Kvægtorvet & TV 2 Denmark Headquarters, Odense
A former cattle market turned national broadcast hub, Kvægtorvet quietly links Odense’s industrial past with Denmark’s modern media present.
Kvægtorvet in central Odense is a former cattle market reborn as a contemporary media estate, best known today as the headquarters of the Danish national broadcaster TV 2. Tucked just north of the historic centre and close to the main station, the complex blends industrial heritage with modern offices and studios. While it is not a classic visitor attraction, its courtyard, façades and buzzing surroundings offer a glimpse into Denmark’s media landscape and Odense’s transition from trading town to modern city.
A brief summary to Kvægtorvet
- Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a quick look at Kvægtorvet with a visit to the nearby Danish Railway Museum to appreciate how transport and media shape this part of Odense.
- Visit during daylight hours for easier orientation and clearer views of the buildings, rail lines and the transition into the historic centre.
- Stay on public paths and open squares; studios and offices are working spaces with restricted access even when the area feels quiet.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
On foot from Odense Station
From Odense’s main railway station, Kvægtorvet is within a comfortable 10–15 minute walk on mostly flat, paved urban streets, suitable for wheelchairs and prams. The route passes through central areas with frequent crossings and some busy junctions, so allow extra time if travelling with children or luggage. As this is a short city walk, there is no cost involved, and it can be done in all seasons provided you dress for the weather.
-
City bus within Odense
Several local bus lines serve stops near TV 2 at Kvægtorvet, with journey times typically between 5 and 15 minutes from central Odense, depending on the route and traffic. Single adult tickets within the city generally range from about 20 to 30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day and early evening but less often late at night and on weekends, so check current timetables before you travel.
-
Odense light rail (letbane) and short walk
The Odense light rail line runs through the central city with stops close to Kvægtorvet, making it a quick option if you are elsewhere along the line. Typical travel times are 5–10 minutes from central stops, plus a brief walk on level pavements to reach the estate. A single ticket within the city zone is usually around 20–30 DKK, and services operate regularly throughout the day, with reduced frequency late evenings and on public holidays.
-
Car or taxi within Odense
Reaching Kvægtorvet by car from most parts of Odense generally takes 5–15 minutes in normal traffic, using central city streets rather than motorways. Street parking in the wider area may be time-limited or fee-based, with typical hourly rates from about 10 to 25 DKK depending on the zone. Taxis within the city often cost in the range of 80–160 DKK for a short central journey, varying with distance and time of day, and may be convenient in poor weather or if you are travelling in a small group.
Kvægtorvet location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Kvægtorvet
From Cattle Market to Media Quarter
Kvægtorvet literally means “the cattle market”, and for decades this area on the northern edge of Odense’s old town was a busy trading ground where animals changed hands and farmers met merchants. The rail lines and station next door made it an ideal place for livestock to arrive and leave the city, and the open yards were laid out for pens, auctions and storage rather than pleasure. Over time, as agriculture modernised and trading patterns shifted, the cattle market closed and Odense began looking for a new role for this centrally located plot. Rather than erase the past entirely, a number of existing industrial and utility buildings were adapted, and the name Kvægtorvet survived as a reminder of the site’s working-class roots.The Home of TV 2 Denmark
Today Kvægtorvet is best known as the main base of TV 2, Denmark’s national commercial public service broadcaster. Behind the low-slung office blocks and studio halls, live news programmes, talk shows and entertainment formats are planned, produced and transmitted to screens across the country. The complex functions as a self-contained media campus with editorial offices, technical facilities and studios clustered around internal courtyards. Although most of the site is closed to casual visitors, simply being here places you at the heart of Denmark’s contemporary media scene, a striking contrast to the nearby medieval streets and church spires.Architecture Between Rail Lines and Old Town
Architecturally, Kvægtorvet is a study in pragmatic modernism layered onto an industrial plot. Brick and concrete volumes echo the scale of old warehouses, while more recent additions introduce glass, metal cladding and generous windows. The overall impression is functional rather than showy, in keeping with a working broadcast centre. The site is hemmed in by rail infrastructure on one side and the compact grid of Odense C on the other. This setting creates an almost island-like feeling: you can sense the rush of trains and buses nearby, yet the internal courtyards feel slightly removed, with planted beds and simple seating softening the hard edges of the buildings.Urban Context and Nearby Highlights
Standing at Kvægtorvet you are just a short urban stroll from several of Odense’s best-known cultural sights. The towers of Saint Canute’s Cathedral rise to the south, and the Danish Railway Museum occupies a former engine shed close to the main station. To the west and south, narrow lanes lead into the historic centre with its mix of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and newer commercial blocks. This location makes Kvægtorvet a quiet but strategic stop for urban explorers who enjoy piecing together how different districts fit and function. It is not a place for long lingering so much as a brief pause to observe how transport, media, heritage and everyday city life intersect.Experiencing the Atmosphere
As an active workplace rather than a designed viewpoint, Kvægtorvet offers a more understated experience. You might notice staff and guests arriving for studio recordings, technical vehicles coming and going, and office windows glowing after dusk when evening programming is in full flow. The ambience changes through the day: mornings feel purposeful as the news cycle starts up, while later afternoon light can cast a surprisingly warm glow across the brick and concrete façades. For photographers and urbanists, there are rewarding angles capturing tracks, station structures and the TV 2 buildings in a single frame.Practical Visit Considerations
There is no formal visitor centre, set route or exhibition at Kvægtorvet, so most travellers will experience it briefly while moving between Odense station and the city centre. The flat terrain and paved surfaces make it straightforward for wheelchairs and prams, and the central position ensures good mobile coverage. A short visit here pairs well with time at the nearby railway museum or a walk into the historic core of Odense. Think of Kvægtorvet as a small but telling chapter in the city’s story: a piece of industrial land reimagined as a national media hub, still carrying its original name even as its purpose has completely changed.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
0.6 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
visit
0.9 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
1.0 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
1.0 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.
