Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
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.
Hidden among the streets of central Odense, Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen is a small urban nook where literature, sculpture and everyday city life meet. A stepped seating area and a whimsical “story-swing chair” create an informal outdoor living room, inviting you to pause, read, or simply listen to imagined tales drifting through the air. It is a gentle, low-key stop that rewards those who like quiet details, literary references and people-watching in the heart of the city.
A brief summary to Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
- Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan only a short stop of 15–30 minutes here and combine it with visits to nearby cultural sights, shops or cafés in central Odense.
- Bring a book or notebook to make the most of the stepped seating; it is a pleasant spot for reading, sketching or jotting travel impressions.
- If you want photos with the storytelling swing chair, come earlier in the day when light is softer and the space is usually calmer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Local bus from Odense Banegård Center
From Odense Banegård Center, several city bus lines serve the central district around 5000 Odense C, with travel times typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Single tickets within the Odense urban zone usually cost about 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines or via local transport apps. Buses run frequently during the day, but evening and weekend services are less frequent, so check departure times in advance. Most buses and stops are step-free, making this a convenient option if you prefer to minimise walking.
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Walk from Odense city centre
If you are already in central Odense, Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen lies within the compact 5000 Odense C area and can typically be reached on foot in about 5–15 minutes from many hotels, cafés and cultural venues. The route involves level, paved city streets suitable for most visitors, including those with strollers. Surfaces can be slippery in wet or icy weather, so allow a little extra time and wear appropriate footwear on rainy or winter days.
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Bicycle within Odense
Odense is one of Denmark’s more bike-friendly cities, with marked cycle lanes leading through much of the centre. Cycling from residential districts or outer neighbourhoods into 5000 Odense C usually takes 10–20 minutes. Standard city bike rentals or bike-share schemes often cost around 50–150 DKK per day depending on provider and duration. Remember to use lights after dark and follow local cycling rules; bike parking is widely available around the central streets but can be busy in peak hours.
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Taxi from Odense Banegård Center
Taxis are available outside Odense Banegård Center and reach the central 5000 Odense C area in roughly 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic and exact destination. A short inner-city ride generally costs in the region of 80–140 DKK, with higher fares in evenings, at night and on weekends. Taxis are suitable if you are travelling with luggage or have mobility concerns, but be aware that some historic streets nearby may have limited vehicle access, requiring a brief final walk.
Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
A small city corner with a big imagination
Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen is not a grand square or a formal park, but a compact urban pocket tucked into central Odense. Here, a short flight of broad steps spills into a modest plaza, shaping a kind of miniature amphitheatre. The name Andelstrappen refers to this staircase, which doubles as seating and meeting place. At almost any time of day you may find a student with a book, a parent taking a break with a stroller, or someone quietly sipping coffee while watching bicycles glide past. The space feels distinctly Danish in its simplicity: robust materials, clean lines and an emphasis on being lived in rather than merely looked at. What might be an anonymous thoroughfare instead becomes a deliberate place to linger, linking surrounding streets, shops and cultural spots into a human-scale living room in the open air.The storytelling swing that anchors the scene
The most eye-catching element is the Fortællegyngestolen – the storytelling swing chair. Part sculpture, part oversized piece of playground furniture, it suggests a throne for a modern urban storyteller. Its curved form invites you to sit back and imagine tales being told here, echoing Odense’s strong association with storytelling and fairy tales. Even when there is no formal performance or reading, the swing sparks a sense of play. Children test how high they can glide while adults pose for photos or simply sway gently while chatting with friends. The object blurs the line between art and utility, encouraging interaction rather than passive observation.A quiet nod to Odense’s literary heritage
Odense is famously linked with Hans Christian Andersen, and while Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen is not a themed attraction, it feels like a subtle tribute to that heritage. The idea of a dedicated place to sit and tell stories taps into the city’s long tradition of tales, whether classic fairy stories or contemporary urban narratives. This is a spot where imagination fills in what the eye does not immediately see. There are no large signs or installations spelling out meaning; instead, the suggestive design leaves space for your own stories. It works especially well if you already plan to explore Odense’s museums and historic streets and want a quieter, contemporary counterpoint between visits.Everyday rhythms and seasonal moods
The character of the space changes with the time of day and season. On bright mornings, light falls across the steps and swing, highlighting textures in the paving and nearby façades. Around lunchtime, it can feel like an informal canteen for office workers and shoppers taking a break in the fresh air. Later in the day, the mood softens as shadows lengthen and conversations become more subdued. In summer, you may notice the hum of cyclists and the occasional drift of music from nearby venues, while in colder months the area grows quieter, appealing to those who enjoy crisp air and a quick rest outdoors before returning to cosy cafés or cultural institutions close by. A drizzle of rain, common in Denmark, often enhances the colours of stone and metal, making the swing chair look even more sculptural.How to experience it without rushing
You do not need a long time here, but a short, unhurried pause can be surprisingly restorative. Sit on the steps, watch how locals move through the space and consider how deliberately small design interventions can change the feeling of a city block. If the swing is free, settle into it and let the gentle motion encourage a slower pace. Bring a book, a notebook or simply your thoughts. This can be a comfortable place to jot down impressions from a day in Odense, take photos that capture the interplay between people and public art, or introduce children to the idea that stories do not have to live only in books or on screens – they can be spoken, shared and imagined in the middle of the city.A thoughtful stop within a wider city wander
Because Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen sits in the central district, it works best as part of a wider wander through Odense. Combine it with historic lanes, nearby cultural institutions and shopping streets, using this nook as a kind of reset point in between busier sights. Its modest size means it rarely dominates a day’s itinerary, but that is precisely its charm. For travelers who appreciate subtle, human-scale urban spaces, this is a rewarding find: a reminder that interesting places are not always the largest, oldest or most photographed. Sometimes the most memorable moments come from a brief rest on a stair, a shared laugh on a swing, and a story begun in the middle of the city.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.
