Byens Bro (The City's Bridge)
A striking steel landmark bridging city, station, and waterfront through innovative design and community connection.
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 brief summary to The City's Bridge
- Østre Stationsvej 39, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit at dusk or after dark to experience the bridge's dramatic lighting design, which beautifully illuminates the 40-metre pylon and reflects off its mirror-finished steel surface.
- The two urban squares at either end of the bridge are ideal rest points; check if any events are happening in King's Garden park across the street for added atmosphere.
- Cyclists can take advantage of the 1,400 bicycle parking spaces integrated into the bridge's design, making it a convenient hub for exploring Odense by bike.
- If using the bridge to access the railway station, note that lifts and stairs provide direct access to three platforms, eliminating the need to navigate the station's main concourse.
- The bridge's curved design and open pathways offer excellent photo opportunities from multiple angles; the pylon and surrounding urban squares provide particularly striking compositions.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
Getting There
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Walking from Odense City Centre
From the heart of Odense city centre, walk south toward Odense Railway Station. The bridge entrance is clearly signposted at Østre Stationsvej. The walk from the main shopping district takes approximately 10–15 minutes and is entirely flat and easy to navigate. Follow pedestrian pathways through the city, and you'll arrive at one of the two urban squares that mark the bridge's northern entrance.
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Cycling from Harbour District
If approaching from the harbour area or new waterfront developments south of the railway, follow cycling routes toward the railway zone. The bridge's southern entrance is accessible via dedicated cycle paths. Journey time from the harbour is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on starting point. The bridge has 1,400 integrated bicycle parking spaces at both ends.
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Train Access via Odense Railway Station
If arriving by train at Odense Central Station, the bridge provides direct access to three station platforms via integrated lifts and stairs. Exit your train, follow signage for Byens Bro, and use the lift or stairs to reach the bridge level. This route takes 2–3 minutes from the platforms and provides a scenic alternative to navigating the main station concourse.
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Bus from Central Odense
Several local bus routes serve stops near Odense Railway Station. Alight at stops on Østre Stationsvej or near the station entrance, then walk to the bridge's northern entrance at the urban square. Journey time from central bus stops is approximately 5–10 minutes on foot from the nearest stop.
The City's Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The City's Bridge
A Modern Icon Spanning the Rails
Byens Bro, meaning "The City's Bridge," opened in May 2015 as a transformative piece of urban infrastructure for Odense, Denmark's third-largest city. The bridge stretches 135 metres across the railway yard at Odense Central Station, crossing 15 railway tracks to connect the northern and southern districts of the city. Designed by the award-winning Gottlieb Paludan Architects, the bridge was selected through a 2012 design competition and immediately became a beloved landmark upon opening. The name itself was chosen through a public competition that attracted more than 1,300 local participants, reflecting the community's investment in the project.Architectural Brilliance and Engineering Innovation
The bridge's most striking feature is its 40-metre-high pylon finished in mirror-polished steel, which serves as both a structural support for the longest span and a visual beacon for the city. The pylon's reflective surface dynamically captures and reflects light, celebrating the motion of cyclists and pedestrians crossing the bridge—particularly stunning when illuminated at night. The bridge's curved forms are not merely aesthetic; they follow the natural traffic patterns of the city, optimising both functionality and visual harmony. The structure cleverly segregates cycling and pedestrian traffic for safety while maintaining visual and architectural unity, creating what amounts to two bridges in one. This thoughtful design earned Byens Bro the European Steel Design Award of Merit in 2015 and a prize for beautiful buildings and structures from the city of Odense.Connecting City, Station, and Waterfront
The primary purpose of Byens Bro is to improve connectivity between Odense's city centre and the emerging harbour district, while simultaneously enhancing access to Odense Railway Station's platforms. The bridge provides direct access to three station platforms via integrated lifts and stairs, making it an essential link for the thousands of commuters and travellers who pass through daily. By creating a safe, direct route for cyclists and pedestrians across the previously fragmented railway zone, the bridge has become a natural and efficient part of Odense's green urban mobility landscape. It serves as a gateway to waterfront activities and developments that were previously difficult to access on foot or by bike.Urban Spaces and Community Gathering Points
Beyond its function as a crossing, Byens Bro enriches Odense's urban fabric by creating two new public squares—one in the city centre and another near a vocational education centre (VUC). These squares serve as arrival and meeting points for train passengers, commuters, and visitors, transforming what might have been purely functional spaces into vibrant social hubs. The bridge's stairs double as informal seating during events held in the adjacent King's Garden park, demonstrating how thoughtful design can serve multiple purposes. The bridge also incorporates 1,400 bicycle parking spaces, reflecting Odense's commitment to cycling as a primary mode of urban transport and acknowledging the bridge's role in the city's cycling culture.Integration and Accessibility
Byens Bro was conceived as an extension of Odense's existing urban infrastructure grid rather than an isolated monument. This philosophy ensures the bridge feels like a natural continuation of the city's streets and pathways. The design prioritises accessibility for all users—cyclists, pedestrians, elderly visitors, and those with mobility challenges—through gentle gradients, wide pathways, and integrated lift access. The bridge's simple yet spectacular architecture translates functional requirements into an inspirational traffic solution that demonstrates how infrastructure can be both practical and beautiful. Since opening, the bridge has been embraced by the community and has become a well-functioning, organic part of Odense's daily urban landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.3 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
