Best Landmarks in Funen
Planning a trip to Funen? Discover the best landmarks in Funen with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Funen
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
26 landmarks
-
Cathedral4.4★829 reviews
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
Rising above Odense’s old town, Odense Cathedral – St. Canute’s Church – is a luminous Brick Gothic landmark with more than 900 years of royal and religious history. Inside its soaring white nave you’ll find the ornate 16th‑century altarpiece by Claus Berg, royal tombs, and a remarkable crypt where the relics of King Canute the Holy and his brother Benedikt rest, making this one of Denmark’s most atmospheric and historically important churches.
Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
-
Tourist attraction4.2★395 reviews
Nyborg Fortress
Nyborg Castle stands as one of Denmark's most significant medieval fortifications, built in the late 12th century to defend against Wendish invasions. This royal stronghold hosted the Danehof—Denmark's medieval parliament—where momentous decisions shaped the nation's future, including the adoption of Denmark's first constitution in 1282 and the formation of the Kalmar Union in 1377. Today, visitors explore the restored royal wing, imposing watchtower, and surrounding fortress ramparts while discovering the castle's pivotal role in Scandinavian history.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.6★264 reviews
The Glavendrup Stone
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
-
Castle4.1★217 reviews
Odense Castle
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.6★164 reviews
Knudshoved Fyr
Knudshoved Fyr is a striking white lighthouse built in 1899, standing sentinel on the Knudshoved peninsula in southern Funen. Still operational, this historic maritime landmark guides ships through the waters around Funen and into the Little Belt strait. The lighthouse commands panoramic views across the sea and surrounding landscape, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers. The area features a bird observation tower overlooking Østerø Lake and Denmark's only "knaldfyr" (bang station), with excellent walking trails through a naturally beautiful coastal environment.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1.5–3.5 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.5★107 reviews
Mårhøj/Snavehøjen
Rising gently from farmland near Martofte on Funen’s Hindsholm peninsula, Mårhøj (also known as Snavehøjen) is one of Denmark’s largest and best‑preserved Neolithic passage graves. Around 5,000 years old, this grass‑covered mound hides a 10‑metre stone chamber reached via a low, narrow 7‑metre passage. Its atmospheric interior, sweeping views towards the fjord and tranquil rural setting make it a compelling stop for history lovers and curious families exploring North Funen.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
-
Bridge4.4★97 reviews
The City's Bridge
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1.5 hrs
-
Scenic spot4.7★71 reviews
Enebærodde
Enebærodde is a stunning 5.5-kilometer-long peninsula jutting into the waters between Kattegat and Odense Fjord in North Funen, Denmark. This 300-hectare conservation area features Denmark's largest heath landscape, pristine sandy beaches, and panoramic views across the fjord. Accessible only on foot or by bicycle, it offers peaceful hiking and cycling trails through juniper-dotted heathland, isolated coves, and coastal paths. The protected natural environment supports diverse wildlife and provides a serene escape for nature lovers seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 2–5 hrs
-
Tourist attraction4.5★63 reviews
Nyborg torv
Nyborg Torv is the historic heart of Denmark's oldest royal city, a cobblestone market square at the center of medieval Nyborg on the island of Funen. Surrounded by beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings, charming shops, and cafés, this atmospheric square has served as the social and commercial hub of the town since its creation in 1540. The square offers a gateway to exploring centuries of Danish history, from the nearby castle ramparts to the iconic Church of Our Lady, making it an essential stop for understanding Denmark's medieval past.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Historical landmark4.3★67 reviews
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
A meticulously preserved Renaissance building from 1504 in Odense's historic centre, the Odense Noble Virgin Convent stands as one of Denmark's oldest architectural treasures. Originally constructed as a bishop's palace, it later served as a royal residence and from 1716 functioned as a sanctuary for unmarried noblewomen until 1972. Today, extensively restored and integrated with the University of Southern Denmark, the convent reveals five centuries of Danish history through its layered interiors—Renaissance doors, Baroque staircases, and countless wallpaper layers documenting shifting tastes across generations.
Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Nyborg St.
