University Library of Southern Denmark, Odense Campus
Light-filled academic heart of SDU Odense, offering calm study zones, extensive collections and 24/7 access for students in a modern Scandinavian campus setting.
Set at the heart of SDU’s modern Odense campus, the University Library of Southern Denmark is a bright, spacious hub for study, research and quiet reflection. Open to students, staff and external users during staffed hours, it combines vast academic collections with inviting workspaces, from silent reading zones to collaborative group areas and a relaxed lounge. With 24/7 access for cardholders, this is the intellectual living room of the university and a calm retreat from campus bustle.
A brief summary to University Library of Southern Denmark
- Campusvej 55, Odense Municipality, Odense M, 5230, DK
- +4565502100
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 6 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8 am-4 pm
- Friday 8 am-4 pm
Local tips
- If you need absolute silence, head straight for the quiet zone rather than the main tables, which can get lively between classes.
- Plan longer study sessions on weekdays during staffed hours so you can get research help or troubleshoot database access on the spot.
- Bring a campus card if you are a student or staff member; it allows 24/7 access to the library facilities and self-service machines.
- Use the library as a base between lectures; its mix of lounge areas and work desks makes it easy to switch from relaxing to focused study.
- During exam periods, arrive early in the day to secure your preferred workspace, especially near power outlets and natural light.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from central Odense
From central Odense, use an OU-line city bus serving Campusvej and SDU; the ride typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and departure time. Services run frequently on weekdays, with reduced frequency in evenings and weekends. A single adult ticket within the Odense zone usually costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile app. Buses stop a short walk from the main campus entrances, and the route is flat and suitable for all mobility levels.
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Bicycle from city centre
Odense is very bike-friendly, and many students cycle between the city centre and Campusvej. The journey to the university area usually takes around 15–25 minutes at an easy pace, mostly along dedicated cycle paths with gentle gradients. You can use your own bike or rent one from local bike-share or rental shops, with daily rental often in the range of 80–150 DKK depending on type. Weather and winter conditions can affect comfort, so bring lights and rain gear in darker or wet months.
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Train plus bus from Odense Station
If you arrive by regional or intercity train, Odense Station connects directly with local buses heading towards the SDU campus on Campusvej. Plan around 25–40 minutes in total from stepping off the train to reaching the library area, factoring in transfer and waiting time. A combined local bus journey within Odense typically costs about 20–30 DKK in addition to your train fare. Elevators and escalators at the station make this option relatively accessible for travelers with luggage or reduced mobility.
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Taxi from Odense city
Taxis are available throughout Odense and at the main station, offering a direct ride to Campusvej 55. Depending on traffic and exact starting point, the trip usually takes 10–20 minutes. Daytime fares within the city commonly fall in the 120–220 DKK range, with supplements in evenings, nights and weekends. This is the most convenient option if you are short on time, carrying heavy materials or visiting outside normal public transport peaks.
University Library of Southern Denmark location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about University Library of Southern Denmark
A calm academic hub in the middle of campus life
The University Library of Southern Denmark in Odense sits right on Campusvej, embedded in the main university complex yet feeling like a self-contained world of calm. High ceilings, long sightlines and generous windows give the interior a sense of space and light, even on grey days. Rows of shelves stocked with textbooks, journals and research literature form the backbone of the library, but the atmosphere is less austere than you might expect: soft seating, warm materials and thoughtful lighting create a welcoming, human scale. Because the library serves a broad university, you encounter an eclectic mix of disciplines on the shelves and at the tables. Business cases sit not far from sociology classics; health sciences rub shoulders with environmental management and law. It is a place where different branches of knowledge quietly coexist, mirroring the multidisciplinary spirit of the campus around it.Spaces designed for every style of studying
Inside, the library is carefully zoned so you can choose the environment that suits the way you work. Individual reading desks stretch along windows and quieter corners, ideal when you need to sink into concentrated study with minimal distraction. Elsewhere, larger tables invite more social working, with the low murmur of group discussions and laptops humming. A dedicated quiet zone encourages deep focus, with clear expectations of silence and a more subdued feel. In contrast, group areas and smaller meeting-style spaces let classmates spread out with printouts, laptops and coffee while they prepare presentations or solve problem sets. Power outlets, task lighting and nearby shelving make it easy to settle in for several hours at a time.Collections and services behind the scenes