Oceania
1.2 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
1.2 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
1.3 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.”
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.9 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.9 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
3.1 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
4.6 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Det gamle vandtårn
5.1 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Sortehusene
6.0 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.
8.3 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
10.7 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
13.1 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Rolfshøj
13.7 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
Thriges Kraftcentral
0.3 km
A fully operational 1916 power station where vintage diesel engines roar to life monthly, preserving a century of industrial innovation.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
0.6 km
A half-submerged Hans Christian Andersen rises from Odense Harbour, blending literary legend, protest art and waterfront atmosphere in one striking sculpture.
Banegårdspladsen
0.6 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
Odense Havnebad
0.6 km
Ship-shaped, free-to-use and open year-round, Odense Havnebad brings outdoor swimming, sauna warmth and harbour views together in the heart of urban Odense.
Promenaden Treppe
0.7 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.
Fredens Kirke
0.8 km
A luminous 1920 “Church of Peace” in Odense’s Skibhus Quarter, blending Jensen Klint’s thoughtful brick architecture with stained glass, music and local community life.
Carl Nielsen Museum
0.8 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.
North Atlantic House
0.8 km
A waterfront cultural village in Odense Harbour, where striking Nordic architecture, North Atlantic art, storytelling and cuisine meet beside the water’s edge.
Street Art - Odense Havn
0.8 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.
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.
The City's Bridge
0.9 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.
Andersen on the bench
0.9 km
Share a bronze bench with Hans Christian Andersen himself in the heart of Odense’s fairy-tale district, where the city’s stories slip quietly into everyday life.
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.
Møntergården
0.9 km
A pocket-sized historic quarter where cobbled courtyards, timbered houses and multimedia galleries bring the story of Odense and Funen vividly to life.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
0.0 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Den Lille Kabys
0.5 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
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.
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
0.8 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.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
0.9 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Brasserie Bordeaux
0.9 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Grønttorvet
0.9 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.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
1.0 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
1.0 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Restaurant Ribelli
1.0 km
Inventive Italian fine dining with a Funen twist, served in an intimate, design-conscious dining room in the historic heart of Odense.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
1.0 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.
Ryan's of Odense
1.1 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.
Restaurant Mam
1.1 km
Intimate French-inspired dining in central Odense, where seasonal Danish ingredients, local culinary heritage and thoughtful service come together over unhurried dinners.
Bar Tapas
1.1 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 Næsbyhoved Skov
1.1 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Veda Womenswear Denmark
0.1 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.
ButikZoom
0.2 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.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
0.2 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Klassisk Design
0.2 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.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
0.3 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
0.4 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.
Baggårdsbutikken
0.5 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
0.8 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.
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
0.8 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Look At This
0.8 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Klods Hans
0.9 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Reden Op Shop
1.0 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.
House of Amber Odense
1.0 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
1.0 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Butik Pulvis
1.1 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ungarsk Vinstue
0.4 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.
Lørups Vinstue
0.9 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.
Rabalder Bar Odense
1.0 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.
The Flower and the Bee
1.0 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.
Kick Off - Sportspub
1.0 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.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
1.0 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.
Grand Bar & Lounge
1.1 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
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.
Viggos
1.2 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.
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
1.2 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Pianobar odense
1.3 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
1.3 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.
Bar Rar Ltd.
1.3 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Boogie Dance Café
1.0 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
1.0 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
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.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
1.3 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
6.0 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
26.6 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.2 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
41.1 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.6 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
46.6 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
47.6 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
49.0 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
49.1 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.
Garagen
49.9 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
50.0 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- 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
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
