Anne Hvide’s House (Anne Hvides Gård)
Svendborg’s oldest townhouse, a vivid ochre‑yellow Renaissance gem where noble life, bustling inn days and modern museum stories all meet under a steep red roof.
Anne Hvide’s House is Svendborg’s oldest private dwelling, a beautifully preserved 16th‑century half‑timbered townhouse in the heart of the old center. Built in 1560 for noblewoman Anne Hvide, its ochre‑yellow façades, black timber, steep red‑tiled roof and carved doorway offer a textbook example of Danish Renaissance urban architecture. Today it serves as a small historic house museum with seasonal exhibitions on Svendborg’s past, giving a vivid glimpse into noble town life, later innkeeping traditions, and the town’s evolving role on the island of Funen.
A brief summary to Anne Hvide's House
- Fruestræde 3, Svendborg, 5700, DK
- +4531412335
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan to visit in the summer season when the interior rooms are typically open as a historic house museum; outside those months you may only see the exterior.
- Bring a camera or phone – the bumblebee‑coloured façade with black timber and red tiles is especially photogenic in soft morning or late‑afternoon light.
- Combine your stop with a short stroll around Svendborg’s old streets and harborfront to better appreciate the house’s position in the historic townscape.
- Inside, take your time to read the exhibition texts; they add context to the building’s shifts from noble residence to inn, civic office and museum.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Train and walk from Odense
From Odense, take the regional train to Svendborg Station, a journey of about 45–55 minutes with frequent departures through the day. A standard adult single ticket typically costs around 80–120 DKK, with discounts for advance or off‑peak fares. From Svendborg Station it is an easy, mostly level walk of roughly 10–15 minutes through the town center to Anne Hvide’s House. Pavements are generally smooth and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though cobblestones near the house can be a little uneven.
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Bus within Svendborg and short walk
Local buses in Svendborg link residential districts and nearby villages with the central bus stop close to the railway station in about 10–20 minutes depending on the route. A single zone ticket usually costs in the region of 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or on board on many services. From the central stop you continue on foot through the compact old town for around 10 minutes. Streets are narrow but well lit, and the final approach includes some cobbled sections that may feel bumpy for prams or mobility scooters.
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Car from Odense via Funen road network
Driving from Odense to Svendborg uses the main road across Funen and typically takes 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. There are no road tolls on this route. Public parking areas are available around Svendborg’s center, often with a mix of free time‑limited spaces and paid zones costing roughly 10–20 DKK per hour. From the nearest central car parks, expect a walk of 5–10 minutes through the old streets to reach the house. Streets are one‑way in places, and in high summer some central spots can fill up quickly.
Anne Hvide's House location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Anne Hvide's House
A noblewoman’s townhouse at the edge of the harbor
Anne Hvide’s House stands just a short stroll from Svendborg’s harbor, its ochre‑yellow walls and deep‑pitched red roof instantly catching the eye amid the tighter weave of the old streets. Built in 1560 for Anne Hvide, a widow from one of Denmark’s most powerful medieval clans, it was conceived as a refined in‑town residence, a counterpart to the rural manor at Rødkilde where she spent much of her life. Here she could manage affairs, receive visitors and stay close to the trade routes that made Svendborg an important maritime town on Funen. For 16th‑century Svendborg, this two‑storey house was a statement of status. While many neighbors lived in simpler timber structures, Anne’s home combined solid brick panels, carefully worked timbers and an imposing street front. Even now, as you stand before it, the building feels slightly taller and more assured than its surroundings, a reminder of an era when noble influence was woven directly into the townscape.Renaissance timber, patterned brick and a leaning roof
Architecturally, the house is a textbook piece of Danish Renaissance urban design. Eight bays long, with a shallow cellar and an impressively steep roof, it leans just enough to hint at its age yet remains sturdily anchored to the cobbles. The black‑painted half‑timbers frame infill panels of patterned brickwork, giving the façade a rhythm of dark lines and warm masonry. In 1978, conservators returned the exterior to its original yellow hue, so the whole structure now glows like a “bumblebee” against the sky: yellow walls, black beams, red tiles. Details reward a closer look. The carved front door on Fruestræde is reached by a short flight of stone steps, edged with simple iron railings. Window openings are relatively small by modern standards, but the regular spacing creates a pleasing symmetry. Around the rear courtyard the house relaxes into more utilitarian forms, hinting at storerooms, servants’ spaces and everyday work that once underpinned the refined life facing the street.From aristocratic residence to busy town inn
