Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum
Compact military museum in Odense’s former barracks, tracing 400 years of Funen’s soldiers, resistance and overseas missions through objects, stories and uniforms.
Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum in Odense brings Funen’s military past to life inside the former Odense barracks. Focused on local soldiers, resistance fighters and deployments abroad, the compact museum weaves together 400 years of regional defence history, from early fortifications and the 9 April 1940 invasion to Cold War service and modern UN and NATO missions. Uniforms, weapons, vehicles, dioramas and personal stories create an intimate, hands-on introduction to Denmark’s military heritage, ideal for history-minded visitors and curious families.
A brief summary to Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum
- Odense Kaserne, Søndre Blvd. 21, Odense C, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-2 pm
- Thursday 10 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Check current opening hours in advance, as the museum usually opens only on selected weekdays and during specific periods.
- Allow at least an hour to explore the exhibitions slowly, longer if you have a strong interest in military history or like to read all text panels.
- Bring a light layer; former barracks buildings can feel cool indoors outside midsummer, even when the sun is out.
- Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding part of Odense to appreciate how the barracks relates to the modern city.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Bus from central Odense
From Odense city centre, use a local city bus serving Søndre Boulevard; typical journey times range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic and the exact stop. Single tickets within Odense usually cost around 20–30 DKK when bought via app or ticket machine, and buses run at regular intervals during the day on weekdays. Expect less frequent service in evenings and on weekends, and be prepared for a short, level walk from the nearest stop to the museum entrance.
-
Bicycle within Odense
Odense is one of Denmark’s most cycle-friendly cities, and reaching the former barracks area by bike from the central districts typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. Dedicated cycle lanes cover much of the route, and the terrain is flat, making it suitable for most riders. You can use a rental or hotel bike; prices for short-term rentals often start around 100–150 DKK per day, with helmets commonly available on request. Remember to bring lights if you return after dusk, as Danish traffic rules require them.
-
Taxi from Odense Station
A taxi from Odense railway station to the museum area normally takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Daytime fares within the city commonly fall in the range of 80–140 DKK for such a short trip, with higher prices in evenings and on weekends. Taxis wait outside the station, and most accept both cards and mobile payments. This option suits visitors with limited time or mobility who prefer a direct, door-to-door transfer.
Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum
From Local Barracks to Living History
Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum sits inside the old Odense Kaserne complex on Søndre Boulevard, a fitting setting for a museum dedicated to the island’s soldiers. Step through the gates and you enter a red-brick barracks world of parade grounds, flagpoles and practical military architecture, reimagined today as exhibition space. The scale is modest, but the focus is sharp: this is about Funen, its regiments and the people who wore the uniform here. The museum is run with a strong sense of continuity between the site’s past and present. Simple corridors and former drill rooms now hold display cases, reconstructed scenes and larger pieces of equipment, giving you the feeling of walking through a barracks that has slowly filled with memories rather than a purpose-built gallery.Four Centuries of Funen in Uniform
Inside, the storyline stretches across roughly 400 years of regional defence history. Early sections trace Funen’s role in Denmark’s shifting fortification system, from local militias and coastal watch to the more formalised army structures of the 18th and 19th centuries. You see uniforms evolve from stiff tunics and shakos to practical field gear, alongside rifles, bayonets and personal kit that show how technology and tactics changed. Maps, models and photographs connect Funen’s units to wider conflicts: wars with neighbouring states, changes in borders and the gradual professionalisation of the Danish armed forces. Rather than overwhelming you with national grand strategy, the emphasis stays close to home, showing how global events rippled through local garrisons and families.Occupation, Resistance and Everyday Courage
One of the museum’s most atmospheric areas is devoted to the German invasion on 9 April 1940 and the subsequent occupation. Here, exhibits explore how the sudden collapse of Danish defences played out on Funen, from mobilised but outgunned troops to the uneasy routines that followed. Weapons caches, clandestine printing material and improvised equipment illustrate the growth of the resistance movement on the island. Personal photographs, documents and small objects add a human layer: coded messages slipped into ordinary letters, armbands worn during liberation days, and items that once belonged to local resistance fighters. The displays invite you to consider the choices people faced under occupation, from collaboration and quiet accommodation to active resistance and its consequences.From Cold War Watch to International Missions
Later sections move into the Cold War years and beyond, when Danish soldiers from Funen stood guard in a divided Europe and, increasingly, on distant frontlines. Exhibits highlight service in UN and NATO operations, including deployments to the Balkans and Afghanistan. Field uniforms dusted with foreign sand, mission patches, communication gear and personal diary excerpts all underline how far from home these assignments could feel. Special exhibitions and events sometimes zoom in on particular campaigns or units, using veterans’ testimonies, photographs and original equipment to create an immersive snapshot of specific missions. For visitors, this offers a bridge between the abstract idea of peacekeeping and the lived reality experienced by local soldiers.Exploring the Barracks and Beyond
Because of its manageable size, Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum rewards a slow, curious visit rather than a rushed checklist approach. There is usually time to examine details on uniforms, compare insignia or study maps without feeling hurried. Children and military enthusiasts tend to gravitate toward the heavier kit and vehicles, while others focus on letters, medals and the quieter personal traces. Outside the exhibition rooms, the wider barracks setting adds context. You can look out onto the parade ground, imagine morning assemblies and hear echoes of drill commands in your mind. Occasional talks, thematic evenings and guided tours deepen the experience for those who want more background or specific narratives.Planning a Visit to This Niche Museum
The museum keeps limited weekly opening hours and sometimes opens only on selected weekdays or school holiday periods, so checking times before you go is essential. Once inside, the compact layout makes it easy to see the main exhibits in an hour, with extra time useful if you like to read captions thoroughly or discuss particular themes. There are basic visitor facilities in and around the former barracks, and the museum is close to Odense’s central districts, making it easy to combine with other cultural stops. For travellers interested in Danish history, military technology or the human side of conflict, Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum offers a focused, locally grounded counterpoint to larger national collections.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
visit
1.4 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
1.5 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
1.5 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.”
