The Sea Horse Sculpture in Odense
A powerful bronze sea horse with a mermaid rider bursts from the Odense River, bringing Hans Christian Andersen’s underwater world to life at Munke Mose’s edge.
Rising from the Odense River at the entrance to Munke Mose park, the Sea Horse is a dynamic bronze fountain sculpture of a powerful sea horse with a mermaid on its back, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s play “Agnete and the Merman.” Set amid leafy riverbanks and walking paths just off Ny Vestergade, it combines fairy-tale storytelling, public art and everyday city life, making it an atmospheric pause on any Hans Christian Andersen trail through Odense.
A brief summary to The Sea Horse
- Ny Vestergade 19, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 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
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the bronze and fewer people passing across the bridge, making it easier to photograph the sculpture from the riverbank.
- Combine a stop at the Sea Horse with a leisurely walk through Munke Mose park and along the river to spot other Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculptures nearby.
- Walk around to different angles, including from the opposite bank if paths allow, to see how the mermaid’s posture and the sea horse’s movement change with your viewpoint.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Odense Railway Station
From Odense Railway Station in the city centre, allow about 15–20 minutes on foot to reach the Sea Horse at Ny Vestergade by the river. The route is largely flat and paved, passing through central streets and suitable for most visitors with basic mobility. As a public artwork in an open park setting, there is no entrance fee at the sculpture.
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Local city bus within Odense
Several city bus lines run through central Odense and stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Ny Vestergade and Munke Mose park. Typical journey times from residential districts to the city centre are 10–25 minutes, depending on distance and traffic. A single adult ticket within Odense generally costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or on board where available. Buses usually operate throughout the day with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends.
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Cycling in central Odense
Odense is well known for its cycling infrastructure, and the Sea Horse is easily reached by bike from most central neighbourhoods in about 5–15 minutes. Dedicated cycle lanes lead towards the river area, and the terrain is flat. You can use your own bicycle or a local bike-share service; short rides on shared bikes typically cost from about 10–25 DKK depending on provider and duration. Bicycle access is generally year-round, but take extra care in wet or icy conditions.
The Sea Horse 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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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Sea Horse
A fairy-tale creature on the river
The Sea Horse sculpture appears almost mid-leap from the Odense River, just where footpaths converge at the entrance to Munke Mose park. Cast in bronze, the creature is half horse, half fantastical water beast, its head thrown back as if snorting spray, while water from the fountain accentuates its sense of movement. On its muscular back sits a mermaid-like female figure, hair swept behind her as though caught in an invisible current. Placed low and close to the waterline, the sculpture feels less like a distant monument and more like a living character inhabiting the river. Reflections shift across its surface as clouds move overhead, and ducks drift past the plinth, giving the impression that the fairy tale has simply emerged into a very real, very present Odense.Roots in Hans Christian Andersen’s “Agnete and the Merman”
The work is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s dramatic piece “Agnete and the Merman,” in which a young woman is drawn into an underwater world and torn between two lives. Rather than illustrating the story literally, the artist distils its themes of temptation, longing and the pull of the sea into a single, striking scene: a wild sea horse hurtling forward, rider clinging to its back. This connection to Andersen makes the sculpture part of a broader constellation of fairy-tale artworks scattered through Odense. Nearby you may encounter other sculptural references to his tales – swans, paper boats, and more – but the Sea Horse stands out for its energy and tension, looking as if it could surge off down the river at any moment.Setting between Munke Mose and the old town
The location is central to the sculpture’s charm. One side opens towards Munke Mose, a green park where locals stroll, picnic and watch boats glide along the river. The other side looks back towards the older streets around Ny Vestergade, tying the fairy-tale creature to the city’s historic core. Trees frame the view in summer, while in winter the bare branches lend the bronze a starker, almost mythic presence. Because it sits at a natural crossing point over the water, many people encounter the Sea Horse in passing. Paths, lawns and benches nearby create a relaxed, open-air gallery feeling, where the sculpture becomes a companion to daily routines: joggers, cyclists, families with prams and school groups all sharing the same riverside stage.Details worth a closer look
Up close, the Sea Horse reveals intriguing details. The creature’s head is elongated, more dragon-like than equine, and the sculpted mane flows not upward in wind but downward in imagined water. The rider’s posture is both graceful and tense, arms and torso angled slightly forward as if bracing against the surge. The interplay between smooth, polished surfaces and rougher textures creates lively highlights when the light changes. The fountain element adds another layer. In still conditions the water drops softly around the base, producing a gentle sound that merges with birdsong and the rustle of leaves. On breezeier days, fine spray can drift across the path, catching the sunlight and briefly turning the area around the sculpture into a shimmering mist.Experiencing the sculpture at different times of day
The Sea Horse is accessible at all hours, and its character shifts with the time of day. Morning light often illuminates one flank while the opposite side remains in shade, emphasising the form of the mermaid and the curve of the horse’s neck. At midday, reflections from the river brighten the bronze, and the area fills with the background murmur of city life. Later in the day, as the riverbank quiets, the sculpture can feel almost solitary, the surrounding park softening into a calm, reflective space. Subtle lighting from the city can give the bronze a muted glow after dark, reinforcing the sense of a fairy-tale figure keeping watch over the water, half in this world and half in Andersen’s imagination.A gentle stop on an Andersen-themed city walk
For many visitors, the Sea Horse becomes a natural pause point on a thematic walk linking Odense’s Andersen sites. Without demanding long explanations or guided tours, it invites a short stop: a few photos, a moment by the railings watching water and bronze interact, perhaps a chance to recall or discover the tale of Agnete and the Merman. Because it is free to visit and integrated into an everyday public space, the sculpture blurs the line between monument and city life. It stands as a reminder that in Odense, Andersen’s stories are not confined to museums or bookshelves; they emerge on street corners and riverbanks, transforming the ordinary act of crossing a bridge into a brief encounter with myth.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
visit
0.5 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
0.6 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.”
