Eventyrhaven (The Fairy Tale Garden), Odense
Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Tucked just behind Odense Cathedral along the gentle curve of the Odense River, Eventyrhaven – The Fairy Tale Garden – is a serene green refuge in the heart of the city. Laid out in the late 19th century and later redesigned as a public park, it blends flower beds, lawns, bridges and quiet corners with sculptures inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, including his statue and a floating paper boat. Families, locals and visitors alike spread blankets on the grass, watch ducks on the water, or catch summer performances at the small "fairy-tale castle" stage.
A brief summary to Eventyrhaven
- Eventyrhaven, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in late spring or summer to see the flower beds at their most colourful and to enjoy longer daylight for evening walks along the river.
- If you are interested in the H.C. Andersen Parade, check current schedules in advance and arrive early with a blanket to secure a good spot on the grass.
- Combine a stroll through Eventyrhaven with time at Odense Cathedral and nearby Hans Christian Andersen sites for a compact, walkable cultural circuit.
- Parts of the riverside have steps and sloping lawns; wear comfortable shoes, especially after rain when the grass and paths can be slippery.
- For quieter moments, aim for early morning or weekday visits, when you are more likely to find empty benches and still reflections on the river.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Local bus from central Odense
From central Odense, use one of the city buses that stop near the cathedral and town hall area; most cross the inner city in under 10–15 minutes. Single tickets within Odense typically cost around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses are frequent during the day, and the streets around the garden have standard city pavements suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some cobblestones near historic buildings may be uneven.
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Walking from Odense city centre
If you are already in Odense C, Eventyrhaven is within comfortable walking distance of the main pedestrian streets and central shopping area, usually taking about 5–15 minutes depending on your starting point. The route is generally flat and follows regular city sidewalks past historic buildings and small squares. This option is free and gives you a good sense of how close the garden is to other Hans Christian Andersen–related sights.
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Bicycle within Odense
Odense is well known for its cycling infrastructure, and reaching Eventyrhaven by bicycle from most central neighbourhoods takes about 5–20 minutes. Many streets offer marked bike lanes, and public bike-share schemes or rental bikes are commonly available at daily rates from roughly 80–150 DKK. You will need to dismount and walk your bike once you enter the park itself, and always use marked stands or appropriate spots outside main paths.
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Taxi from Odense Station area
From the area around Odense railway station, a taxi ride to the streets surrounding Eventyrhaven typically takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares within the central zone usually fall in the 80–140 DKK range, with higher prices at night or on weekends. Taxis can drop you close to the cathedral or town hall, from where the garden is reached on foot via standard pavements; this is a convenient choice if you are travelling with luggage or have limited mobility.
Eventyrhaven location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Eventyrhaven
A riverside garden with a storybook setting
Eventyrhaven, also known as the Fairy Tale Garden or H.C. Andersen Garden, unfolds in a graceful sweep along the Odense River just behind the cathedral and city hall. Enclosed by mature trees and framed by the town’s historic skyline, it feels at once central and secluded. Lawns spill gently towards the water, while paths wind past herbaceous borders and banks planted in soft layers of colour. Season is everything here. In early spring, beds brim with bulbs, followed later by dahlias and perennials that create dense tapestries of reds, yellows and purples. Benches placed at natural viewpoints invite you to linger, watch the slow current of the river and listen to church bells echo faintly across the rooftops.From private garden to Odense’s green drawing room
The garden’s roots reach back to 1876, when it was laid out by the city’s Reading Association as a refined private park. Access was once restricted to those fortunate enough to hold a library card, and the garden functioned as a cultivated retreat for Odense’s bourgeoisie. In 1942 it passed to the municipality, which transformed it into a more open, flowing park landscape. The redesign drew on the ideas of leading Danish garden architects of the time, who embraced sculpted lawns, clear sightlines and careful use of water and level changes. Today, the result feels both classic and informal: a series of green rooms edging the river, stitched together by bridges, terraces and broad steps that make the water a constant companion.Bridges, pergolas and a circular island
One of Eventyrhaven’s most distinctive features is its small circular island – the rotunda – accessed by a curved wooden bridge over the river. The island is crowned by a pergola structure that gives it the feel of an outdoor pavilion. Wooden steps and terraces along the riverbank double as seating, turning the water’s edge into a natural amphitheatre for quiet contemplation or informal gatherings. Details reward careful exploration: the geometry of former diamond-shaped beds still informs the layout, and a low "Chinese wall" structure and carefully crafted railings add subtle architectural interest. From the bridges, views open in every direction, taking in church spires, the river, flower beds and the occasional swan or duck gliding past at eye level.Hans Christian Andersen in bronze and stone
Given Odense’s association with Hans Christian Andersen, it is no surprise that Eventyrhaven pays direct homage to its most famous son. Near one of the main bridges stands a bronze statue of Andersen, created in the mid-20th century, depicting the writer seated with a book in hand. It is positioned so that he appears to look across the garden, as if drawing inspiration from the people and scenes before him. Just below, in the river itself, a stylised metal paper boat sails eternally downstream, a playful reference to Andersen’s imaginative universe. Scattered elsewhere in the park are additional sculptures that quietly pick up themes of childhood, storytelling and nature, making the garden feel like an outdoor gallery woven seamlessly into the landscape.Plays, picnics and everyday pauses
In summer, the garden takes on a more theatrical character when the small "fairy-tale castle" pavilion hosts the H.C. Andersen Parade – a short children’s theatre show based on snippets of the author’s tales. On performance days, the lawns in front of the stage fill with picnic blankets, prams and quietly excited children waiting for the actors to appear. Beyond these events, Eventyrhaven works on a more low-key rhythm. Office workers drift through at lunchtime, families use the nearby playground, and couples find quiet corners under mature trees. It is as much a place for reading on a bench as for strolling at dusk, when the last light sinks behind cathedral towers and the river reflects the shifting colours of the sky.An easy escape in the middle of Odense
