Odense Cathedral – St. Canute's Church: The Medieval Heart of Funen
Discover the architectural majesty and royal history of Odense Cathedral – a Gothic masterpiece and the final resting place of Denmark’s only canonized king.
The Odense Cathedral, known locally as Skt. Knuds Kirke, stands as a majestic testament to Denmark’s medieval past. This soaring brick Gothic cathedral houses the relics of King Canute IV, the country’s only canonized king, and is a focal point for history lovers, architecture aficionados, and tranquil contemplation.
A brief summary to Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
- Brandts Passage 8, 2, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566111143
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Entry to the cathedral is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly highlight.
- Don’t miss the royal crypt beneath the choir where St. Canute’s remains are interred.
- Look out for occasional organ recitals, which offer an immersive musical experience in spectacular acoustics.
- Combine your visit with the adjacent Eventyrhaven park, perfect for a relaxing stroll after exploring the cathedral.
Getting There
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Walking
From Odense's central square or pedestrian shopping street, the cathedral’s tall spire is a distinctive landmark just beyond the main commercial district. A relaxed 5–10 minute walk through the bustling heart of Odense, with the tower visible above the rooftops, brings you straight to the cathedral entrance, passing vibrant cafés and shops along the way.
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Public Transport
City buses from Odense Banegård Center (central station) run frequently to stops near the city’s pedestrian area. It’s a short journey—single adult tickets are typically 24–28 DKK—and after disembarking, the cathedral’s red-brick façade is easily spotted among the surrounding squares. Expect a brief stroll through lively pedestrian zones to reach the entrance.
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Taxi
Taxis from anywhere in central Odense generally reach the cathedral within 5–10 minutes, with fares usually ranging from 60–90 DKK depending on distance and traffic. Drop-off points are close by, with the landmark easily visible for orientation.
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Car
Several municipal parking garages and metered street spaces serve the area around the cathedral; average rates are 16–25 DKK per hour. Be aware that available spaces may be limited during peak hours, and the final walk to the cathedral entrance leads through charming, partially car-free zones with clear sightlines to the cathedral’s spire.
Discover more about Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
visit
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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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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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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
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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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VILLE VAU
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Odense St.
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Munke Mose Park
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Banegårdspladsen
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Andersen on the bench
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Richard Møller Nielsens Plads
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Odense Dyrskueplads
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Unmissable attractions to see
Art Museum Brandts
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Brandts
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Open-air museum in Odense where authentic 19th-century farmsteads, historic crafts, and rural Danish traditions come vividly to life in scenic surroundings.
Tidens Samling
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The Darning Needle
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The Sea Horse
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Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
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The maiden jump
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Munke Mose
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Experience Denmark's rural heritage at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Odense City Hall
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Vægmaleri
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Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
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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.
Gerthasminde
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A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
Odense Castle
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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.
The City's Bridge
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St. Alban's Church
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Essential places to dine
Mitchell's Odense
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Pasfall
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Restaurant Værdsat
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Salinaz Odense
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Mona Lisa
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I Pupi Siciliani
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Restaurant HOS
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GOMA
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The Burger Odense
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Kok & Vin
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Amy's Bar & Winehouse
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Café Skt. Gertrud
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Restaurant Madklubben Odense
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Café Kræz
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Bar Tapas
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin Odense
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Look At This
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Skovsted Nyborg
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Pyre Studio
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DesignKnap
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Høkildegård
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Carlsens Kvarter
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Lørups Vinstue
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The Flower and the Bee
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Kompasset
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