0.3 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
0.6 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
0.7 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.8 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
1.2 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.1 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
2.6 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
4.4 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
4.4 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.
8.6 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
10.9 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
13.3 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Rolfshøj
13.8 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
King's Garden
0.2 km
Odense’s historic royal garden – a formal yet welcoming green gateway of lawns, sculptures and summer concerts beside the city’s castle.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
Odense Castle
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
0.3 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.
Banegårdspladsen
0.3 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
Saint Hans Church
0.4 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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.6 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.
H. C. Andersens House
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Carl Nielsen Museum
0.6 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.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
0.6 km
A half-submerged Hans Christian Andersen rises from Odense Harbour, blending literary legend, protest art and waterfront atmosphere in one striking sculpture.
Vægmaleri
0.6 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Essential places to dine
Giraffen
0.3 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.
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.
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.
Bar Tapas
0.4 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.
GOMA
0.4 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 Flammen - Odense
0.4 km
Big-flavour grill buffet, glowing open kitchen and family-friendly feasts in the heart of Odense’s bustling Kongensgade.
Restaurant Mam
0.4 km
Intimate French-inspired dining in central Odense, where seasonal Danish ingredients, local culinary heritage and thoughtful service come together over unhurried dinners.
Brasserie Bordeaux
0.4 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving elegant comfort food, brunch and Bordeaux-friendly dishes from morning coffee to late-night drinks.
Grand's Fiskerestaurant
0.5 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.
KÖZ Resturant
0.5 km
Authentic Turkish grilling and traditional cuisine in Odense's vibrant city center.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
0.5 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Kok & Vin
0.5 km
Intimate French-inspired bistro in historic central Odense, pairing seasonal Nordic produce with thoughtful wines in a warm, candlelit setting.
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 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.
Restaurant Ribelli
0.5 km
Ambitious Italian fine dining with Funen soul, where tradition meets local innovation.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
0.3 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
0.5 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.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
0.5 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
0.6 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
0.6 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
0.6 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.6 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Friluftsland
0.6 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.
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.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
0.6 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
House of Amber Odense
0.6 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.6 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.
Magasin Odense
0.7 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Underground
0.7 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.7 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
Sir Club
0.4 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.
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.
Bar Rar Ltd.
0.4 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
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.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.5 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
The Boat House
0.5 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.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
0.6 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.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.6 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.
June Bar
0.6 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Christian Firtal
0.6 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
The Old Irish Pub
0.6 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Ungarsk Vinstue
0.7 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Tingstedet
0.7 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Lalou Vinbar
0.7 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
0.4 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Boogie Dance Café
0.5 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
0.6 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
BUTCHERS Odense
0.8 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
5.9 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
26.9 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.5 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
40.7 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.3 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
47.3 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
48.3 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
49.3 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Samsø Island Distillery
49.8 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
49.9 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
50.6 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
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