The Odense campus library acts as a gateway to the entire University Library of Southern Denmark system. Beyond the physical shelves around you, the staff manage lending from all SDU collections and help arrange material from other Danish and international libraries. Much of this work is invisible from the reading rooms, but it underpins the library’s role as a serious research resource. Service counters spread across the building provide in-person help on weekdays, from locating elusive titles to refining a literature search. For students and staff, electronic journals, databases and e-books extend the library’s reach far beyond the walls, accessible around the clock. Even when service desks close for the day, those with campus cards can still move among the stacks, use self-service machines and find a seat to continue studying late into the evening.Everyday life, rhythms and amenities
The daily rhythm is shaped by the academic timetable. Mornings often begin quietly, with early risers claiming their favourite spots, while mid-afternoon brings more energy as classes finish and group projects take over shared tables. During exam periods the building feels like a small city of concentration: laptops open, notes taped to desks, and a steady procession of students weaving between shelves and printers. Practical details make long study sessions more comfortable. There are varied seating options, from upright desks to more relaxed lounge chairs where you can read a chapter away from your computer screen. Information boards and digital signage keep you updated on opening hours and any changes to services. Restrooms and nearby campus cafés mean you rarely have to go far for a break before returning to your books.A modern Scandinavian setting for focused work
Architecturally, the library reflects the broader design language of SDU Odense: clean lines, functional layouts and a modern Scandinavian sensibility. Materials and colours are kept understated, allowing books, people and daylight to become the main visual elements. Long internal vistas link different sections of the library, offering glimpses of busy study areas and quieter pockets as you walk through. Despite its academic purpose, the library is more than a place to retrieve information. For many, it becomes a regular base on campus, a neutral ground between departments where friendships are formed over group projects and late-night study sessions. Whether you step in for a quick reference check or settle for a full day of focused work, the building is designed to support clear thinking and sustained attention.Who will appreciate this campus library
The University Library of Southern Denmark in Odense is primarily geared toward students, researchers and staff, but curious visitors with an interest in academic life or contemporary campus architecture will also find it worth a brief look. Its calm, structured environment suits anyone who enjoys the quiet industry of a large university at work. For international students, it often becomes an anchor point during their stay in Denmark: a familiar place with reliable facilities, consistent opening patterns on weekdays and an easy-to-navigate layout. Combined with its position at the heart of campus, the library serves as both a practical resource and a symbolic centre of the university’s intellectual life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det gamle vandtårn
3.8 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
3.9 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.”
Oceania
4.0 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
4.2 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
4.5 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
4.5 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.
Fredens Kirke
5.5 km
Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
5.6 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Richard Møller Nielsens Plads
5.8 km
Copenhagen’s Jægersborggade is a vibrant hub for coffee lovers, foodies, and creatives, blending artisan shops, eco-eats, and street art in Nørrebro’s heart.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
5.8 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Bolbro vartegn
5.9 km
A bold neighbourhood landmark celebrating Bolbro's vibrant community identity in western Odense.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
6.8 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
TheDoorOdense
7.0 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
9.1 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Rolfshøj
9.3 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
University Press of Southern Denmark
0.2 km
Explore the historic Odense Castle and its picturesque Kongens Have park in the heart of Odense, Denmark.
Go monkey odense
1.3 km
Tree‑top ziplines, bouncing net universes and nerve‑testing free‑falls bring forest‑style adventure to the edge of urban Odense at GoMonkey’s outdoor climbing park.
Hollufgård slotspark
1.7 km
Historic manor grounds turned sculpture-filled green escape on Odense’s edge, blending woodland trails, meadows and contemporary art in a free, year‑round park.
Rosengårdcentret
1.8 km
Funen’s largest shopping centre, blending over 150 stores, 25 eateries and a cinema into a bright, weather-proof hub for everyday errands and relaxed days out.
Sneglehøjen
1.8 km
Serene woodland trails through Odense's natural heart, perfect for peaceful forest walks and nature immersion.
Glisholm Sø
1.8 km
Odense's largest lake where climate resilience meets natural beauty and community recreation.
Bunkermuseum Of Odense
2.3 km
Step into a fully preserved Cold War command bunker beneath Odense and explore an atmospheric maze of control rooms, exhibits and civil defence history.
The Funen Village
2.7 km
Step into a living Funen countryside village of thatched farms, mills, orchards and heritage animals, where 18th- and 19th-century rural Denmark comes vividly to life.
Brickworks
2.8 km
A small creative brick studio in southern Odense where Danish design spirit meets hands-on LEGO-style imagination in a low-key, family-friendly setting.
Parsonage
2.9 km
Experience authentic 18th-century Danish village life through restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on traditional crafts.
