Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert er en striking H.C. Andersen–inspired bronze and granite fountain sculpture on Ove Sprogøes Plads in central Odense. Created in 1991 by sculptor Jens Flemming Sørensen, it depicts a suitcase soaring toward the sky, balanced lightly on three pyramid-like towers that evoke distant mosques from Andersen’s fairytale world. Set above a shallow basin, it forms a small, contemplative oasis amid cafés, shops and the busy streets of Odense C.
A brief summary to Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
- Jernbanegade 8, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring the text or a short summary of H.C. Andersen’s tale “The Flying Trunk” and read a passage while looking at the suitcase and its three towers to unlock the sculpture’s symbolism.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low; the angled light enhances the bronze patina, reflections in the water and the sense of the suitcase rising.
- Combine the stop with a mini fairytale walk and seek out other Andersen sculptures in Odense, turning Den Flyvende Kuffert into one of several story-inspired photo stops.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Walk from central Odense
From the central pedestrian streets in Odense C, most visitors reach Den Flyvende Kuffert on foot in about 5–10 minutes, depending on their starting point. The route is flat, paved and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, passing through shopping streets and small squares. Good footwear is helpful in wet weather, as some cobbled sections can be slightly uneven.
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Local city bus within Odense
Several city bus lines run through the central part of Odense with stops a short walk from Jernbanegade. Typical travel times from residential districts to the center are 10–20 minutes, plus a few minutes on foot. A single adult ticket usually costs around 20–30 DKK depending on zones and purchase method. Buses run frequently during the day but less often late in the evening and on weekends.
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Odense light rail (letbane) plus short walk
The Odense light rail connects outlying neighborhoods and key hubs such as the main railway station with central stops near the shopping streets. Travel into the center generally takes 5–15 minutes from most intermediate stops, with standard local fares around 20–30 DKK for a single ride. From the nearest stop, expect a short, level walk on city pavements to reach the square where the sculpture stands.
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Bicycle within Odense
Odense is known for being bike-friendly, and many visitors choose to cycle to the city center. From most inner districts, expect 5–15 minutes by bicycle on marked bike lanes and calm streets. Bicycle rental is widely available in town with prices often starting around 100–150 DKK per day. In the immediate vicinity of the sculpture, you will need to dismount and park at nearby bike stands to explore the square on foot.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur 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 Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
A fairytale suitcase in the heart of Odense
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur sits in the very center of Odense, a compact fountain plaza framed by façades, shopfronts and café terraces. At first glance you notice the suitcase itself, cast in bronze and tilted upward as if caught mid-flight, as though it has just launched from the paving stones and is making a slow escape into the sky. Water ripples gently around the base, softening the edges of the stone and metal and adding a quiet soundtrack to the urban bustle. This is one of the city’s series of H.C. Andersen fairytale sculptures, each drawn from a different story. Here the inspiration is The Flying Trunk, where a young man escapes on a magic suitcase to a distant land. The sculpture captures that moment of departure, turning a small city square into a stage for Andersen’s imagination.Symbolism in stone, bronze and water
Look beneath the suitcase and you will see three pyramidal towers, also in bronze, holding it aloft. Their pointed tops suggest the silhouettes of mosques in the “Turkish land” described in Andersen’s tale, a stylised reference rather than a literal skyline. The geometry is deliberate: strong triangular forms grounding an object that is trying to leave the earth behind. The entire composition rests on a granite plinth that itself appears to float. It is mounted so that the block hovers a little above the surface of the fountain basin, creating a subtle illusion of weightlessness. The contrast between dark bronze, pale granite and the reflective water makes the sculpture particularly striking in low, slanting light, when shadows stretch across the square.The hand of Jens Flemming Sørensen
Den Flyvende Kuffert was unveiled in 1991 and is the fourth in a planned series of eight Andersen sculptures. The work is by Jens Flemming Sørensen, a largely self-taught Danish sculptor who originally trained as a tailor before turning fully to art. His practice often combines geometric shapes and organic curves, favouring durable materials such as bronze, granite and marble. Sørensen spent much of his later life in Italy, close to the marble quarries of Pietrasanta, and that sculptural sensibility carries through to this work in Odense. The clean lines of the pyramids, the carefully judged tilt of the suitcase and the balanced proportions are typical of his style, which seeks a dialogue between heavy materials and a sense of movement.A small urban oasis on Ove Sprogøes Plads
The sculpture stands on Ove Sprogøes Plads, a pocket-sized square just off Jernbanegade. Despite its modest scale, the fountain creates a focal point: in warmer months you may hear the quiet splash of water and the murmur of conversation from the café just in front. People pass through on their way across Odense C, pausing briefly to photograph the fountain or to sit nearby. Because the basin is low and open, you can walk right up to the edge and study the suitcase and towers at close range. The surrounding paving keeps the area level and easy to navigate, and the constant movement of the city around you makes the scene feel almost theatrical, as if the suitcase might lift a little higher at any moment.Connecting the dots of Andersen’s Odense
Den Flyvende Kuffert is part of a wider narrative that runs through Odense, where sculptures, museums and plaques all refer back to H.C. Andersen’s life and stories. Visitors often treat the fountain as a waypoint on a self-made trail, combining it with nearby Andersen-related sites and other artworks scattered through the center. Even if you do not know the original tale, standing by the fountain invites you to imagine your own version: Where is the suitcase heading, and what was left behind? In a few square meters of bronze, granite and water, the sculpture manages to capture a sense of departure, curiosity and the pull of far-away places—fitting themes in a city so closely associated with Denmark’s most famous storyteller.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.
