties. Originally established in 1947 as an educational resource for local schools, this peaceful sanctuary now serves as both an inspiration garden for plant enthusiasts and a tranquil public park. With thematic garden rooms, diverse plantings, and accessible pathways, it offers a contemplative escape perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking respite in cultivated green spaces.

A brief summary to Cultural-botanical Garden

  • Odense, Odense SØ, 5220, DK
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as pathways can be uneven in places. The garden spans considerable ground, and you'll want to explore multiple themed areas.
  • Visit during spring or summer for the most vibrant displays of flowers and foliage, though autumn offers striking color transformations and winter reveals the structural beauty of the plantings.
  • Bring a camera or sketch pad—the thematic garden rooms and diverse plantings offer endless composition opportunities for photography and artistic documentation.
  • Check for special events and seasonal arrangements on the official Visit Odense website, as programming and access times may vary throughout the year.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to experience the garden properly, moving between different sections and pausing to appreciate the plantings without rushing.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    From Odense city center, take bus routes 21, 22, or 23 toward the eastern districts. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic and exact starting point. The garden is located in the Odense SØ borough; request the stop nearest Kulturbotanisk Have or consult the local transport app for real-time schedules. Single journey tickets cost approximately 24–30 DKK. Service runs regularly throughout the day with reduced frequency in early morning and late evening.

  • Bicycle

    Odense is highly cycle-friendly with dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. From the city center, cycling to Kulturbotanisk Have takes approximately 15–25 minutes depending on your route and pace. The garden is accessible via the regional cycling network. Bike parking is available at the entrance. This is an excellent option for fair-weather visits and allows flexible exploration of surrounding neighborhoods.

  • Car with Parking

    Drive to the garden's location in Odense SØ (postal code 5220). Parking is available on-site or in nearby streets; confirm current parking availability and any fees through the official Visit Odense website, as arrangements may change seasonally. Journey time from the city center is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions and your starting point.

  • Walking from Nearby Neighborhoods

    If staying in the surrounding residential areas of Odense SØ, the garden is accessible on foot. Walking routes vary in length from 20–45 minutes depending on your starting location. The neighborhood is relatively flat and pedestrian-friendly, though you should wear comfortable shoes suitable for longer distances and check weather conditions before departing.

Cultural-botanical Garden location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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A Garden Born from Educational Vision

Kulturbotanisk Have was established in 1947 with a specific purpose: to provide Odense's schools with a living botanical resource for teaching. What began as a practical educational tool has evolved into one of Denmark's most significant horticultural collections, spanning 10 hectares of carefully curated plantings. The garden's dual identity—both classroom and sanctuary—remains central to its character, welcoming school groups alongside leisure visitors who come to experience its botanical diversity.

Botanical Richness and Plant Collections

The garden houses more than 13,000 different plant species sourced from around the world, representing an extraordinary range of climates and ecosystems. Among its most notable features is Denmark's largest collection of birch and fern plants, making it a destination of particular interest to botanists and horticulturists. Visitors encounter tropical specimens alongside temperate varieties, perennials in various stages of growth, and thematic plantings designed to showcase different botanical families and growing conditions. This diversity ensures that the garden offers visual and educational interest throughout the year, with each season revealing different aspects of the collection.

Sensory Garden Rooms and Landscape Design

Rather than a single unified space, Kulturbotanisk Have is organized into distinct garden rooms and thematic circles, each designed to engage the senses and create intimate experiences within the larger landscape. These carefully planned sections guide visitors through different planting schemes and horticultural approaches, from formal display gardens to naturalistic plantings. The layout encourages exploration and discovery, allowing visitors to move between contrasting environments and appreciate how plants interact with their surroundings. Seating areas—both open and sheltered—are distributed throughout, inviting contemplation and rest.

Accessibility and Inclusive Design

The garden is fully wheelchair accessible, with well-maintained pathways accommodating visitors of varying mobility levels. Multiple seating areas, both covered and open-air, provide rest stops for those who need them. The thoughtful infrastructure makes the garden welcoming to families with young children, elderly visitors, and anyone seeking a comfortable outdoor experience. Information boards throughout the garden provide context about plantings and horticultural practices, enhancing understanding for those interested in botanical education.

Seasonal Transformations and Visitor Experience

The garden's character shifts dramatically across the seasons. Spring brings fresh growth and flowering displays; summer offers lush greenery and full canopies; autumn transforms the landscape with warm tones and changing foliage; and winter reveals the structural beauty of bare branches and evergreen forms. Many visitors report that spring and summer are particularly striking, with abundant blooms and vibrant colors, though the garden maintains its appeal year-round. The presence of a serene river adds to the tranquil atmosphere, creating a sense of escape from urban surroundings despite the garden's location within Odense.

Educational and Recreational Functions

Beyond its role as a public park, Kulturbotanisk Have continues to serve kindergartens and schools as an outdoor classroom, where children can learn about plants, ecology, and natural systems through direct observation. This educational mission coexists seamlessly with recreational use, allowing casual visitors to enjoy the space while formal groups conduct lessons. The garden's multifaceted purpose—inspiration garden, teaching resource, and peaceful retreat—reflects its enduring commitment to making botanical knowledge and natural beauty accessible to the community.

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