Kongens Have (King’s Garden), Odense
Odense’s historic royal garden: a baroque-era green gateway where castle views, sculptures and summer concerts meet everyday city life.
Kongens Have in Odense is the city’s oldest and most elegant park, laid out as a baroque garden in the 1720s next to Odense Castle. Today this central green space is a gracious urban living room, linking the railway area, city centre and harbour with lawns for picnics, formal tree-lined avenues and scattered sculptures, including a bronze of King Frederik VII. In summer the garden doubles as an open-air cultural stage, hosting concerts, theatre and festivals beneath the canopy of old trees.
A brief summary to King's Garden
- Jernbanegade, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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
- Bring a blanket and use the large lawns for a picnic; there is no entrance fee, so it is an easy, budget-friendly pause during city sightseeing.
- Look out for the equestrian statue of King Frederik VII and the modern sound sculpture of nine domes to get a sense of the park’s layered history.
- Check local cultural listings in summer, as the garden often hosts free or ticketed open-air concerts and theatre events.
- Visit early in the morning or around sunset for softer light and quieter paths, ideal for photography of the castle and avenues.
- In cooler months, dress warmly; the open lawns can feel breezy even when nearby streets are more sheltered.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Odense Banegård Center
Arrive by regional or intercity train to Odense Banegård Center, the main railway hub for Funen. From the station area, Kongens Have lies directly adjacent on the city-centre side and can be reached on foot in about 5–10 minutes along level, paved surfaces suitable for luggage and prams. Standard second-class fares from major Danish cities to Odense typically range from about 120–350 DKK one way, depending on distance, time and ticket type.
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City bus within Odense
Several city bus lines stop near the railway station and surrounding streets, within a 5–10 minute walk of the garden. Travel time from most neighbourhoods in Odense to the central area is usually 10–25 minutes, varying with traffic and route. Single tickets bought on board or via local ticketing apps generally cost around 20–30 DKK per adult within the city zones. Buses are low-floor, but check for temporary diversions during roadworks or major events in the park.
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Bicycle access using Odense’s cycle network
Odense is well known for its cycling infrastructure, and Kongens Have is easily reached by bike from most central districts in roughly 5–20 minutes. Dedicated cycle lanes lead toward the station and city centre, and there are places to lock a bicycle on streets bordering the garden. This option is free apart from any bike rental, which typically ranges from about 80–150 DKK per day from local rental shops. Surfaces are mostly flat, making it an accessible choice for many riders.
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Car or taxi to central Odense
Drivers can follow main approach roads into central Odense and use nearby public car parks within walking distance of the garden, with typical parking fees in central zones ranging from about 12–25 DKK per hour, depending on time and location. Travel time from surrounding towns on Funen is often 20–45 minutes, and longer from other regions of Denmark. Taxis can drop passengers close to the park’s perimeter; fares within the city commonly start around 50–70 DKK plus a per‑kilometre rate, rising for longer journeys.
King's Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about King's Garden
Baroque origins beside Odense Castle
Kongens Have, or the King’s Garden, was laid out in the 1720s as a formal baroque garden adjoining Odense Castle, following a design by architect Johann Cornelius Krieger. The close relationship between castle and grounds still shapes the atmosphere: the garden feels like a stately forecourt where the town meets the former royal residence. While the planting has changed over the centuries, this origin gives the park its dignified structure and sense of ceremony. The central location is remarkable. Few cities can boast a historic castle and royal garden right in the middle of town, and in Odense this ensemble forms an elegant green gateway. Paths lead naturally toward the station area, the pedestrian streets and, further on, the redeveloped harbour, making the garden both a place to linger and a natural thoroughfare.Historic layout with living traces of the past
Although storms, changing fashions and tree diseases have reshaped the beds and plantings, traces of the original baroque plan are still visible. Long, straight avenues frame axial views, while clipped hedges and orderly rows of trees hint at the once strictly geometric design. These lines lend the garden a quiet rhythm that contrasts with the surrounding city streets. Scattered across the lawns and along the paths are artworks from different periods, turning a simple stroll into an informal sculpture walk. Among the most notable pieces is the bronze equestrian statue of King Frederik VII from 1868, which adds a distinctly royal accent to the park’s open spaces. Modern works, including a sound sculpture made of nine semi-circular domes from the 1990s, introduce playful, contemporary notes into the historic setting.A green stage for Odense’s cultural life
Kongens Have is not just a backdrop; it functions as an outdoor living room for the city. The broad lawns invite impromptu picnics, children’s games and relaxed sunbathing on bright days. Mature trees provide shelter and shady spots, making the garden attractive in both high summer and the shoulder seasons. In the warmer months the park transforms into a cultural arena. Open-air concerts, jazz evenings and larger festivals bring professional sound stages and lighting into the greenery, drawing audiences who sit on blankets or folding chairs under the trees. Theatre performances and other events also use the garden as a scenic setting, taking advantage of the castle silhouette and historic avenues to create a uniquely Odense atmosphere.Everyday rhythms and city connections
Beyond big events, much of the garden’s charm lies in its daily rhythms. Office workers cut through on their way to and from meetings, parents push prams along the gravel paths, and students pause with coffee on benches that dot the main routes. The park’s openness and generous sightlines make it feel safe and welcoming at most hours of the day. Because Kongens Have sits between the central station complex, the compact city centre and the route toward the harbour, it also serves as an important green connector. This role as both park and passage keeps it lively without overwhelming the sense of calm. Seasonal changes add variety: spring blossoms and fresh leaves, dense summer shade, autumn colours and clear winter views of the castle façade.Art, sound and subtle sensory details
