Danaë – Bronze Muse in Odense’s King’s Garden
A serene bronze heroine from Greek myth, Gerhard Henning’s Danaë reclines quietly in Odense’s King’s Garden, bridging baroque greenery and modern city life.
Tucked into a leafy corner of Odense’s Kongens Have, the bronze sculpture **Danaë** brings a touch of classical myth to this baroque city park. Created by Swedish-born sculptor Gerhard Henning and gifted to Odense by the Ny Carlsberg Foundation, the reclining female figure captures a quiet, sensual stillness amid lawns, flowerbeds and a nearby duck pond. It is a small but characterful stop, ideal to seek out as you wander between the station, Odense Castle and the surrounding gardens.
A brief summary to Danaë
- Kongenshave, Jernbanegade, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine Danaë with a wider stroll through Kongens Have, taking in the duck pond, flowerbeds and views of Odense Castle for a richer sense of place.
- Visit in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon when the bronze surface shows more depth and the garden is generally quieter.
- Walk all the way around the sculpture to appreciate Henning’s modelling from every angle; the figure is designed to be seen in the round.
- Bring a book or a coffee and use the nearby benches for a short break; the sculpture makes a calming focal point for a longer pause in the garden.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
Getting There
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On foot from Odense Banegård (central station)
From Odense’s central railway and bus station, allow about 5–10 minutes on foot to reach Kongens Have, which lies directly adjacent on the city-centre side. The route is flat and fully paved, suitable for wheelchairs, prams and luggage. As you enter the park, follow the internal paths towards the duck pond and castle side; wayfinding within the garden is intuitive and there is no admission fee.
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Local city bus to central Odense
If you are staying elsewhere in Odense, use one of the frequent city bus lines that stop at or near the central bus terminal by Odense Banegård. Typical journey times within the city are 10–25 minutes, and single tickets usually cost in the range of 20–30 DKK depending on zones and discounts. Services run throughout the day, with reduced frequency in the late evening. From the terminal it is a short, level 5–10 minute walk into Kongens Have.
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Bicycle within Odense
Odense is well known for its cycling infrastructure, and Kongens Have sits on the edge of the compact city centre. From most central neighbourhoods you can expect a 5–15 minute ride on dedicated lanes or quiet streets. Many hotels offer bike rental, and stand-alone rentals typically cost around 100–150 DKK per day. Bicycle parking racks are available near the park and station, but bikes are not allowed on the lawns, so plan to lock up at the edges before exploring the garden and sculpture on foot.
Danaë location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Danaë
Mythic figure in a Danish garden
Gerhard Henning’s bronze **Danaë** rests quietly among the trees and flowerbeds of Kongens Have, the King’s Garden, in central Odense. The sculpture depicts the princess from Greek mythology, famed for the moment when Zeus visited her in a shower of gold. Here, however, the drama is muted: Henning’s Danaë is stretched out, self-contained and calm, her curves flowing gently rather than striking a heroic pose. The intimate scale suits the garden perfectly, drawing you closer rather than shouting for attention across the lawns. Henning, Swedish-born but long active in Denmark, became known for his lyrical, sensuous treatment of the human body. In Danaë he combines classical subject matter with a distinctly Nordic softness. The bronze surface catches the shifting light from the park’s canopy, so that on bright days highlights trace the figure’s outline, while on overcast afternoons she seems to sink further into contemplation.A journey from cement to bronze
Danaë has not always looked as she does today. In 1928 the Ny Carlsberg Foundation donated an early version in metallic cement to Odense, installed first in Munke Mose and later in what is now Eventyrhaven. Wind, rain and frost gradually wore that figure down until it had to be moved indoors to the local museum. The present bronze cast, again a gift from the same foundation, arrived in 1965 and spent some years in Eventyrhaven before being relocated in 1984 to Kongens Have beside the castle. That slow migration across Odense has made Danaë a quiet thread in the city’s cultural landscape, crossing from riverside park to fairytale garden and finally to the formal royal grounds. The current bronze has aged far more gracefully than its cement predecessor: the metal has taken on a soft patina, especially in the folds and hollows, hinting at decades of Danish weather and the touch of countless curious hands.Setting among baroque lines and city life
Kongens Have itself dates back to the 1720s, originally laid out as a baroque garden for the adjacent Odense Castle. Straight avenues of trees, clipped hedges and open lawns still echo that formal geometry, even though plantings have changed over time. Today it is a green breathing space framed by the castle, the railway station and city streets, with ducks circling the pond and flowerbeds adding seasonal colour. Within this setting, Danaë occupies a more intimate corner near the water and mature trees. You glimpse her between trunks or over the curve of the pond, a human-scale counterpoint to the castle’s white façades and the long, ordered lines of the avenues. Other sculptures are dotted through the park, but Henning’s reclining figure feels particularly at ease here, half-hidden yet easy to find for those who look.Pause, detail and quiet observation
Encountering Danaë is less about spectacle and more about taking a moment to slow down. From close range you notice the modelling of the limbs, the relaxed turn of the head, and the way the figure occupies her base as if it were a bed or low couch. The bronze is smooth in places, rougher in others, bearing the marks of both artist and foundry. Benches nearby invite you to sit and share her point of view across the grass and the pond. The sounds of the city filter in—bicycle bells, train announcements, children playing—yet the immediate circle around the sculpture often feels surprisingly calm. It is an easy detour if you are already in the garden, and a rewarding one for anyone interested in twentieth-century sculpture, classical themes, or simply finding a quiet focal point for a few reflective minutes.An artful stop on a wider Odense walk
Because Kongens Have links the station area with Odense’s historic core, Danaë fits naturally into a broader wander through the city. Nearby you find the castle, theatres, churches and, a short stroll away, the clusters of sights linked to Hans Christian Andersen. In that company, Henning’s mythological heroine adds another layer to Odense’s blend of stories—this time drawn not from Danish folklore, but from the ancient Mediterranean, reimagined in bronze beneath Danish skies. Seen in this light, Danaë is both a standalone artwork and part of a sequence of sculptures scattered through Odense’s parks and riversides. Spending a little time here, you begin to notice how carefully the figure is oriented within the landscape, how the garden frames her, and how she, in turn, gives the surrounding greenery a focal point of quiet human presence.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
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A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
visit
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Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Odense St.
