Odense Cathedral – St. Canute’s Church (Sankt Knuds Kirke)
A soaring brick Gothic cathedral where Denmark’s last Viking king rests beneath a luminous nave, uniting royal history, sacred art and quiet Nordic contemplation.
Rising above the historic heart of Odense, Odense Cathedral – St. Canute’s Church – is Denmark’s finest example of brick Gothic architecture and the spiritual resting place of King Canute IV, the country’s last Viking king. Step into a soaring, light-filled nave, admire Claus Berg’s richly carved Renaissance altarpiece, and descend into the atmospheric crypt where royal tombs and reliquaries connect you directly with more than 900 years of Danish history and faith.
A brief summary to Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
- Klingenberg 19, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566120392
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 45–60 minutes so you can explore both the light-filled nave and the crypt with King Canute’s reliquaries without rushing.
- Check current service times in advance; during prayers and ceremonies, access to some areas may be limited or require extra discretion.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; the crypt stays noticeably cooler and can feel chilly if you linger over the exhibits.
- Take binoculars or use your phone’s zoom to study the fine details of Claus Berg’s gilded altarpiece and the vaulted ceiling bosses.
- If you enjoy photography, come early in the day when soft natural light streams through the high windows, illuminating the brickwork.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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On foot from central Odense
From the pedestrianized central streets of Odense, most visitors reach the cathedral on foot in around 5–10 minutes, as it stands in the historic core near other major sights. The route is flat and paved, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers in most weather, though cobblestones around the old town can make progress slower for some.
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City bus within Odense
Several local bus lines stop within a short walk of the cathedral in Odense C, with travel times of about 10–20 minutes from outlying districts depending on traffic. Single tickets typically cost in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or on board on many services. Buses run frequently during the day but less often in the evening and on weekends.
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Odense Light Rail and train connection
Travelers arriving by regional or intercity train can disembark at Odense Station and continue by the Odense Letbane light rail or on foot. The station is around 10–15 minutes’ walk from the cathedral, or 5–10 minutes by tram depending on the closest stop. A light rail ticket for the city zone generally costs about 20–25 DKK, with trams running at regular intervals throughout the day.
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Car or taxi within Odense
By car, reaching the cathedral from elsewhere in Odense typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. There is no large car park directly at the church, so visitors usually use nearby public parking garages or paid street parking in Odense C, where hourly rates often range from 15–25 DKK. Taxis from the train station or central hotels cover the short distance in under 10 minutes, with fares commonly around 80–150 DKK including basic charges.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Discover more about Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
A brick Gothic landmark in the heart of Odense
Odense Cathedral, also known as St. Canute’s Church or Sankt Knuds Kirke, dominates the old town skyline with its tall brick tower and elegant, pointed spire. The current building largely dates from the 13th to 15th centuries and is considered one of Denmark’s purest examples of brick Gothic architecture, with high ribbed vaults and slender columns emphasizing vertical lines and light. Inside, the impression is one of clarity and simplicity: whitewashed walls, tall lancet windows, and an uncluttered floor plan give the nave an airy, almost Nordic minimalism. Yet within this restrained setting, carefully placed artworks and monuments reveal the cathedral’s role as a royal burial church and a key stage for Danish religious history.King Canute IV and the story beneath the floor
The cathedral is named for King Canute IV, also known as Canute the Holy, who ruled Denmark in the late 11th century and is often described as the country’s last Viking king. After his violent death during a peasant uprising in Odense in 1086, his remains were moved here, and his later canonization turned this church into an important medieval pilgrimage destination. Today, the most evocative part of a visit is the crypt. Here, two reliquaries hold the skeletal remains of Canute and his brother Benedict, displayed in a simple yet powerful setting. Nearby you can see fragments of the earlier travertine church that predated the current brick cathedral, as well as old tombstones including royal burials. The subdued light, cool air, and faint echo of footsteps create a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the bright space above.Altarpiece, organ and royal memories
At the eastern end of the nave stands one of Denmark’s great church treasures: the monumental altarpiece carved by Claus Berg in the early 1500s. Packed with gilded figures and intricate details from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, it rewards slow, careful viewing; each panel is a dense tableau of late Gothic craftsmanship moving toward the Renaissance. The cathedral also serves as a resting place for later Danish royalty, including King Hans and Christian II, whose tombs underline Odense’s historic status as a royal city. Overhead, a grand organ façade hints at the cathedral’s strong musical tradition, with regular services and concerts filling the high vaults with sound. Even when silent, the instrument’s sculpted pipes and dark wood contribute to the building’s layered visual story.Layers of faith from monastery to modern parish
Beneath and beside the main church lie traces of a Benedictine monastery once attached to the cathedral. Archaeological remains, including sections of walls visible from the crypt, recall the time when monks lived and worked here, supporting the pilgrimage traffic that Canute’s cult attracted across northern Europe. Over the centuries, the church has moved from its Roman Catholic origins through the Reformation to its present life as a Lutheran cathedral. Despite these changes, the building still functions as an active parish church and episcopal seat. Weekday prayers, Sunday services and special ceremonies continue to shape its rhythm, and the timetable is occasionally reflected in limited movement during noon devotions. Modern uses coexist with carefully preserved heritage, making the cathedral feel lived-in rather than museum-like.Experiencing the cathedral today
Visitors are free to wander the nave, chapels and crypt at their own pace, lingering over sculpted details, inscriptions and the play of light on brick and plaster. Short written explanations help place key elements in context, but much of the appeal lies in simply standing still and allowing the space to work on your senses. The cathedral’s central position in Odense means it often forms part of a wider exploration of the city’s historic core, yet it merits unhurried time on its own. Whether you are drawn by architecture, royal and Viking-era history, or a quiet corner for reflection, Odense Cathedral offers a rich, multi-layered encounter with Denmark’s past and present in a single, remarkably harmonious space.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Oceania
0.1 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.1 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.”
visit
0.2 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.6 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
0.6 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
1.7 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.4 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
3.2 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
3.9 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
7.2 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.
9.4 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
10.3 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.1 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
14.1 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Odense City Hall
0.1 km
Enjoy serene lawns, mature trees, and recreational paths in Nyborg’s central green park—a scenic spot for relaxation and community just steps from historical landmarks.
The maiden jump
0.1 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.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
0.1 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.
Vægmaleri
0.1 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Eventyrhaven
0.1 km
Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Klokkedybet
0.2 km
A quiet, story-rich bend of Odense River where legends of a sunken bell and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale imagination deepen an otherwise modest city waterscape.
St. Alban's Church
0.2 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
0.2 km
Discover Thomas Dambo’s eco-friendly giant troll, Hans Hulehånd, hidden along Odense’s scenic canal—blending public art, folklore, and a touch of adventure for all ages.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.2 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.
The Darning Needle
0.2 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.
Washing Site at Odense River
0.3 km
A modest riverside platform where washerwomen toiled, the Washing Site at Odense River quietly preserves the everyday world that shaped Hans Christian Andersen’s childhood.
Klods Hans billedevæg
0.3 km
A small but vibrant picture wall where Hans Christian Andersen’s bold misfit, Klods Hans, steps off the page and into the streets of historic Odense.
VILLE VAU
0.3 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.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
0.3 km
A towering black‑and‑white portrait of Hans Christian Andersen on a quiet Odense gable, where fairytale heritage meets contemporary street art in the old town.
H. C. Andersens House
0.4 km
An immersive museum in Odense where architecture, garden and multimedia exhibitions draw you deep into the imaginative world of Hans Christian Andersen.
Essential places to dine
Rivalen restaurant & bar
0.1 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
0.1 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
Druen & Bønnen
0.1 km
Cosy Danish–French bistro and café in the heart of Odense, serving comforting classics, plant‑friendly dishes and relaxed all‑day meals on lively Vestergade.
Restaurant Bacchus
0.1 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Den Lille Smalle
0.1 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
0.1 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
0.2 km
A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
UBN
0.2 km
Lively city-centre brasserie in historic Odense, serving seasonal comfort food and stone-oven pizzas alongside a serious cocktail bar with 300+ spirits.
Café Kræz
0.2 km
Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Restaurant Madklubben Odense
0.2 km
Big-hearted, central Odense brasserie serving modern seasonal comfort food in iconic premises, with space for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
Café Skt. Gertrud
0.2 km
Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
Ryan's of Odense
0.2 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Amy's Bar & Winehouse
0.2 km
A cozy, social hub in central Odense renowned for its expertly chosen wines, relaxed atmosphere, and local flavor—perfect for an authentic Danish evening out.
Vietnam Street Food / Restaurant Odense
0.2 km
Casual Vietnamese street-food spot in central Odense, serving pho, bánh mì and noodle bowls in a bright, unfussy setting ideal for quick, flavourful meals.
Restaurant Ribelli
0.3 km
Ambitious Italian fine dining with Funen soul, where tradition meets local innovation.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin Odense
0.1 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Summerbird
0.1 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Aunt Green ApS
0.1 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
0.1 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.1 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Dr. Adams
0.2 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Moby Disc
0.2 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.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.2 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.
Friluftsland
0.2 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.
All About Kids
0.2 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.3 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
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.
House of Amber Odense
0.3 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Underground
0.3 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
0.4 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Brølende And
0.1 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.
City Club
0.1 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
June Bar
0.1 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Champagniet
0.2 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.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
0.2 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.
No Stress Odense
0.2 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
Lalou Vinbar
0.2 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Tingstedet
0.2 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.3 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Christian Firtal
0.3 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
James Dean Bar
0.3 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.3 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.
Proud Mary Odense
0.3 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.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