Look and listen closely and the garden reveals layers of detail. The sculptures invite different readings, from the more traditional statuary to abstract pieces that respond to light and movement. The sound sculpture of nine half-domes is particularly intriguing, emitting tones and echoes that mingle with birdsong, distant traffic and, on concert days, amplified music. Gravel underfoot, clipped hedges along some paths and expanses of closely cut grass together create varied textures. On breezy days the canopy shivers and the framed views toward the castle and nearby streets shift in the moving leaves. Even without entering any building or paying a fee, spending time in this garden offers a compact lesson in Danish urban history, landscape design and the way a royal space can gradually become a shared civic asset.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.1 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
0.2 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.
visit
0.4 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
0.5 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.6 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.”
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.4 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.2 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
2.8 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Det gamle vandtårn
4.3 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
4.6 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
6.8 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.
8.8 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
10.7 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
13.5 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Rolfshøj
13.6 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Odense Castle
0.1 km
Step into Denmark’s Gothic heart at Odense Cathedral—site of St. Canute’s martyrdom, renowned Renaissance art, and centuries of royal and religious history.
Danaë
0.1 km
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.
Saint Hans Church
0.2 km
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.
The City's Bridge
0.2 km
Stunning coastal headland at Funen’s northern tip, offering wild landscapes, panoramic sea views, rare birdlife, and serene walking trails in a pristine Danish nature reserve.
Banegårdspladsen
0.2 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
H. C. Andersens House
0.4 km
An immersive museum in Odense where architecture, garden and multimedia exhibitions draw you deep into the imaginative world of Hans Christian Andersen.
VILLE VAU
0.4 km
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.
Carl Nielsen Museum
0.4 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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.4 km
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.
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
0.4 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.
Blackfriars Square
0.4 km
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.
Vægmaleri
0.4 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
0.4 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.
Andersen on the bench
0.5 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.
Essential places to dine
Giraffen
0.2 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Brasserie Bordeaux
0.2 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving elegant comfort food, brunch and Bordeaux-friendly dishes from morning coffee to late-night drinks.
Restaurant Mam
0.2 km
Intimate French-inspired dining in central Odense, where seasonal Danish ingredients, local culinary heritage and thoughtful service come together over unhurried dinners.
Bar Tapas
0.2 km
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.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
0.3 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Restaurant Ribelli
0.3 km
Inventive Italian fine dining with a Funen twist, served in an intimate, design-conscious dining room in the historic heart of Odense.
Grand's Fiskerestaurant
0.3 km
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.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
0.3 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Ryan's of Odense
0.4 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.
Kok & Vin
0.4 km
Intimate French-inspired bistro in historic central Odense, pairing seasonal Nordic produce with thoughtful wines in a warm, candlelit setting.
Bone's Odense
0.4 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.
UBN
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
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.
Restaurant HOS
0.4 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.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
0.4 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Living Nice / Café Kleist
0.3 km
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.
Klods Hans
0.3 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Faraos Cigarer
0.4 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.
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
0.4 km
A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
House of Amber Odense
0.4 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Aunt Green ApS
0.4 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.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.4 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
0.5 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Friluftsland
0.5 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.
Magasin Odense
0.5 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.5 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.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
0.5 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
0.5 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.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
0.5 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Dr. Adams
0.6 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sir Club
0.2 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.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.3 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Viggos
0.4 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.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
0.4 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.
Pianobar odense
0.4 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.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
0.4 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.
June Bar
0.4 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
The Boat House
0.4 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.
Bar Rar Ltd.
0.5 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Lørups Vinstue
0.5 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.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.5 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.
Christian Firtal
0.5 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
The Old Irish Pub
0.5 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Champagniet
0.5 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
0.6 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Romantic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Mindfulness
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