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.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.6 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.0 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
3.0 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
3.4 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
5.1 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
7.7 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.
9.5 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
10.5 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.3 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.
The Glavendrup Stone
14.2 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Funen Opera
0.0 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.
Munke Mose
0.1 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
Pantheonsfrisen
0.2 km
A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.
Bispens lysthus
0.2 km
A tiny red timber pavilion on stilts above Odense Å, Bispens Lysthus blends riverside calm, ecclesiastical history and postcard-perfect charm in the city’s green heart.
Tidens Samling
0.3 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Gerthasminde
0.3 km
A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
The Darning Needle
0.4 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.
Munke Mose Park
0.4 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Brandts
0.4 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.
Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
0.4 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.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
0.4 km
Step into the tiny yellow house on Munkemøllestræde where a poor shoemaker’s son began the journey to becoming the world’s great master of fairytales.
The maiden jump
0.5 km
Walk through history at The Funen Village in Odense, where 19th-century farmsteads, gardens, and local traditions offer a full-senses journey into rural Denmark.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.5 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.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
0.5 km
A vibrant tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tales, this lively mural transforms central Odense into a colorful celebration of Denmark’s literary heritage.
Eventyrhaven
0.6 km
Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Essential places to dine
Café Cuckoo's Nest
0.2 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
0.3 km
Cozy Italian trattoria tucked into Odense’s artsy Brandts Passage, serving generous pastas, crisp pizzas and classic antipasti in a warm, candlelit setting.
Kong Volmer Odense
0.3 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Marcello's
0.3 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
The Burger Odense
0.3 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Pasfall
0.3 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.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
0.4 km
Cosy Roman-style trattoria and pizzeria tucked into Odense’s old-town cobbles, serving wood-fired pizzas, generous pasta plates and classic Italian comfort food.
Olivia Brasserie - Restaurant Odense
0.4 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Salinaz Odense
0.4 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Mitchell's Odense
0.4 km
Denmark's only British gastro pub, serving authentic carvery and craft beverages in warm, family-friendly surroundings.
Eydes Gastro Pub
0.4 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.
Restaurant Madklubben Odense
0.5 km
Big-hearted, central Odense brasserie serving modern seasonal comfort food in iconic premises, with space for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
Restaurant Værdsat
0.5 km
Informal Scandinavian gourmet in central Odense, where seasonal Funen produce, playful menus and a warm neighborhood atmosphere meet from lunch until late.
KÖZ Resturant
0.5 km
Authentic Turkish grilling and traditional cuisine in Odense's vibrant city center.
Café Skt. Gertrud
0.5 km
Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Underground
0.3 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 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
0.3 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
All About Kids
0.3 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
0.3 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Moby Disc
0.4 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.
Dr. Adams
0.4 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.4 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.
Summerbird
0.4 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Friluftsland
0.4 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.
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.
Faraos Cigarer
0.5 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.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.5 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Aunt Green ApS
0.6 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Røde Bar
0.1 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.
Proud Mary Odense
0.2 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.
James Dean Bar
0.2 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
0.2 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.
No Stress Odense
0.3 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
Tingstedet
0.3 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Lalou Vinbar
0.4 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Christian Firtal
0.4 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.4 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.
Champagniet
0.4 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.
City Club
0.4 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Den Brølende And
0.4 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.
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.
Carlsens Kvarter
0.4 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
0.5 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
0.7 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
0.8 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
BUTCHERS Odense
0.9 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
5.4 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
26.6 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.3 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
39.9 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.7 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
48.2 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
48.4 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Vinkapellet Samsø
49.3 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Samsø Island Distillery
50.7 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
50.8 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
51.6 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
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
