Kulturbotanisk Have
A 10-hectare sanctuary of 13,000 plant species, where botanical education meets peaceful contemplation.
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
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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.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cultural-botanical Garden
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
2.6 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
2.7 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
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.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
2.7 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
visit
2.9 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
4.2 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Odense Dyrskueplads
4.7 km
Experience the cultural heartbeat of Funen at Odense Dyrskueplads, a premier venue for festivals, fairs, and community events in Odense.
Richard Møller Nielsens Plads
5.0 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)
5.0 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
5.3 km
A bold neighbourhood landmark celebrating Bolbro's vibrant community identity in western Odense.
TheDoorOdense
5.6 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Det gamle vandtårn
5.6 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Sortehusene
6.3 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
7.1 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
8.3 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
1.7 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.
Bunkermuseum Of Odense
2.1 km
Step into a fully preserved Cold War command bunker beneath Odense and explore an atmospheric maze of control rooms, exhibits and civil defence history.
Go monkey odense
2.2 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.
Møntergården
2.3 km
A pocket-sized historic quarter where cobbled courtyards, timbered houses and multimedia galleries bring the story of Odense and Funen vividly to life.
Museum Odense
2.3 km
An intimate city museum in Odense’s old town, blending Viking stories, historic homes and hands-on family exhibits across courtyards and centuries.
Kramboden i Odense
2.3 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.
Andersen on the bench
2.4 km
Share a bronze bench with Hans Christian Andersen himself in the heart of Odense’s fairy-tale district, where the city’s stories slip quietly into everyday life.
Klods Hans billedevæg
2.4 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.
Washing Site at Odense River
2.4 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.
Blackfriars Square
2.4 km
Cobblestoned Blackfriars Square blends medieval streets, colourful timber houses and a bustling twice‑weekly market in the historic heart of Hans Christian Andersen’s Odense.
Odense Comediehuus
2.4 km
On Sortebrødre Torv, the lost Odense Comediehuus lives on in stories of young H.C. Andersen, vanished footlights and a square that still hums with everyday drama.
Carl Nielsen Museum
2.4 km
Compact yet richly layered museum in Odense’s musical quarter, tracing Carl Nielsen’s life, music and partnership with sculptor Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
2.5 km
A towering black‑and‑white portrait of Hans Christian Andersen on a quiet Odense gable, where fairytale heritage meets contemporary street art in the old town.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
2.5 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.
St. Alban's Church
2.5 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Aro
1.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Banjo's
2.0 km
Unpretentious Odense grillbar serving classic Danish smørrebrød, hotdogs, burgers and ribbensteg in a casual, everyday setting on Sandhusvej.
Vår
2.3 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.
Grønttorvet
2.4 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.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
2.4 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.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
2.5 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
2.5 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
2.5 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Ryan's of Odense
2.6 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.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
2.6 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Den Lille Smalle
2.6 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
Restaurant Bacchus
2.6 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Brasserie Bordeaux
2.7 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
2.7 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
Restaurant Ribelli
2.7 km
Inventive Italian fine dining with a Funen twist, served in an intimate, design-conscious dining room in the historic heart of Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
1.4 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
Butik Pulvis
1.5 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Den Lille Vandal
1.5 km
A cosy Odense shelf market where local families trade gently used children’s clothes, toys and gear, blending everyday practicality with a sustainable, community feel.
Det Gamle Apotek POP UP - Rosengårdcentret
1.8 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
1.8 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
GenbrugsHallerne
2.1 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.
Look At This
2.1 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Baggårdsbutikken
2.2 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
2.2 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
Reden Op Shop
2.3 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
2.4 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
House of Amber Odense
2.5 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
2.5 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
Klods Hans
2.5 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
2.5 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
1.9 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Den Lille Kro Odense
2.1 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.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
2.3 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
2.3 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
2.3 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
2.3 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.
Lørups Vinstue
2.4 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.
Ungarsk Vinstue
2.4 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Sir Club
2.6 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
June Bar
2.8 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Den Brølende And
2.8 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
2.8 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
2.8 km
Urban craft beer sanctuary on Odense’s Gråbrødre Plads, pouring rotating specialty brews, free popcorn and laid-back good times from afternoon until late night.
Carlsens Kvarter
2.8 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
Champagniet
2.8 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Nature Reserve
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly