Odense Havnebad
A ship-shaped outdoor harbour bath in central Odense, offering free year-round swimming, a hot sauna and urban waterfront views in the city’s revitalised harbour.
Odense Havnebad is a striking open-air harbour bath in the heart of Odense Harbour, shaped like a ship with a wooden deck and red-and-white cabin. Here you can swim in chlorinated outdoor pools all year round, warm up in the sauna, and enjoy changing rooms, showers and toilets – all free of charge. With capacity for around 300 guests, it’s a lively urban swimming spot that doubles as a waterfront hangout in both summer and winter.
A brief summary to Odense Havnebad
- Gamle Havnekaj 3, Odense C, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4565515372
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-9:30 am
- Tuesday 4 pm-8:30 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-9:30 am
- Thursday 4 pm-8:30 pm
- Friday 6 am-9:30 am
- Saturday 8 am-10:30 am
- Sunday 8 am-10:30 am
Local tips
- Bring a towel large enough to sit on in the sauna, as you are expected to cover the bench completely when using it.
- Check the current opening hours in advance; sessions alternate between early mornings and late afternoons and can vary by season.
- Pack warm layers and easy-to-slip-on footwear if you plan to winter bathe; the contrast between cold pools and harbour wind can be intense.
- Use the small lockers only for valuables and keep a simple bag with your swim gear ready on the deck to move around easily.
- Arrive a little before opening time on warm summer days if you prefer a quieter swim, as capacity is limited to a few hundred guests.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public transport from Odense city centre
From Odense Banegård Center, take a city bus serving the harbour area and get off at a stop near Gamle Havnekaj; the ride typically takes 5–10 minutes depending on traffic, plus a short walk along the quayside. A single adult ticket on local buses in Odense usually costs around 24–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day but less often in the evening, so check the timetable if you plan an early-morning or late-afternoon swim.
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Walking from the central shopping streets
From the pedestrian streets in central Odense, reaching the harbour bath on foot generally takes 15–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is flat and follows ordinary pavements and harbour promenades, making it suitable for most people with basic mobility. Expect some exposed sections along the waterfront where wind and rain can be more noticeable, so dress accordingly on colder days.
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Cycling within Odense
Odense is well known for its cycling infrastructure, and many visitors choose to bike to Odense Havnebad from neighbourhoods across the city. Typical cycling times range from 5–10 minutes from the historic centre to around 20 minutes from outer districts, mostly along marked bike lanes and quiet streets. You can bring your own bike or rent one locally; standard city bike rentals usually cost about 80–120 DKK per day, and there is informal bike parking space near the harbour basin.
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Taxi from Odense Banegård Center
If you prefer direct access, a taxi ride from Odense’s main railway station to Gamle Havnekaj by the harbour bath normally takes around 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Daytime fares within central Odense for such a short journey are commonly in the range of 90–140 DKK, with higher prices in the evening or on weekends. Taxis can set passengers down close to the harbourfront, leaving only a brief, level walk to the entrance of the bath area.
Odense Havnebad location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Odense Havnebad
Harbour swimming at the heart of Odense
Odense Havnebad brings classic outdoor pool culture to the city’s revitalised harbourfront. Set right on the quayside at Gamle Havnekaj, this purpose-built harbour bath lets you slip into the water with cranes, new apartments and the canal landscape as your backdrop. Instead of swimming directly in the harbour, you move through a series of established pools filled with treated water, giving the atmosphere of wild urban swimming with the comfort and cleanliness of a modern facility. The complex is compact but thoughtfully laid out. Ladders, platforms and railings frame the pools, making access straightforward, while clear sight lines across the site keep the open-air feel. When the sun is out, the surrounding quay becomes an extended lounge area, and a quick dip easily turns into a relaxed hour by the water.Ship-shaped design on the city waterfront
One of the first things you notice is the architecture: Odense Havnebad is designed to resemble a small ship moored in the harbour. A raised wooden deck runs along the structure like a boardwalk, and in the middle sits a playful red-and-white striped cabin that evokes both maritime signals and old-fashioned beach huts. This distinctive silhouette makes the bath easy to spot from across the harbour basin. The simple, functional design still finds room for detail. The wood underfoot warms quickly on sunny days, and the railings, ladders and diving elements are painted in strong, clean colours that stand out against the water. At night, subtle lighting gives the structure a soft glow, underlining its role as a landmark in the new harbour district.Swimming all year with a sauna to thaw out
The harbour bath is open more or less year-round, with short morning sessions on some days and late afternoon openings on others. Dedicated lane swimming fits into the earliest hours, while later slots are more relaxed and family-friendly. In summer, the pool water is typically kept to at least around 20°C, which makes repeated dips inviting even when the sea breeze picks up. Winter is when the bath reveals a different character. Temperatures are maintained at a minimum of about 3°C, turning the facility into a base for cold-water enthusiasts. A large sauna, kept around 85°C, offers a powerful contrast: you can step from the bracing outdoor pool straight into intense dry heat. Short transitions between cold water and hot air are part of the ritual for many regulars.Practical comforts and safety on the quay
Despite being open-air, the facility is set up much like an urban pool. There are changing rooms where you can swap layers without dealing with the wind, hot showers to rinse off, and toilets on site. Small lockers give you a place to store valuables, though larger bags are usually kept near the deck. The whole site is smoke-free, including e-cigarettes, keeping the air clear around the water. During opening hours, trained staff are on duty to oversee swimming areas and keep an eye on conditions. Pool edges are clearly marked, and the chlorinated water means visibility stays good even on overcast days. For families, the presence of lifeguards and defined pool zones adds reassurance, though children still need close supervision near the water.Urban harbour atmosphere in transformation
Odense Harbour has shifted from a largely industrial zone to a mixed quarter of housing, offices and cultural spaces, and the harbour bath plays a central role in that transformation. It encourages people to experience the waterfront up close, not just as a view but as a place to be active, social and relaxed. The soundscape mixes gulls and the splash of swimmers with the faint hum of city life. From the deck you can watch cyclists glide along the quayside and see small boats move through the harbour. On bright evenings, the low northern light reflects off the water and surrounding buildings, turning a simple swim into a surprisingly scenic moment. Whether you come for serious laps, winter plunges or a quick cool-down on a summer day, Odense Havnebad offers a distinctive way to plug into the city’s evolving harbourfront.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odense St.
0.7 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.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.7 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
visit
1.2 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
1.3 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.3 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
1.4 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.”
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.3 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
2.5 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
The Funen Village
4.5 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Det gamle vandtårn
5.0 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Sortehusene
6.2 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.
8.0 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
11.2 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
12.7 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Rolfshøj
14.2 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
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
0.0 km
A half-submerged Hans Christian Andersen rises from Odense Harbour, blending literary legend, protest art and waterfront atmosphere in one striking sculpture.
Promenaden Treppe
0.1 km
A simple waterside staircase where Odense’s fjord path dips towards the water, inviting you to sit, slow down, and soak in big skies and quiet coastal scenery.
North Atlantic House
0.2 km
A waterfront cultural village in Odense Harbour, where striking Nordic architecture, North Atlantic art, storytelling and cuisine meet beside the water’s edge.
Thriges Kraftcentral
0.4 km
A fully operational 1916 power station where vintage diesel engines roar to life monthly, preserving a century of industrial innovation.
Street Art - Odense Havn
0.5 km
Colossal black‑and‑white animals climb old grain silos at Odense Harbour, turning raw industrial concrete into a striking, free open‑air artwork by the water.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
0.6 km
A compact urban nook in central Odense where a sculptural storytelling swing and stepped seating invite you to pause, daydream and weave your own city tales.
The City's Bridge
0.6 km
Stunning coastal headland at Funen’s northern tip, offering wild landscapes, panoramic sea views, rare birdlife, and serene walking trails in a pristine Danish nature reserve.
Banegårdspladsen
0.7 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
King's Garden
0.8 km
Odense’s historic royal garden – a formal yet welcoming green gateway of lawns, sculptures and summer concerts beside the city’s castle.
Odense Castle
0.9 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.
Saint Hans Church
0.9 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.
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
0.9 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.
Danaë
0.9 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.
Carl Nielsen Museum
1.0 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
0.2 km
Refined North Atlantic cuisine and harbour views meet under one roof at Odense’s Nordatlantisk Hus, where seasonal ingredients and Nordic design shape a memorable meal.
Den Lille Kabys
0.3 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
0.6 km
Woodland restaurant by Odense Harbour, pairing classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with leafy views, bright banquet rooms and easy access to forest paths.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
0.6 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Giraffen
0.7 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.
Pinsame Odense ApS
1.0 km
Roman-style pinsa in an unfussy Odense neighborhood setting, serving long-fermented, crisp-yet-airy bases with both classic and creative toppings for dine-in or takeaway.
Brasserie Bordeaux
1.0 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Restaurant HOS
1.0 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.
GOMA
1.0 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
1.0 km
Big-flavour grill buffet, glowing open kitchen and family-friendly feasts in the heart of Odense’s bustling Kongensgade.
Bone's Odense
1.0 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
1.0 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.
Restaurant Mam
1.0 km
Intimate French-inspired dining in central Odense, where seasonal Danish ingredients, local culinary heritage and thoughtful service come together over unhurried dinners.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
1.0 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
1.1 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
0.2 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
ButikZoom
0.5 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
0.7 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
0.7 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
0.7 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.
Klassisk Design
0.7 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
0.9 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.
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
0.9 km
A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
1.0 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
Baggårdsbutikken
1.0 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Klods Hans
1.0 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Faraos Cigarer
1.1 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.
House of Amber Odense
1.2 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Look At This
1.2 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
1.2 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
Ungarsk Vinstue
0.8 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.
Sir Club
0.9 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.
Bar Rar Ltd.
1.0 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Viggos
1.0 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.
Pianobar odense
1.0 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.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
1.1 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
1.1 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Lørups Vinstue
1.2 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
The Boat House
1.2 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
1.2 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.
June Bar
1.2 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
1.2 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.
Kick Off - Sportspub
1.3 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Rabalder Bar Odense
1.3 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
The Flower and the Bee
1.3 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
0.9 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
1.1 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
1.2 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
1.3 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
6.4 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
27.2 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.8 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
41.3 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.0 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
46.7 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
47.7 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Samsø Island Distillery
49.2 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
49.3 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
49.9 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Garagen
50.0 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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