Oceania
1.1 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
1.3 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.”
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
1.4 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
2.1 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
4.1 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Det gamle vandtårn
4.1 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Sortehusene
7.3 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.
8.6 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
11.4 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
13.2 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Rolfshøj
14.3 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
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
0.5 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.
Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
0.7 km
A historic woollen mill turned vibrant cultural quarter, where art, film, shopping and café life fill atmospheric brick courtyards in the heart of Odense.
Brandts
0.7 km
Funen’s flagship art museum in a historic woollen mill complex, blending Danish masterpieces, contemporary exhibitions, family-friendly creativity and café life on Amphi Square.
The City's Bridge
0.7 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.
Tidens Samling
0.8 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Pantheonsfrisen
0.8 km
A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.
King's Garden
0.9 km
Odense’s historic royal garden – a formal yet welcoming green gateway of lawns, sculptures and summer concerts beside the city’s castle.
Gerthasminde
0.9 km
A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
Danaë
0.9 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.
Odense Castle
0.9 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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.9 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.
The Darning Needle
0.9 km
A provocative Hans Christian Andersen–inspired granite sculpture on Odense’s main shopping street, where a simple needle becomes a playful, ambiguous urban conversation.
Funen Opera
1.0 km
An intimate Danish chamber opera beside Odense’s parkland, where classic works and bold new productions unfold just a few metres from your seat.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
1.0 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
Saint Hans Church
1.0 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.
Essential places to dine
I Pupi Siciliani
0.5 km
Intimate Sicilian restaurant in central Odense, serving seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta and robust southern Italian flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant Flammen - Odense
0.5 km
Big-flavour grill buffet, glowing open kitchen and family-friendly feasts in the heart of Odense’s bustling Kongensgade.
GOMA
0.5 km
Refined omakase-inspired Japanese dining in the heart of Odense, blending Nordic ingredients, meticulous sushi and crafted drinks in an intimate urban setting.
Restaurant HOS
0.6 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.
Pinsame Odense ApS
0.6 km
Roman-style pinsa in an unfussy Odense neighborhood setting, serving long-fermented, crisp-yet-airy bases with both classic and creative toppings for dine-in or takeaway.
Bone's Odense
0.6 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.
KÖZ Resturant
0.7 km
Authentic Turkish grilling and traditional cuisine in Odense's vibrant city center.
Restaurant Værdsat
0.7 km
Informal Scandinavian gourmet in central Odense, where seasonal Funen produce, playful menus and a warm neighborhood atmosphere meet from lunch until late.
Eydes Gastro Pub
0.7 km
All-day brunch, hearty pub dishes and a full bar in a cosy, central Odense gastro pub with both snug corners and lively street-side seating.
Mitchell's Odense
0.7 km
Denmark's only British gastro pub, serving authentic carvery and craft beverages in warm, family-friendly surroundings.
Pasfall
0.8 km
Refined French-inspired fine dining in Odense’s atmospheric Brandts Passage, where seasonal Nordic ingredients, precise cooking and relaxed elegance turn meals into occasions.
Kong Volmer Odense
0.8 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Salinaz Odense
0.8 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Mona Lisa
0.8 km
Cozy Italian trattoria tucked into Odense’s artsy Brandts Passage, serving generous pastas, crisp pizzas and classic antipasti in a warm, candlelit setting.
Marcello's
0.8 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
0.5 km
A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
Faraos Cigarer
0.7 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.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
0.8 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Underground
0.8 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.9 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.9 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Friluftsland
1.0 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.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
1.0 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.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
1.0 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
1.0 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Dr. Adams
1.0 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Magasin Odense
1.0 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
All About Kids
1.1 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
1.1 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Moby Disc
1.1 km
Odense’s long-standing record shop, where forty thousand-plus vinyl and CD titles, cozy aisles and music-savvy staff keep the spirit of crate-digging alive.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
Pianobar odense
0.6 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.
Viggos
0.6 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.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
0.6 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.
The Boat House
0.8 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
0.8 km
Closed but not forgotten, this basement bar once turned central Odense into a roaring Alpine lodge of big steins, table dancing and unapologetic après-ski energy.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.8 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
0.8 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
The Old Irish Pub
0.9 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.9 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
James Dean Bar
0.9 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Proud Mary Odense
0.9 km
Big, boisterous and central, Proud Mary Pub Odense turns a former arcade into a vast English-style party pub with sports screens, cocktails and dancing till late.
Den Røde Bar
0.9 km
A cozy, crimson-toned bar inside Teater Momentum, serving relaxed drinks, local Arnbitter cocktails and cultural vibes in the heart of Odense’s creative scene.
Tingstedet
0.9 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
1.0 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
0.3 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dansebar Odense
1.0 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
1.1 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
1.4 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
6.3 km
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
27.4 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
28.1 km
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
40.8 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
42.8 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
47.7 km
Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.
Vinkapellet Samsø
48.7 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Ærø Golf Klub
49.0 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Samsø Island Distillery
50.1 km
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
50.2 km
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
51.0 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
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Industrial
- Modern
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly