Best Landmarks near Kongsdal Åben Have

The Glavendrup Stone is Denmark's most significant runic monument, featuring 210 runes carved into its surface—the longest runic inscription ever found in the country. Dating to the early 10th century, this Viking-era stone was commissioned by Ragnhild to honor her husband Alle, a priest and chieftain. Positioned at the end of a 60-meter stone ship formation with nine burial sites, the stone carries an invocation to Thor and ends with a protective curse. Located in a serene grove near Skamby on Funen island, it stands as a remarkable window into Norse spiritual beliefs and Viking craftsmanship.

Bolbro Vartegn is a striking public landmark in the Bolbro neighbourhood of western Odense, Denmark. Consisting of large-scale letters spelling out the district's name, this modern sign has become an iconic symbol of community identity in this historically significant suburban area. Located on Middelfartvej, the landmark reflects Bolbro's transformation and serves as a gathering point for residents and visitors exploring this vibrant neighbourhood.

Tucked beside Odense Stadion, the EM 1992 statue of legendary Danish coach Richard Møller Nielsen is a compact yet powerful tribute to Denmark’s greatest football fairy tale. Here, bronze and brick mark the spot where Odense honours the local coach who led the national team to an against‑all‑odds victory at Euro 1992. It is an easy, open-air stop: a small square, a lifelike figure, and plaques that quietly tell the story of an ordinary Odense man who changed Danish sporting history.

Ny Kongevej is Odense's longest avenue lined with Japanese cherry trees, transforming into a spectacular floral display each spring. This beloved neighborhood street stretches through residential Odense C, where local residents have collectively invested in maintaining and expanding the cherry tree population. The avenue has become one of the city's most cherished seasonal attractions, drawing visitors and photographers during the brief but stunning blooming period.

A submerged bronze sculpture of Hans Christian Andersen by artist Jens Galschiøt sits in Odense Fjord, visible just below the surface near the public swimming pool. Created for an unrealized fountain project, the 3-meter figure became famous after a symbolic 2011 'burial' protest against bureaucratic delays. A reproduction now permanently occupies the harbour, embodying the whimsical defiance of one of Denmark's most unconventional public artworks.

Byens Bro is a striking 135-metre pedestrian and cycle bridge that spans 15 railway tracks at Odense Railway Station, connecting the city centre with the harbour area. Opened in May 2015 and designed by Gottlieb Paludan Architects, this architectural landmark features a distinctive 40-metre mirror-finished steel pylon and integrated bicycle parking for 1,400 bikes. The bridge provides direct access to three station platforms via lift and stairs, and creates two vibrant urban squares that serve as meeting points for commuters and visitors.

A striking bronze sculpture depicting a wild sea horse with a mermaid rider, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's play Agnete and the Merman. Located at the entrance to Munke Mose Park where the river crossing meets the green space, this powerful public artwork captures the magical spirit of Andersen's fairy tale universe. The dynamic sculpture stands as one of Odense's most iconic monuments celebrating the city's literary heritage.

Rising beside Odense’s busy railway hub and the greenery of Kongens Have, the eight‑metre sculpture “Skyggen, Rejsekammeraten og Improvisatoren” forms a striking, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen. Created in 2005 by Danish artist Bjørn Nørgaard, the work weaves together figures and motifs from Andersen’s tales into a bold, contemporary monument. With its colourful, symbolic surfaces and slightly surreal forms, this outdoor artwork invites you to pause, circle around it and slowly decode how shadow, traveller and improviser capture different sides of Denmark’s most famous storyteller.

Odense Castle is a dignified Baroque complex set in the heart of Odense, overlooking the leafy King’s Garden and a short stroll from the cathedral. Once a royal residence and administrative seat, the pale-yellow wings, neat courtyards and formal parkland offer a calm contrast to the busy city streets. While interior access is limited, the castle’s façades, gardens, sculptures and seasonal events make it a pleasant cultural pause on any walk through central Odense.

Odense Station is the main rail hub of Funen and the gateway to Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown, set on Østre Stationsvej at the northern edge of Odense’s historic center. The modern 1995 complex folds together intercity rail, regional trains, buses and the light rail, with shops and services under one roof. It is a practical, covered base for day trips across Denmark and a convenient starting point for exploring Odense on foot, by tram or by bike.