Odense Cathedral – St. Canute’s Church: Denmark’s Majestic Gothic Landmark

Marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture and royal history of Odense Cathedral, where soaring Gothic arches and the legacy of King Canute IV meet at the city’s very heart.

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Art Museum Brandts

In the heart of Odense, St. Canute’s Cathedral towers over the cityscape as a masterpiece of Danish Gothic architecture. This cathedral, dating to the 14th century, is not just a place of worship but a site steeped in dramatic history—most notably as the burial place of King Canute IV, Denmark’s patron saint. Visitors are welcomed by soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate brickwork, and a serene, reverent atmosphere, making it a cultural and architectural highlight of any Odense visit.

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Amfipladsen 7, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
+4565207000
Visit website

Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-8 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Admission to the cathedral is free, making it an accessible must-see for every visitor.
Look for scheduled organ recitals and concerts, typically hosted on weekends and special occasions.
The crypt, containing the royal tombs, is both poignant and cooler—bring a sweater if you linger.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby historic quarter, including Hans Christian Andersen’s childhood home.
Photography is allowed, but please be respectful during services or quiet prayer times.

Getting There

Walking

Odense Cathedral rises close to the city’s historic center, easily visible as a red-brick landmark with its slender spire. From the main town square, the cathedral is a comfortable 8–12 minute walk, passing bustling café-lined pedestrian zones and notable sites like the nearby Hans Christian Andersen Museum. Walking is the most enjoyable option for soaking in Odense’s relaxed atmosphere, as the cathedral is nestled within an area rich with old city charm and cultural highlights.
Public Transport

City buses regularly serve Odense’s central zone, with stops just a short stroll from the cathedral’s grounds. Rides within the core cost around 24 DKK (approx. €3.20) for a single adult journey. For most visitors staying centrally, public transport serves as a brief connector, often getting you within sight of the cathedral’s distinctive tower.
Taxi

Taxis are widely available from Odense Central Station or major hotels, bringing you to the cathedral in just 5–8 minutes. Fares typically range from 80–120 DKK (about €11–16), depending on traffic and time of day. Taxis drop passengers beside the busy city square that overlooks the cathedral’s entrance—a convenient option for those seeking minimum walking.
Driving & Parking

Odense Cathedral lies just outside key pedestrian areas. Several municipal parking options are available nearby, with hourly rates generally around 16–23 DKK (approx. €2–3). Parking can be limited during peak times and weekday afternoons; visitors may wish to check for available spaces or use park-and-walk solutions. No extra tolls apply for entry to the city center.

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Odense Cathedral—known locally as St. Canute’s Church—stands as a monumental expression of Denmark’s medieval spirit and turbulent royal history. Built from distinctive red brick in the late Gothic style, the cathedral’s construction began around 1300 and was completed in 1499, replacing earlier churches at the site. Its story is inseparable from King Canute IV, Denmark’s only officially recognized saint, whose fateful assassination during a farmers’ revolt in 1086 ultimately led to his canonization. The crypt beneath the high altar houses his relics, as well as those of his brother Benedict, inviting visitors to contemplate the powerful meeting of history, sanctity, and legend. Inside, daylight filters through tall, slender windows, illuminating austere whitewashed walls and the impressive Gothic arches. The nave is flanked by striking columns leading the eye to the ornate choir stalls, while a finely carved 16th-century altarpiece draws visitors toward the sanctuary. The church’s emotionally charged atmosphere is heightened by its role in royal ceremonies and centuries of Odense civic life. Remnants from prior Romanesque structures and fascinating archaeological finds anchor the cathedral firmly within the long sweep of Danish history. Beyond its religious significance, the cathedral resonates as a cultural icon for Odense, regularly hosting classical concerts, special services, and art exhibitions. Whether visiting for spiritual reflection, historical intrigue, or architectural admiration, travelers often find the experience deeply moving. As the largest church on Funen island and a focal point of Odense’s historic core, the cathedral is unmissable—not only for its grandeur and beauty but for the legends and legacies contained within its ancient walls.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

visit

0.3 km

Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur

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Experience Denmark's storied seafaring legacy in a striking underground museum beside Kronborg Castle, with immersive exhibitions and architectural innovation.

