Bispens Lysthus by Odense Å
A tiny red timber pavilion on stilts above Odense Å, Bispens Lysthus blends riverside calm, ecclesiastical history and postcard-perfect charm in the city’s green heart.
Poised on stilts above the slow curves of Odense Å, Bispens Lysthus is a small 18th‑century red timber pavilion that once belonged to the bishop’s residence. Tucked behind Filosofgangen in central Odense, this protected little gem feels almost like a countryside retreat, with water lapping beneath the floorboards and leafy parkland all around. It is admired from the river path rather than entered, offering a quiet, atmospheric pause on walks between Munke Mose and the city center.
A brief summary to Bispens lysthus
- Filosofgangen 10, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit during daylight for the best view of the red timberwork and its reflection in the river; early morning and late afternoon light are especially atmospheric.
- Combine the stop with a longer walk along Odense Å between Munke Mose and the nearby bridges to fully enjoy the riverside parkland and changing perspectives on the pavilion.
- Bring a thermos or takeaway coffee and use the nearby benches as a quiet pause in the city; there are no facilities directly at the pavilion itself.
- Visit in different seasons if you can: snow, autumn leaves or summer greenery all transform how Bispens Lysthus frames the water and the surrounding banks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
Getting There
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Walking from Odense city center
From the central pedestrian streets of Odense C, allow around 10–20 minutes on foot to reach Bispens Lysthus. The route runs through flat, paved urban streets and then into the parkland along Odense Å, making it easy and barrier-light, though some sections of the riverside path can be narrow. Walking is free and convenient, and lighting is generally good, but surfaces may be slippery after rain or in winter.
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City bus within Odense
Several city bus lines run through central Odense with stops a short walk from Filosofgangen, near the riverside park. Typical travel time from residential districts or the main bus terminal is 10–25 minutes, plus a 5–10 minute walk through level streets to the river path. A single adult ticket usually costs around 20–30 DKK depending on zones and purchase method. Buses operate frequently during the day, with reduced service in evenings and on weekends.
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Bicycle access in Odense
Odense is very cycle-friendly, and Bispens Lysthus is easily reached by bike in about 5–15 minutes from most central neighborhoods. Dedicated bike lanes lead towards the city center and connect with quieter streets near the river. There is no formal bike parking right at the pavilion, but you can lock a bicycle nearby in the park or on adjacent streets. Use front and rear lights after dark and be cautious on shared paths with pedestrians.
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Car or taxi within Odense
Reaching the area by car or taxi from elsewhere in Odense typically takes 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly 70–140 DKK for a taxi ride within the central zones, with higher fares at night and on weekends. Public parking is available in nearby streets and car parks rather than directly on the river path, and charges vary by zone and duration. Once parked, you will walk 5–10 minutes on mostly level surfaces through the park.
Bispens lysthus 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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Hot Weather
- Snow
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Bispens lysthus
A tiny pavilion with a grand ecclesiastical past
Bispens Lysthus, the Bishop’s Garden Pavilion, began life in the 18th century as a small pleasure house belonging to Odense’s bishop and his family. Set originally by the old bishop’s palace, it was designed as a retreat where church dignitaries could withdraw from formal duties and enjoy views over the water. Its name hints at a world of leisurely strolls, private conversations and quiet reading sessions away from the main residence. Though modest in scale, the pavilion is closely tied to the story of Odense as a clerical center on Funen. Bishops shaped the city’s spiritual and political life for centuries, and this intimate refuge along the river shows another side of that influence: cultured, contemplative and fond of cultivated landscapes.Timber, stilts and reflections in the water
Architecturally, Bispens Lysthus is striking in its simplicity. The house is built in red-painted half-timbering, with white infill panels and a steep roof that gives it a distinct, almost storybook silhouette. What makes it truly memorable is its position on stilts right out over Odense Å, so that the structure seems to hover above its own shimmering reflection. Viewed from the river path, you see how the timber posts sink into the water and how the low building nestles against the bank-side greenery. In different seasons its character shifts: framed by snow and bare branches in winter, or half-hidden behind foliage in summer, always with the muted sounds of the river flowing beneath the floor.From near demolition to protected landmark
The pavilion has not always been as cherished as it is today. When the old bishop’s residence was demolished in the early 20th century, the small garden house suddenly lost its context and, for a while, its purpose. It stood neglected and close to being dismantled altogether, its timber frame at risk of ending as firewood rather than heritage. Gradually, however, awareness grew that this unassuming structure captured an important piece of Odense’s past. It was moved and re-sited, then eventually secured on its current spot behind Filosofgangen. Today, Bispens Lysthus is a listed building, legally protected as part of Denmark’s architectural and cultural legacy and carefully maintained in its traditional style.A riverside pause between park and city
For visitors, the pavilion is less about going inside and more about appreciating its setting. It acts as a focal point along the footpath that follows Odense Å between Hunderupvej, Munke Mose and the city center. Walkers and cyclists drift past, often slowing as the bright red house appears ahead between the trees, perched over the greenish water. Benches and grassy banks nearby encourage you to linger, watch ducks slide past the stilts and feel the city recede slightly, even though shops and streets lie just beyond the park edge. The scale is human and intimate: a single small room above the river, suggesting quiet afternoons and a time when leisure and landscape design were closely linked.Literary echoes and postcard-perfect views
Over the years, Bispens Lysthus has also picked up a literary aura. Its proximity to places associated with Hans Christian Andersen and its almost fairytale appearance have led to many stories, speculations and illustrated postcards. Whether or not specific anecdotes are strictly factual, the mood here fits well with an author who drew inspiration from gardens, rivers and small, characterful buildings. Culturally, the pavilion has become one of those compact, easily recognized images of Odense, appearing again and again in photographs, historic prints and local histories. Standing by the railing on the path, you see why: the red timber, the calm water and the leafy backdrop combine into a scene that feels both theatrical and genuinely tranquil, a tiny stage set preserved at the heart of the modern city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.4 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.”