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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.
Oceania
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A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
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A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
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EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
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TheDoorOdense
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Det gamle vandtårn
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Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
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Sortehusene
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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.
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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
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Rolfshøj
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The Glavendrup Stone
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Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Odense Castle
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Saint Hans Church
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A medieval monastic church of red brick and quiet light, Saint Hans links Odense’s castle, sacred history and old-town charm in one compact, atmospheric stop.
King's Garden
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Odense’s historic royal garden – a formal yet welcoming green gateway of lawns, sculptures and summer concerts beside the city’s castle.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
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A bronze suitcase poised for takeoff above a shimmering fountain, this H.C. Andersen–inspired sculpture turns a small Odense square into a quiet fairytale scene.
VILLE VAU
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A playful fairy-tale universe inside H.C. Andersen’s House, where children dress up, act out stories and create their own adventures in the heart of Odense.
H. C. Andersens House
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An immersive museum in Odense where architecture, garden and multimedia exhibitions draw you deep into the imaginative world of Hans Christian Andersen.
Vægmaleri
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Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
The City's Bridge
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Odense City Hall
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Banegårdspladsen
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A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
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Blackfriars Square
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A modest cobbled square where traces of a 13th‑century monastery, a pioneering theatre and a bustling market weave Odense’s history into everyday city life.
Carl Nielsen Museum
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Odense Comediehuus
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The Darning Needle
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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
Restaurant Mam
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Bar Tapas
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Cosy Nordic-Spanish tapas in central Odense, serving a curated ten-course evening of shared plates, Spanish wines and sangria in a warm, candlelit setting.
Brasserie Bordeaux
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A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving elegant comfort food, brunch and Bordeaux-friendly dishes from morning coffee to late-night drinks.
Restaurant Ribelli
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Ambitious Italian fine dining with Funen soul, where tradition meets local innovation.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
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Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Grand's Fiskerestaurant
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Classic seafood and shellfish in the historic First Hotel Grand, where local Danish produce, seasonal menus and a refined wine list create leisurely evenings in central Odense.
Ryan's of Odense
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Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Kok & Vin
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Intimate French-inspired bistro in historic central Odense, pairing seasonal Nordic produce with thoughtful wines in a warm, candlelit setting.
UBN
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Lively city-centre brasserie in historic Odense, serving seasonal comfort food and stone-oven pizzas alongside a serious cocktail bar with 300+ spirits.
Vietnam Street Food / Restaurant Odense
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Casual Vietnamese street-food spot in central Odense, serving pho, bánh mì and noodle bowls in a bright, unfussy setting ideal for quick, flavourful meals.
Amy's Bar & Winehouse
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A cozy, social hub in central Odense renowned for its expertly chosen wines, relaxed atmosphere, and local flavor—perfect for an authentic Danish evening out.
Café Skt. Gertrud
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Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
Café Kræz
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Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
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A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
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For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Living Nice / Café Kleist
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Stylish hybrid café and design store in Odense’s Odeons Kvarter, where Scandinavian interiors meet French–Italian café indulgence in a relaxed, home-like setting.
Faraos Cigarer
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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.
Klods Hans
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Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Aunt Green ApS
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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.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
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Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
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A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
House of Amber Odense
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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
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Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Friluftsland
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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
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Central Odense lingerie and swimwear boutique offering feminine designs, expert bra fitting help and relaxed browsing right on the city’s main shopping street.
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
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A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
Dr. Adams
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Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
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Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Summerbird
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Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
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A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sir Club
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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.
Grand Bar & Lounge
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Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
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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.
June Bar
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Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
The Boat House
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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.
Viggos
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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.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
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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.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
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Pianobar odense
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Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
Christian Firtal
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Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
The Old Irish Pub
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Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Champagniet
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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
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Tingstedet
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Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Lørups Vinstue
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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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Boogie Dance Café
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Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
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Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
BUTCHERS Odense
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The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
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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
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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
26.6 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
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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
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Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
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Falkecenter Samsø ApS
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Vinkapellet Samsø
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Ærø Golf Klub
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Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Samsø Island Distillery
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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
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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
50.8 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
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For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
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For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
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For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
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- Mindfulness
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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