Nyborg Station is the modern rail gateway to the historic town of Nyborg on eastern Funen. Set just east of the old center, this busy hub sits on Denmark’s key Copenhagen–Fredericia line, with frequent InterCity and regional trains across the country. A late-19th-century brick station building houses a convenient 7‑Eleven, ticket machines, waiting areas, restrooms, and step-free access, while an adjacent bus terminal, extensive parking, and generous bike facilities make it an easy, practical base for exploring Funen and beyond.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The Sea Horse
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Nyborg Water Tower
A striking industrial landmark perched on the Queen's Bastion, this 1899 water tower designed by architect Emil Swanenflügel stands as a unique example of Danish architectural heritage. Located within Nyborg's historic fortification system, the tower now hosts rotating exhibitions of local artists' work throughout the year, offering visitors a blend of industrial history and contemporary art in an atmospheric setting overlooking the castle grounds.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Landporten
Landporten is Nyborg’s impressive landward town gate, a 40 m-long yellow gatehouse forming part of the old royal fortress on Funen. Dating back to the reign of Christian III and reshaped in 1666 under Frederik III, it once controlled all traffic between eastern and western Denmark. Today you can stroll through its long barrel-vaulted passage, study the fortifications and earthworks, and imagine guards closing the gate as church bells rang each night.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
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.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
Erik Ballings Plads
A charming public square in the heart of Nyborg's pedestrian zone, Erik Ballings Plads honors the legacy of Denmark's most beloved 20th-century filmmaker. The square features a striking metal sculpture of characters from the iconic Olsen Gang film series, making it a beloved gathering spot for both locals and visitors. Positioned at the intersection of Vægtergade and Nørrevoldgade, this cultural landmark celebrates the creative spirit of a director who shaped Danish cinema and television for generations.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
Dronningens Bastion
Dronningens Bastion (the Queen's Bulwark) is a historic fortification in Nyborg, Denmark, featuring one of the city's three remaining medieval bulwarks surrounded by original ramparts. The site is crowned by an elegant water tower built in 1899, designed by Emil Swanenflügel and protected as a heritage structure since 1997. Today, the bastion functions as a public park area offering views of the fortified landscape that once defended Nyborg Castle, with the ramparts serving as walking paths through centuries of Danish military history.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.8–2 hrs
Nyborg Vold
Encircling Nyborg Castle and much of the old town, Nyborg Vold is a sweeping system of grassy ramparts, moats and bastions that once guarded Denmark’s medieval power center. Today the former fortifications are a green park-like belt where you can trace the outline of the old fortress, stroll along tree-lined embankments, look across mirror-still castle lakes and sense how this quiet coastal town was once a royal stronghold and de facto capital.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Mindesmærke for kaptajn Peter Bredal
A solemn memorial park in Nyborg dedicated to Captain Peter Bredal, a 17th-century Danish naval officer whose fleet became trapped in ice during the winter of 1658. The monument commemorates a pivotal moment in Danish maritime history when Bredal's four ships froze in Nyborg Fjord, marking both a personal tragedy and a significant naval event. This quiet outdoor space offers visitors a chance to reflect on Denmark's seafaring heritage and the harsh realities faced by early modern sailors.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Tour de France-monument
Rising above Svaneparken in Nyborg, the Tour de France Monument is a bold yellow bicycle sculpture commemorating the city’s role as finish line for Stage 2 of the 2022 Tour de France. Designed by local artist Sussie Holdt of Holdt Keramik, the oversized bike captures the energy, colour and sense of shared pride that swept through Nyborg when the world’s most famous cycling race arrived on Denmark’s east–west crossroads.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Mindesten for Slaget ved Nyborg 1659
A solemn memorial monument dedicated to the Battle of Nyborg, one of Denmark's most decisive military victories. Located on Lindealleen in central Nyborg, this landmark commemorates the pivotal 14 November 1659 battle where Danish-allied forces defeated Swedish troops, marking a turning point in the Dano-Swedish War. The site offers visitors a chance to reflect on this crucial moment in Danish history and explore the battlefield's historical significance.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
Befrielsessten i Vindinge
Befrielsesstenen i Vindinge is a modest yet poignant liberation stone standing in front of Vindinge Church in Nyborg. Erected to commemorate Denmark’s liberation from German occupation in May 1945, the engraved boulder anchors national history in a quiet village setting. Surrounded by churchyard greenery and traditional buildings, it offers a reflective stop where you can pause, read the inscription, and sense how the Second World War touched even the smallest Danish communities.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
Den Hvide Jomfru
Den Hvide Jomfru, “The White Maiden”, is a small but evocative monument on Kongens Bastionsvej in Nyborg, raised on the old fortress embankment overlooking the former defensive landscape. This simple white stone figure recalls a local legend of a young woman, love, and loss, tied to Nyborg’s era as a royal stronghold. Today it serves as a quiet, atmospheric stopping point on a walk around the historic ramparts, where you can pause, reflect, and connect with one of the town’s more mysterious stories.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
Befrielsessten i Sulkendrup
A solemn memorial stone in rural Sulkendrup honoring Denmark's liberation on May 5, 1945. Located near the historic Sulkendrup Mill in a forested valley, this modest yet meaningful monument reflects the nation's freedom from Nazi occupation during World War II. The site offers a quiet space for contemplation amid the peaceful Danish countryside.
Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
The maiden jump
Tucked into the cobbled heart of Odense’s old town, The Maiden Jump (Jomfruspringet) is a small but evocative landmark bound up with one of the city’s most haunting legends. A worn paving stone near Odense Cathedral is said to bear the footprint of a desperate young woman who leapt from the church tower, her story echoing themes of shame, morality, and love gone wrong in centuries‑old folklore. Today the spot serves as a quiet pause point amid historic streets, inviting you to step closer, study the stone, and reflect on how myth and memory are woven into the fabric of the city.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup
A solemn memorial stone located in the small village of Skalkendrup near Nyborg, Denmark, commemorating the liberation of Denmark during World War II. This modest yet significant monument stands as a testament to the Danish resistance movement and the country's freedom from Nazi occupation. The site offers a quiet place for reflection on Denmark's wartime history and the sacrifices made by those who fought for liberation.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Explore Funen on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Funen, mapped for you.
More about Funen
Funen travel guide
Explore Funen’s historic Odense, Renaissance estates, market towns, coastal villages, cycling routes and South Funen landscapes in central Denmark.
Tell me more about FunenMore to explore in Funen
Best attractions in Funen
Best shops in Funen
Best bars in Funen
Best restaurants in Funen
Best nightclubs in Funen
Best experiences in Funen
Best hotels in FunenExplore more
Explore more of Denmark
Discover Denmark: A perfect blend of history, modern design, and the cozy concept of hygge. Explore vibrant cities, serene landscapes, and world-class cuisine.
Explore Denmark
Getting your guide ready…
We are putting together a fresh copy of the Funen guide. This can take up to a minute.
This can take a few moments. If your browser asks, choose Allow so the download can start. You'll find the guide in your Downloads folder.
Nothing happened? Download it again
Sorry, the guide is taking longer than usual. Please try again in a minute, or get it by email instead.