After Anne Hvide’s death in 1577, the property passed through the hands of prominent owners, including high officials and a vice‑admiral, remaining an address associated with influence well into the 18th century. Over time, however, noble families moved to grander estates, and the house gradually shifted from aristocratic backdrop to working town building, mirroring Svendborg’s own evolution. In 1837 a new chapter began when it opened as an inn. For the next three decades, seafarers, traders and travelers climbed the front steps to find meals, ale and a bed for the night. Period accounts describe a capable hostess and a sociable atmosphere, and it is easy to imagine the murmur of conversation spilling into the street, carts rattling past and the smell of horses and cooking mingling in the narrow lane. That inn period left subtle traces in the interior layout and in the stories locals still associate with the house.Rescued, restored and reborn as a town museum
By the late 19th century the building risked slipping into dilapidation, but the municipality stepped in, using the spacious attic as an archive and the upper floor as a library and civic offices. Early 20th‑century preservationists recognized its architectural value, leading to a thorough restoration in the 1910s that aimed to keep as much original fabric as possible while stabilizing the structure for public use. The house then became home to Svendborg’s museum collections, turning its rooms into a narrative of local history. Although the main museum has since moved to larger premises, Anne Hvide’s House still opens in the summer season as a satellite site. Inside, small‑scale exhibitions use domestic rooms to explore themes such as maritime trade, traditional crafts and everyday town life, making the building itself the star exhibit. Even when displays change, the creak of the floorboards and the low ceilings maintain a strong sense of continuity.Experiencing the house in modern Svendborg
Today the building sits amid a pleasantly walkable center of shops, cafés and other historic structures, yet it retains a distinctive atmosphere. The slight lean of the walls, the interplay of sun and shadow on the timberwork and the contrast with more modern neighbors highlight just how long this house has anchored the street. Photographers are drawn to its vivid color and traditional lines, especially in soft morning or late‑afternoon light. A visit is compact but rewarding. Allow time to examine the façade from different angles, then, when open, step inside to explore the intimate rooms, noting details such as exposed beams, period‑style furnishings and glimpses of the street through small‑paned windows. Even a short stop offers a compressed journey through 450 years of Svendborg’s civic life, from noble townhouse to inn, municipal hub and museum, all contained within one remarkably resilient structure.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolai's Church
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Damestenen
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Tranekær Castle
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A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
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Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
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Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
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Hotel Ærøhus
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På Torvet
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Danish Island Weddings
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Andelen Guesthouse
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Monument for Danske Sømænd
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Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
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A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Ærø
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Experience the serene charm of Ærø, Denmark's enchanting island, with its picturesque towns, rich maritime heritage, and stunning natural beauty, perfect for all travelers.
Befrielsessten i Sulkendrup
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Rise Kirke
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cubo Nero
0.4 km
Historic glass factory turned museum celebrating two centuries of Scandinavian design mastery and innovation.
Naturama
0.4 km
Denmark's most immersive natural history museum, where dramatic design and living collections reveal nature's interconnected wonders.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
0.4 km
Step inside Northern Europe’s best‑preserved poorhouse in Svendborg and explore 100 years of Danish welfare history told through original rooms, objects and human destinies.
Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads
0.5 km
Denmark’s dedicated yachting museum in Svendborg Harbour, showcasing 150 years of pleasure sailing through classic boats, living workshops and rich maritime stories.
Ørkild Slots Voldsted
1.2 km
One of Denmark’s largest medieval castle mounds, where grassy ramparts and deep ditches reveal the ghost of a lost fortress above the outskirts of Svendborg.