Funen Opera

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Funen Opera in Odense captivates with cutting-edge performances, Danish premieres, and welcoming vibes—an essential destination for culture and music on Funen.

Oceania

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Inside an innovative underground dry dock, the M/S Maritime Museum reveals Denmark’s seafaring past through interactive displays, family activities, and evocative architecture.

St. Canute's Cathedral

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Discover Danish and Nordic art in a refined gallery space at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a landmark for modern and classical works in central Copenhagen.

King's Garden

0.6 km

Lush, centuries-old park near Odense Castle offering tranquil landscaping, rich royal history, summer flower beds, and a vibrant local gathering spot in central Funen.

Saint Hans Church

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A buzzing pedestrian street in Nørrebro, Jægersborggade blends Copenhagen’s creative edge with indie shops, urban gastronomy, and an atmosphere beloved by locals.

Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen

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Slottsträdgården in Malmö is a sprawling organic garden beside Malmöhus Castle, blending nature, history, and local culture into one of Sweden’s most inviting city parks.

VILLE VAU

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A world-class architectural landmark offering immersive exhibitions on Denmark’s maritime past and present, set in a dramatic underground dry dock by Kronborg Castle.

Odense St.

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Discover Jægersborggade: Copenhagen's vibrant street blending art, fashion, and gastronomy in the heart of Nørrebro.

Munke Mose Park

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Award-winning maritime museum ingeniously sunk into a former dry dock at Helsingør, offering interactive exhibitions on Denmark’s seafaring history next to Kronborg Castle.

Banegårdspladsen

0.8 km

Denmark’s celebrated M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør fuses iconic modern architecture with engaging exhibits on seafaring, trade, and the maritime heart of the nation.

Andersen on the bench

0.8 km

Strike a pose with Hans Christian Andersen himself—this lifelike bronze statue in Odense invites you to sit, reflect, and celebrate Denmark’s storytelling legacy.

Richard Møller Nielsens Plads

1.9 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.

Odense Dyrskueplads

2.1 km

Experience the cultural heartbeat of Funen at Odense Dyrskueplads, a premier venue for festivals, fairs, and community events in Odense.

Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.

Contemporary Spanish tapas and vibrant social dining just steps from Odense Central Station, blending Danish hygge with Mediterranean flair.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Magasin Odense

0.4 km

A landmark Danish department store blending Scandinavian design, local charm, and gourmet food in central Odense—ideal for browsing, shopping, or soaking up urban style.

Look At This

1.1 km

Discover unique Danish fashion at Look At This, Odense's premier boutique for sustainable and locally designed apparel.

Bohemian Wonders

1.2 km

Discover unique, ethically sourced vintage fashion at Bohemian Wonders in Odense.

Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE

1.5 km

Discover unique vintage-inspired furniture and décor at Hipstory Showroom Odense, where past meets present in design excellence.

Skovsted Nyborg

24.4 km

Discover Skovsted Nyborg: Nyborg's premier toy store offering a curated selection of classic and modern toys for all ages.

Pyre Studio

27.5 km

Discover Danish fashion at Pyre Studio, Nyborg's premier boutique for unique and stylish apparel.

Tippy

27.6 km

Discover contemporary women's fashion at Tippy, a boutique nestled in Nyborg's historic center.

Gen&Brug Nyborg

27.7 km

Gen&Brug Nyborg is a vibrant second-hand shop offering preloved treasures, Danish design finds, and a warm, sustainable shopping experience in central Nyborg.

DesignKnap

28.2 km

Discover contemporary Scandinavian fashion at DesignKnap, Nyborg's premier clothing boutique.

Sprogø

38.0 km

Sprogø is a windswept, storied Danish island in the Great Belt, offering rare guided visits to its lighthouse, wild landscapes, and hauntingly historic past.