Oceania
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A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
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A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
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A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
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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
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Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
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Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
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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
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A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
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Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
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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.
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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
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Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
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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
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Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Darning Needle
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A provocative Hans Christian Andersen–inspired granite sculpture on Odense’s main shopping street, where a simple needle becomes a playful, ambiguous urban conversation.
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 City Hall
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The maiden jump
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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.
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.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
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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.
Danaë
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A serene bronze heroine from Greek myth, Gerhard Henning’s Danaë reclines quietly in Odense’s King’s Garden, bridging baroque greenery and modern city life.
Brandts
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Funen’s flagship art museum in a historic woollen mill complex, blending Danish masterpieces, contemporary exhibitions, family-friendly creativity and café life on Amphi Square.
VILLE VAU
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A playful fairy-tale universe inside H.C. Andersen’s House, where children dress up, act out stories and create their own adventures in the heart of Odense.
Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
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A historic woollen mill turned vibrant cultural quarter, where art, film, shopping and café life fill atmospheric brick courtyards in the heart of Odense.
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.
St. Alban's Church
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Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Saint Hans Church
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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.
Tidens Samling
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Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Eventyrhaven
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Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Essential places to dine
Café Skt. Gertrud
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Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
Amy's Bar & Winehouse
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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.
Café Kræz
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Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Vietnam Street Food / Restaurant Odense
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Casual Vietnamese street-food spot in central Odense, serving pho, bánh mì and noodle bowls in a bright, unfussy setting ideal for quick, flavourful meals.
Restaurant Madklubben Odense
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Big-hearted, central Odense brasserie serving modern seasonal comfort food in iconic premises, with space for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
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A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
Kok & Vin
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Intimate French-inspired bistro in historic central Odense, pairing seasonal Nordic produce with thoughtful wines in a warm, candlelit setting.
Grand's Fiskerestaurant
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Classic seafood and shellfish in the historic First Hotel Grand, where local Danish produce, seasonal menus and a refined wine list create leisurely evenings in central Odense.
UBN
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Lively city-centre brasserie in historic Odense, serving seasonal comfort food and stone-oven pizzas alongside a serious cocktail bar with 300+ spirits.
Druen & Bønnen
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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
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For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
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Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
Olivia Brasserie - Restaurant Odense
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French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Restaurant Mam
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Intimate French-inspired dining in central Odense, where seasonal Danish ingredients, local culinary heritage and thoughtful service come together over unhurried dinners.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
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Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Friluftsland
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Compact outdoor specialist shop in central Odense, offering quality gear, expert advice and hands-on testing for everything from city showers to Nordic trekking.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
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Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
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A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
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Central Odense lingerie and swimwear boutique offering feminine designs, expert bra fitting help and relaxed browsing right on the city’s main shopping street.
Magasin Odense
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Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Dr. Adams
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Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Summerbird
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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
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Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Aunt Green ApS
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Faraos Cigarer
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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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Moby Disc
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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.
Underground
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Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
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Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
All About Kids
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A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
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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
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Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Grand Bar & Lounge
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Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Champagniet
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Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
Lalou Vinbar
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Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Christian Firtal
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Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
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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.
Tingstedet
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Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
The Old Irish Pub
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Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
The Boat House
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A cozy, spirits-focused bar in central Odense, famed for its extensive whisky shelves, creative cocktails and laid-back themed evenings in soft, lounge-like surroundings.
City Club
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Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Den Brølende And
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Odense’s roaring dance basement where karaoke Thursdays, sing-along party hits and shared buckets of cocktails fuel carefree, late-night dancing on tables.
No Stress Odense
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Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
James Dean Bar
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Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Proud Mary Odense
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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
Dansebar Odense
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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
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Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
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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
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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
5.4 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.
Muzirkus
26.5 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
40.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.7 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
47.8 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
48.8 km
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Ærø Golf Klub
48.8 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Samsø Island Distillery
50.2 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
50.3 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
51.1 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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