Ambrosius's Oak
5.1 km
A 400‑year‑old oak in Tåsinge’s Nørreskov forest, where poetry, castle history, and quiet woodland atmosphere meet beneath one vast crown.
Valdemars Slot
5.1 km
Seaside baroque manor on Tåsinge where royal ambition, naval heroism and intimate family life meet amid gardens, shoreline paths and characterful historic interiors.
Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre
6.3 km
A modest forest memorial in Nørreskoven on Tåsinge, where a quiet clearing and simple stone mark the dramatic 1889 fate of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Beautiful Beach
6.6 km
Sheltered island sands, shallow waters and simple seaside fun on Thurø’s Smørmosen Beach, just off Svendborg in the heart of the South Funen Archipelago.
Tåsinge
7.1 km
Romantic South Funen island of skipper villages, castle landscapes, hilltop views and the enduring love story of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Vornæs havn
8.8 km
Small, scenic harbour on the Vornæs peninsula where woodland meets the South Funen coast, offering quiet moorings, coastal walks and peaceful fishing waters.
Gorilla Park Svendborg
9.2 km
High‑rope thrills in a South Funen beech forest, with eight treetop courses, long zip‑lines and a Big Swing blending outdoor adventure, views and shared laughs.
Egeskov Castle
14.9 km
A storybook Renaissance water castle on Funen, where historic halls, award‑winning gardens, playful museums and forest adventures create a full day in the Danish countryside.
Camping Outdoors Museum
15.2 km
A nostalgic journey through tents, caravans and holiday dreams, the Camping Outdoors Museum at Egeskov celebrates the simple freedom of life on the road.
Langelands Museum
15.6 km
Compact island museum in Rudkøbing tracing Langeland’s story from Stone Age barrows to world wars, GDR plastics and everyday life on a Baltic outpost.
Essential places to dine
Kong Volmer Svendborg
0.1 km
Cosy Danish lunch spot on Svendborg’s Møllergade, serving classic smørrebrød, cold beer and aquavit in a narrow oak‑lined dining room with a sunny terrace.
Restaurant Børsen
0.2 km
Central Svendborg gastropub blending Danish comfort cooking, specialty beers and a colourful terrace under floating umbrellas in a set of characterful vintage rooms.
Salig Simons Gaard
0.2 km
French-inspired bistro flair in a historic Svendborg courtyard, where candlelit beams, local Funen produce and relaxed service turn meals into lingering occasions.
Under Uret
0.2 km
All-day café and brasserie under the clock on Svendborg’s main pedestrian street, serving cozy comfort food, quality coffee and relaxed drinks from morning to late night.
Pams African Restaurant
0.3 km
Ghanaian warmth, jollof rice and slow-cooked stews bring a slice of West Africa to the historic streets of Svendborg’s compact old town.
Thude's Restaurant & Vinbar
0.3 km
Intimate seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar in central Svendborg, pairing seasonal Danish cooking with thoughtful wines and a charming hidden garden terrace.
Jettes Diner
0.3 km
Cozy harbor-side diner in Svendborg serving generous burgers, changing daily specials and comforting Danish-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Restaurant Svendborgsund
0.4 km
Classic Danish cooking and hearty portions served right on Svendborg’s harborfront, with wide views across Svendborgsund and a relaxed, maritime atmosphere all day long.
Restaurant Resumé
0.4 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Restaurant Hotel Ærø i Svendborg
0.4 km
Historic harborfront restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine in a colonial-styled setting steeped in maritime heritage.
Frederiksøens Madbar
0.5 km
Casual harbourfront burger and seafood bar on Svendborg’s old shipyard island, pairing organic burgers and fried fish with laid-back maritime views.
Christians madhus
1.1 km
Handcrafted sandwiches and daily hot meals with genuine Danish hospitality in central Svendborg.
Restaurant Øret
1.6 km
Unpretentious Danish dining where fresh local ingredients and skilled kitchen craft create honest, memorable meals.
Restaurant
1.7 km
Waterfront hotel restaurant in Svendborg serving seasonal Danish cuisine with a strong seafood focus, framed by wide sea views and a spacious terrace by the beach.