Høkildegård

38.5 km

Experience South Funen’s flavors at Høkildegård, a beloved farm shop offering seasonal produce, homemade jams, and an authentic taste of Danish rural life.

Storms Hjørne

43.7 km

Charming local shop blending artisan gifts, bakery delights, and authentic South Funen flavors in Svendborg’s historic heart.

Samsø Gårdbutik Svanegården

47.4 km

Experience the heart of Samsø at Svanegården, where local produce, handmade crafts, and the timeless charm of Danish island farm life come together in one idyllic countryside setting.

Eskehus Samsø

48.4 km

Eclectic art gallery and creative hub in Brundby, Samsø, where local artists and visitors mingle among unique paintings, crafty creations, and high-quality art supplies.

Langemarksgård

52.9 km

Langemarksgård farm shop on Samsø provides a welcoming showcase of the island’s best produce, homemade treats, and authentic countryside atmosphere.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Christian Firtal

0.2 km

Beloved craft beer bar in Odense’s historic quarter, famed for its cozy atmosphere, rotating taps of Danish and international brews, and authentic local 'hygge' spirit.

The Old Irish Pub

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Classic Irish hospitality in Odense: live music, big screens for sports, and a buzzing crowd in a cozy pub full of spirited atmosphere.

Lalou Vinbar

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Chic, candle-lit wine bar in central Odense, serving natural and organic wines with expert guidance in a welcoming Scandinavian setting.

Den Røde Bar

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Den Røde Bar is Odense’s creative watering hole, celebrated for its intimate theatre connections, local artistry, eclectic events, and inviting bohemian ambiance.

Bootleggers Odense Craft Beer Bar

0.3 km

Discover Bootleggers Odense, a vibrant craft beer bar on Gråbrødre Plads offering curated Danish and international brews in a welcoming city-center setting.

Carlsens Kvarter

0.7 km

Carlsens Kvarter—Odense’s legendary tavern fusing classic Danish ‘brown bar’ atmosphere with one of Funen’s best craft beer selections.

Lørups Vinstue

0.8 km

Historic bar in the heart of Odense offering classic Danish atmosphere, eclectic memorabilia, live music, and affordable drinks for an authentic local experience.

The Flower and the Bee

0.8 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.

Hjallese Puben

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Experience authentic Danish pub culture at Hjallese Puben in Odense S.

Central Cafeen

27.5 km

Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Central Caféen, a historic gem in Nyborg since 1854.

Øksendrup Cider

27.6 km

Experience the authentic flavors of South Funen's organic ciders at Øksendrup Cider.

Chr. II's Pub

27.6 km

Experience authentic Danish hospitality at Chr. II's Pub in Nyborg's historic center.

Jimbo's Kaffebar

27.6 km

Buzzing local coffee bar in Nyborg’s city center, mixing top-quality coffee, craft drinks, and Danish pastries with authentic small-town charm.

Bistroen

28.6 km

Modern Danish bistro nestled by Nyborg’s scenic waterfront, offering local flavors, seasonal cuisine, and relaxed ambiance just steps from the historic coastline.

Kompasset

37.0 km

Experience Danish hospitality at Kompasset, Vester Skerninge's cozy bar offering craft beers, fine wines, and live music in a welcoming atmosphere.

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Odense Cathedral – St. Canute’s Church: Denmark’s Majestic Gothic Landmark

A brief summary to Art Museum Brandts

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi

Driving & Parking

Unlock the Best of Art Museum Brandts

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Art Museum Brandts

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

visit

Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur

Funen Opera

Oceania

St. Canute's Cathedral

King's Garden

Saint Hans Church

Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen

VILLE VAU

Odense St.

Munke Mose Park

Banegårdspladsen

Andersen on the bench

Richard Møller Nielsens Plads

Odense Dyrskueplads

Unmissable attractions to see

Art Museum Brandts

Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen

Tidens Samling

The Darning Needle

The Sea Horse

Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home

The maiden jump

Munke Mose

Odense City Hall

Vægmaleri