Because the garden sits so close to the city’s key sights, it often becomes the green pause between visits to museums, churches and historic streets. Paths are mostly level and well maintained, making it straightforward for prams and wheelchairs, though some of the terraced steps by the water can be uneven. Whether you come for a quick breather, an unhurried loop around the lawns, or to sit through a full performance on a summer day, Eventyrhaven offers a simple but enduring pleasure: a calm, thoughtfully designed slice of nature that feels deeply woven into Odense’s cultural fabric.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.0 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
0.2 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
0.7 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
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.
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)
2.5 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
3.3 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
3.8 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
5.3 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
7.3 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.
9.5 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
10.1 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.0 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
14.2 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Klokkedybet
0.1 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.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
0.1 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.
The maiden jump
0.2 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.
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.
Odense City Hall
0.2 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.
St. Alban's Church
0.2 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
0.2 km
Discover Thomas Dambo’s eco-friendly giant troll, Hans Hulehånd, hidden along Odense’s scenic canal—blending public art, folklore, and a touch of adventure for all ages.
Washing Site at Odense River
0.2 km
A modest riverside platform where washerwomen toiled, the Washing Site at Odense River quietly preserves the everyday world that shaped Hans Christian Andersen’s childhood.
Klods Hans billedevæg
0.2 km
A small but vibrant picture wall where Hans Christian Andersen’s bold misfit, Klods Hans, steps off the page and into the streets of historic Odense.
Vægmaleri
0.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.3 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.
Kramboden i Odense
0.3 km
Gothic grandeur and royal history meet in the heart of Odense at St. Canute's Cathedral, a landmark of spiritual and architectural significance on Funen.
Bispens lysthus
0.4 km
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.
VILLE VAU
0.4 km
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.
Essential places to dine
Rivalen restaurant & bar
0.2 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
0.2 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
Restaurant Bacchus
0.2 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Den Lille Smalle
0.2 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
Druen & Bønnen
0.2 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.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
0.3 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
UBN
0.3 km
Lively city-centre brasserie in historic Odense, serving seasonal comfort food and stone-oven pizzas alongside a serious cocktail bar with 300+ spirits.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
0.3 km
A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
Ryan's of Odense
0.3 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.
Café Kræz
0.3 km
Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
0.3 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.
Restaurant Madklubben Odense
0.3 km
Big-hearted, central Odense brasserie serving modern seasonal comfort food in iconic premises, with space for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
0.3 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Café Skt. Gertrud
0.3 km
Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
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
Summerbird
0.2 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Aunt Green ApS
0.2 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.
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.
Magasin Odense
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
0.3 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
0.3 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
All About Kids
0.3 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
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.
Friluftsland
0.3 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.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.4 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
House of Amber Odense
0.4 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
0.4 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.4 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Reden Op Shop
0.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Brølende And
0.2 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.
City Club
0.2 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
June Bar
0.3 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
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.
No Stress Odense
0.3 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
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.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
0.3 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.
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.
James Dean Bar
0.4 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Kick Off - Sportspub
0.4 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.
Proud Mary Odense
0.4 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.
The Flower and the Bee
0.4 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.
Rabalder Bar Odense
0.4 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 Old Irish Pub
0.4 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.4 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
0.3 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
0.4 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
0.4 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
5.1 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
26.2 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
26.8 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
39.9 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
44.1 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
47.9 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
48.7 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Vinkapellet Samsø
48.9 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
50.4 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
50.5 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
51.2 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
- Relaxing
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