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
1.8 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.8 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
1.9 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
1.9 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.
Det gamle vandtårn
2.6 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
TheDoorOdense
3.1 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
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
8.6 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.
10.0 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
10.8 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.4 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
14.6 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gerthasminde
0.7 km
A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
Munke Mose Park
0.9 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Odense Dyrskueplads
0.9 km
Odense’s flexible fairground, where quiet open fields transform into bustling arenas for Det Fynske Dyrskue, major concerts and large outdoor events.
Munke Mose
0.9 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
Funen Opera
0.9 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 Sea Horse
0.9 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.
Odense Zoo
0.9 km
Leafy riverside zoo in Odense where manatees, penguins and savannah wildlife meet treetop walks, play areas and hands-on encounters in a certified green attraction.
Pantheonsfrisen
1.0 km
A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.
Bøgetoppen i Odense Zoo
1.1 km
A gentle treetop adventure above Odense Zoo, Bøgetoppen lets you wander through the beech canopy, combining forest views, local nature stories and family-friendly fun.
Bispens lysthus
1.1 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.
Tidens Samling
1.1 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Brandts
1.2 km
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.
Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
1.2 km
A historic woollen mill turned vibrant cultural quarter, where art, film, shopping and café life fill atmospheric brick courtyards in the heart of Odense.
The Darning Needle
1.3 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.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
1.3 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Wienerstuen
1.0 km
Unpretentious Danish comfort food in a cosy Odense C neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty classics and generous portions from late morning into the evening.
Restaurant Bondestuen
1.0 km
Historic half-timbered traktørsted in Odense C serving hearty traditional Danish dishes in a cosy, rustic setting with the feel of a local countryside inn.
Café Cuckoo's Nest
1.1 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
1.1 km
Cozy Italian trattoria tucked into Odense’s artsy Brandts Passage, serving generous pastas, crisp pizzas and classic antipasti in a warm, candlelit setting.
Kong Volmer Odense
1.1 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Pasfall
1.2 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.
Marcello's
1.2 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
The Burger Odense
1.2 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
1.2 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.
Mitchell's Odense
1.3 km
Denmark's only British gastro pub, serving authentic carvery and craft beverages in warm, family-friendly surroundings.
Olivia Brasserie - Restaurant Odense
1.3 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Salinaz Odense
1.3 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Eydes Gastro Pub
1.3 km
All-day brunch, hearty pub dishes and a full bar in a cosy, central Odense gastro pub with both snug corners and lively street-side seating.
I Pupi Siciliani
1.3 km
Intimate Sicilian restaurant in central Odense, serving seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta and robust southern Italian flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant Værdsat
1.3 km
Informal Scandinavian gourmet in central Odense, where seasonal Funen produce, playful menus and a warm neighborhood atmosphere meet from lunch until late.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bohemian Wonders
0.1 km
Odense’s intimate vintage and boho boutique, blending handpicked pre-2000 treasures, colorful slow-fashion pieces and home accessories in a cozy, conscious showroom.
Underground
1.2 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.2 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
1.2 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Bog & idé - Odense C
1.2 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
All About Kids
1.2 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
1.3 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.
Dr. Adams
1.3 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
1.3 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.
Summerbird
1.3 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Friluftsland
1.3 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.
Faraos Cigarer
1.4 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.
Magasin Odense
1.4 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
1.4 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
1.4 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Røde Bar
0.9 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
1.1 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.
Carlsens Kvarter
1.1 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
1.1 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.
James Dean Bar
1.2 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
The Old Irish Pub
1.2 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
No Stress Odense
1.2 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
Tingstedet
1.2 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Christian Firtal
1.3 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
1.3 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.
Lalou Vinbar
1.3 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Champagniet
1.3 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.
The Boat House
1.3 km
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
1.3 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Den Brølende And
1.3 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Business Friendly