Stella Maris
2.7 km
An intimate seaside boutique hotel on Svendborgsund, blending Nordic design, gourmet dining and tranquil garden-and-water views on the edge of South Funen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Phigo, Fine Luxury
0.1 km
A three-floor Scandinavian fashion house in central Svendborg, showcasing refined designer clothing, accessories and leather goods in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Kop & Kande
0.2 km
Warmth, comfort, and inspiration for your home in the heart of Svendborg
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
Colourful, low-cost Danish design and quirky gifts in the heart of Svendborg’s main shopping street, ideal for quick souvenirs, party supplies and everyday essentials.
Thi Ti Ting
0.3 km
A cozy little gift shop on Korsgade in Svendborg’s old town, where playful Danish design and easygoing small-town charm meet on every shelf.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
0.3 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Storms Hjørne
3.8 km
A volunteer-run village gem where Danish tradition, local pride, and waterfront views converge.
Høkildegård
9.3 km
Family-run South Funen farm and country shop overlooking Syltemade Valley, where free-range animals, quality meat and gentle rural landscapes meet in one stop.
Dansk
15.2 km
A contemporary clothing boutique in Rudkøbing offering wearable Scandinavian style, seasonal collections and practical wardrobe updates in a relaxed, local setting.
Kaj Hansen
15.2 km
Intimate goldsmith’s atelier and art-filled gallery in Rudkøbing, where handcrafted jewellery and local creativity capture the quiet spirit of Langeland.
Shop Louise Mary
15.2 km
Charming gift shop on Rudkøbing's central square, offering curated Scandinavian home décor and souvenirs.
Skovhus Keramik
15.3 km
Handcrafted Nordic ceramics inspired by Langeland's natural beauty, created by artist Trine Steffensen.
Købmandsgården-Tingstedet- v/Torbjørn Brun Madsen
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Characterful antique shop in an 18th‑century merchant’s house in central Rudkøbing, where Langeland’s history is stacked on shelves, tables and timeworn beams.
Butik Knag I/S
15.4 km
Cosy Rudkøbing specialty shop with liqueurs, gourmet treats and beautifully arranged gift baskets that add local flavour to your Langeland visit.
Imerco
15.4 km
Compact Danish homeware store on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending everyday kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and gift ideas for locals and island visitors.
Books & Paper Rudkøbing
15.4 km
Cosy island bookshop on Rudkøbing’s main street, combining Danish literature, games and stationery with local-flavoured gifts and practical supplies for everyday life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hemingway's Svendborg
0.2 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Vinsted
0.2 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Trier's Corner
0.2 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
HANSTED
0.3 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Rasmus
0.3 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
Den Høje Stue
0.3 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Kahytten Svendborg
0.3 km
Dimly lit, smoky and disarmingly honest, Kahytten is Svendborg’s cabin-like pub where cheap beers, local regulars and harbor-town character meet under one low ceiling.
Loftet
0.3 km
Late-opening neighborhood bar in central Svendborg, blending pool, darts and affordable drinks with an easygoing, social atmosphere into the small hours.
The Drunken Sailor
0.3 km
Cozy nautical pub in Svendborg’s harbor quarter, pouring affordable drinks, hearty Danish tartlets and a generous measure of maritime atmosphere late into the night.
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
0.4 km
Cozy, maritime-flavored bar in central Svendborg, known for its spirits, live music nights and intimate courtyard that comes alive on long summer evenings.
Strandbar
0.5 km
Harbourside beach bar on tiny Frederiksø, pouring sunset drinks, live music vibes and laid-back island atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s working waterfront.
Bogholderiet - Ølbar på Værftet
0.5 km
Industrial shipyard heritage meets one of Denmark’s biggest beer selections and organic burgers in a characterful harborfront bar on Frederiksø in Svendborg.
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
0.5 km
Creative cocktail bar and live venue in a converted harbor warehouse on Frederiksø, blending industrial charm, Nordic drinks and Svendborg’s waterfront nightlife.
Ørkild
0.7 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
0.8 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo 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
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