Oceania
0.4 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
0.4 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.9 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
1.0 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
1.8 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
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
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
3.5 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
5.2 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
7.6 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.
9.6 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
14.3 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Munke Mose
0.2 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
0.2 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.
The Sea Horse
0.2 km
A powerful Andersen-inspired sea horse and mermaid burst from the Odense River, marking a poetic gateway between city streets and leafy Munke Mose park.
Funen Opera
0.3 km
An intimate Danish chamber opera beside Odense’s parkland, where classic works and bold new productions unfold just a few metres from your seat.
The maiden jump
0.3 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.
The Darning Needle
0.3 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.
Munke Mose Park
0.3 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Eventyrhaven
0.4 km
Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
0.4 km
A vibrant tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tales, this lively mural transforms central Odense into a colorful celebration of Denmark’s literary heritage.
Pantheonsfrisen
0.4 km
A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.
Tidens Samling
0.4 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Odense City Hall
0.4 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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.4 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.
Klokkedybet
0.4 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.
Vægmaleri
0.5 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Essential places to dine
The Burger Odense
0.3 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Café Cuckoo's Nest
0.3 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
0.4 km
Cozy Italian trattoria tucked into Odense’s artsy Brandts Passage, serving generous pastas, crisp pizzas and classic antipasti in a warm, candlelit setting.
Marcello's
0.4 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
Kong Volmer Odense
0.4 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
0.4 km
Cosy Roman-style trattoria and pizzeria tucked into Odense’s old-town cobbles, serving wood-fired pizzas, generous pasta plates and classic Italian comfort food.
Olivia Brasserie - Restaurant Odense
0.4 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Restaurant Madklubben Odense
0.4 km
Big-hearted, central Odense brasserie serving modern seasonal comfort food in iconic premises, with space for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
Pasfall
0.4 km
Refined French-inspired fine dining in Odense’s atmospheric Brandts Passage, where seasonal Nordic ingredients, precise cooking and relaxed elegance turn meals into occasions.
Café Kræz
0.4 km
Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Salinaz Odense
0.4 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Café Skt. Gertrud
0.4 km
Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
0.4 km
A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
Druen & Bønnen
0.4 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.
Amy's Bar & Winehouse
0.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
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.
Summerbird
0.3 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.3 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Dr. Adams
0.3 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
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.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.3 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.
Underground
0.3 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Friluftsland
0.4 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.
Magasin Odense
0.4 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
0.4 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
0.4 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
0.4 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Aunt Green ApS
0.5 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.
Faraos Cigarer
0.5 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
Carlsens Kvarter
0.2 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
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.
City Club
0.3 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
James Dean Bar
0.3 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Den Brølende And
0.3 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.
Lalou Vinbar
0.3 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Tingstedet
0.3 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Champagniet
0.3 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.
Den Røde Bar
0.3 km
A cozy, crimson-toned bar inside Teater Momentum, serving relaxed drinks, local Arnbitter cocktails and cultural vibes in the heart of Odense’s creative scene.
The Old Irish Pub
0.4 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
0.4 km
Closed but not forgotten, this basement bar once turned central Odense into a roaring Alpine lodge of big steins, table dancing and unapologetic après-ski energy.
Christian Firtal
0.4 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.4 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.
June Bar
0.4 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
0.4 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
0.6 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
0.8 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.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
1.0 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
5.2 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
26.3 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.0 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
39.8 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.9 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
48.2 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
48.4 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Vinkapellet Samsø
49.2 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
50.7 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.
Ræven
50.8 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
51.5 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