Marie-Kilden
3.3 km
A small historic spring hidden in Odense’s riverside green belt, Marie-Kilden offers a quiet glimpse of parish history and folklore amid trees, paths and gentle birdsong.
Cultural-botanical Garden
3.4 km
A tranquil 10-hectare botanical sanctuary housing 13,000 plant species and Denmark's finest birch and fern collections.
Munke Mose Park
3.7 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Odense Zoo
3.7 km
Leafy riverside zoo in Odense where manatees, penguins and savannah wildlife meet treetop walks, play areas and hands-on encounters in a certified green attraction.
Bøgetoppen i Odense Zoo
3.7 km
A gentle treetop adventure above Odense Zoo, Bøgetoppen lets you wander through the beech canopy, combining forest views, local nature stories and family-friendly fun.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Knudsens Gaard
2.6 km
Refined Danish cuisine in a half-timbered hotel farmhouse, where seasonal Funen produce meets candlelit country-house ambience on Odense’s tranquil south side.
Sortebro Kro
2.8 km
Thatched-roof country inn on Odense’s historic edge, blending classic Danish kro charm with refined, seasonal fine dining and warmly polished hospitality.
Restaurant Carlslund
3.2 km
Historic forest inn serving legendary Danish æggekage and traditional Funen cuisine in a charming woodland setting.
Vår
3.2 km
Intimate, light-filled fine dining in Odense, where a Michelin-recognized chef crafts calm, seasonal tasting menus rooted in local Funen produce and thoughtful wine.
Restaurant Bondestuen
3.8 km
Historic half-timbered traktørsted in Odense C serving hearty traditional Danish dishes in a cosy, rustic setting with the feel of a local countryside inn.
Restaurant Wienerstuen
3.9 km
Unpretentious Danish comfort food in a cosy Odense C neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty classics and generous portions from late morning into the evening.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
4.0 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
Restaurant Aro
4.0 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
4.0 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
Restaurant Bacchus
4.0 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Den Lille Smalle
4.0 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
4.1 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
Grønttorvet
4.1 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Druen & Bønnen
4.1 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.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
4.1 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
GenbrugsHallerne
1.4 km
A vast indoor thrift hall in Odense where hundreds of private stalls turn second-hand shopping into an urban treasure hunt of everyday finds and quirky curios.
Det Gamle Apotek POP UP - Rosengårdcentret
1.7 km
A cosy Det Gamle Apotek pop-up in Rosengårdcentret, filling Odense’s biggest mall with Danish Christmas charm, nostalgic décor and atmospheric Scandinavian hygge.
aneBane
3.6 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
StiLia ApS
3.7 km
Curated Scandinavian gifts and homeware where design meets everyday living.
All About Kids
4.0 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Red Cross Op Shop
4.0 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
Moby Disc
4.0 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.
Reden Op Shop
4.0 km
Small, stylish second-hand boutique in central Odense where quality women’s fashion, community spirit and social impact come together on one friendly shop floor.
Bohemian Wonders
4.0 km
A color-soaked vintage and boho showroom in Odense, where one-of-a-kind finds and small-batch designs turn slow fashion into a tactile, story-filled experience.
Summerbird
4.0 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
4.0 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Dr. Adams
4.0 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Butik Pulvis
4.0 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Den Lille Vandal
4.0 km
A cosy Odense shelf market where local families trade gently used children’s clothes, toys and gear, blending everyday practicality with a sustainable, community feel.
Aunt Green ApS
4.1 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjallese Puben
2.7 km
Vibrant neighborhood bar where Odense locals gather for music, drinks, and authentic Danish pub atmosphere.
Den Lille Kro Odense
3.4 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
Carlsens Kvarter
3.6 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
3.9 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
Den Brølende And
4.0 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 Flower and the Bee
4.0 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.
Rabalder Bar Odense
4.0 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.
Kick Off - Sportspub
4.0 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.
City Club
4.0 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
No Stress Odense
4.0 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
Champagniet
4.0 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.
Lørups Vinstue
4.0 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.
Lalou Vinbar
4.1 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Tingstedet
4.1 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Proud Mary Odense
4.1 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
1.4 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.
BUTCHERS Odense
4.0 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.
Dansebar Odense
4.1 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
4.2 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
4.8 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Muzirkus
22.9 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
23.6 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
36.3 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ærø Golf Klub
46.5 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
AHA Livestage
47.6 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
50.3 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
51.2 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Kasket karl
51.3 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Langelands Jazzklub
51.9 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Samsø Island Distillery
52.7 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly