The Sea Horse
A bronze sea horse with mermaid rider, where Andersen's fairy tales meet the river's edge.
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.
A brief summary to The Sea Horse
- Ny Vestergade 19, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during golden hour at sunrise or sunset when light reflects off the bronze, creating dramatic shadows and enhancing the sculpture's dynamic features.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Munke Mose Park and explore the other fairy tale sculptures scattered throughout Odense's city center and waterfront areas.
- The sculpture is best photographed from multiple angles—approach from the river side, the park entrance, and from ground level to capture its power and detail.
- Visit the nearby Hans Christian Andersen Museum to deepen your understanding of the stories and themes represented by this and other sculptures throughout the city.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Drinking Water
Getting There
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Walking from Odense City Center
From Odense Central Station, walk northwest through the city center toward Munke Mose Park. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes on foot. Head toward the river and follow signs for Munke Mose or the fairy tale sculptures. The route passes through pedestrian-friendly streets with shops and cafes. The sculpture is located at the park entrance where the river crossing begins, clearly visible and accessible year-round.
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Bicycle from Central Odense
Odense is highly bicycle-friendly with extensive cycling infrastructure. From the city center, cycle toward Munke Mose Park via dedicated bike lanes, a journey of approximately 5–10 minutes depending on your starting point. Bike parking is available near the sculpture and throughout the park. This is the preferred local transport method and offers flexibility to explore multiple fairy tale sculptures in the surrounding area.
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Local Bus Service
Several local bus routes serve the Munke Mose area from Odense Central Station and the city center. Journey time is typically 10–15 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Bus stops are located near the park entrance. Check local transit schedules for current routes and frequencies. A single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK for adults within the city zone.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services operate throughout Odense. From the city center to the Sea Horse sculpture, expect a journey of 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated cost ranges from 60–120 DKK. This option is convenient if traveling with luggage or mobility limitations, though parking near the sculpture is limited.
The Sea Horse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Sea Horse
A Fairy Tale Brought to Life in Bronze
The Sea Horse emerges from the landscape as a powerful testament to Hans Christian Andersen's enduring influence on Odense. This striking bronze sculpture depicts a wild, snorting sea horse with a mermaid rider clinging to its back, drawing direct inspiration from Andersen's play Agnete and the Merman. The artist captured the raw energy and movement of the mythical creature, transforming it into a three-dimensional narrative that invites viewers to step into the world of Andersen's imagination. The sculpture's dynamic pose conveys both the untamed nature of the sea and the romantic adventure at the heart of the tale.Gateway to Munke Mose's Enchanted Realm
Positioned at the entrance to Munke Mose Park, the Sea Horse serves as a natural threshold between the urban landscape of central Odense and the verdant sanctuary of the park itself. The location is deliberately chosen—where visitors cross the river to access the green space, the sculpture greets them with its commanding presence. This placement transforms the simple act of crossing into a symbolic journey, much like the transitions between worlds that characterize Andersen's storytelling. The river setting amplifies the sculpture's maritime narrative, creating a seamless dialogue between the artwork and its natural surroundings.Part of Odense's Fairy Tale Sculpture Trail
The Sea Horse is one of sixteen fairy tale sculptures scattered throughout Odense's parks, streets, and public spaces, each inspired by different stories from Andersen's vast literary legacy. This distributed collection transforms the entire city into an open-air museum dedicated to the writer's imagination. Visitors can encounter characters like the Steadfast Tin Soldier, the Wild Swans, the Paper Boat, and the Flying Trunk as they explore Odense's streets and waterways. The Sea Horse holds particular prominence within this network, serving as a focal point for those exploring the Munke Mose area and the broader Hans Christian Andersen heritage trail.Artistic Vision and Cultural Significance
The sculpture exemplifies how public art can celebrate literary heritage while engaging contemporary audiences. By translating Andersen's written words into tangible bronze form, the artwork makes the author's imaginative world physically accessible to residents and visitors alike. The Sea Horse's expressive features and dynamic composition invite interaction and contemplation, encouraging people to pause and reflect on the stories that shaped Odense's identity. The sculpture has become a beloved landmark, appearing frequently in photographs and serving as a gathering point for those tracing Andersen's influence throughout the city.A Living Monument to Literary Legacy
More than a century after Andersen's death in 1875, Odense continues to honor his memory through public art installations like the Sea Horse. These sculptures represent the city's commitment to preserving and celebrating its most famous son's contributions to world literature. The Sea Horse, in particular, embodies the magical realism that defines Andersen's work—creatures that exist between worlds, stories that blend the mundane with the extraordinary. Standing at the threshold of Munke Mose, the sculpture invites endless interpretation and wonder, much like the fairy tales themselves.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
visit
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Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
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A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
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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
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Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Friluftsland
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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
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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
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A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Faraos Cigarer
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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
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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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
