Klokkedybet on the Odense River
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.
Klokkedybet is a quietly atmospheric bend of the Odense River in central Odense, wrapped in legends and Hans Christian Andersen’s imagination. Here, a simple stretch of water becomes a story-filled place, linked to a sunken church bell and the river spirit Åmanden, and associated with the old Skt. Albani Church and convent. Today it is a tranquil green riverside spot where you can pause, watch the slow current and sense the layers of history flowing through Denmark’s fairytale city.
A brief summary to Klokkedybet
- Odense Å, Odense, Odense C, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Read Hans Christian Andersen’s tale “Klokkedybet” before or after your visit to better appreciate the legends and descriptions tied to this particular stretch of river.
- Visit in the early morning or late evening when the light is low and the river surface is calm; the atmosphere feels closest to the old stories of the sunken bell.
- Combine a stop at Klokkedybet with a longer riverside walk through central Odense’s green corridor to connect this small site with the wider flow of the city.
- Bring a light jacket outside of summer; the shaded riverbank can feel noticeably cooler than the nearby streets, especially when there is a breeze on the water.
- Use this as a quiet break between museum visits in central Odense, taking a few minutes on a bench to reflect and listen for the imagined echo of distant bells.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tram and short walk from Odense Station
From Odense Station, take the light rail line toward the city centre and ride 3–5 minutes to a central stop near Albani Torv; a single ticket typically costs 20–25 DKK and machines accept cards. From there, allow about 8–12 minutes on foot along central streets and river paths to reach the stretch of Odense River known as Klokkedybet. Surfaces are generally paved or well‑made gravel, and the route is suitable for most visitors, though it can be busier on weekdays and during major city events.
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City bus within central Odense
Several city bus lines connect neighbourhoods around Odense with stops close to the historic centre and the river; typical journey times range from 10–20 minutes depending on distance and traffic. A standard single ticket is usually around 20–25 DKK, with more frequent service during daytime than late evening. From central stops near Albani Torv or the cathedral area, expect a further 5–10 minute walk on mostly level pavements and riverside paths to reach Klokkedybet.
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Cycling through Odense’s river corridor
Odense is a very cycle‑friendly city, and many visitors choose to reach Klokkedybet by bike using marked cycle lanes and paths along Odense Å. From most central districts, cycling times range from 5–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. You can rent a city bike or use a bike‑share service, typically paying from 20–60 DKK for short use depending on duration. Be aware that some riverside sections are shared with pedestrians, so moderate your speed and be prepared to dismount in narrow areas.
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Walking from central Odense
If you are already in Odense’s compact centre near sights such as the cathedral or Hans Christian Andersen–related attractions, you can reach Klokkedybet entirely on foot in roughly 10–20 minutes. The walk passes through a mix of historic streets and green spaces as you approach the river. Pavements are mostly even, though some older cobblestones and gentle slopes may be less comfortable for those with limited mobility, particularly in wet or icy weather.
Klokkedybet location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Klokkedybet
Where the river carries fairytales
Klokkedybet is not a grand monument but a mood: a particularly deep and quiet reach of the Odense River, close to the historic heart of the city. Here the water narrows slightly and darkens, hinting at unseen depths beneath the surface. Trees lean over the banks, their branches mirrored in the slow current, while the sounds of the city filter in as a soft background hum. It is easy to stand here for a moment and feel that the river itself is a storyteller. This stretch of Odense Å has long been part of the city’s identity. The river once powered mills, defined property lines and carried small boats, but it also shaped the imagination of those who grew up along its banks. In the 19th century, a boy named Hans Christian Andersen wandered these paths. Years later, he turned Klokkedybet into the opening scene of one of his lesser-known yet deeply atmospheric tales, fixing the place in Danish literary memory.The legend of the sunken bell
The name Klokkedybet – roughly “the bell’s deep” – refers to a local legend about a church bell that vanished from the tower of the medieval Skt. Albani Church. On a high holy day, the story goes, the bell rang with such force and fervour that it broke free, shot out through the tower window and plunged into the nearby river. It sank to the bottom at the deepest point of the channel, and from then on this part of the river was said to be marked by holy metal and mystery. Over time, tales grew up around the bell. Some insisted that, on quiet evenings or misty mornings, you could still hear its muffled chime through the water, as though it were keeping time for the city from the riverbed. Others claimed that the bell would only rise again when a truly pure-hearted person passed by. Whether you believe such stories or not, standing beside the dark surface at Klokkedybet makes it easy to imagine a heavy bronze shape resting somewhere down below.Andersen’s river spirit and the deep place
Hans Christian Andersen wove Klokkedybet into his fairytale of the same name, first published in the 1850s. In it, he fused the legend of the sunken bell with older folklore about Åmanden, the spirit or keeper of the river who watched over its waters and occasionally meddled in human affairs. Andersen’s story lingers over the river’s course through Odense, describing bridges, banks and buildings as he remembered them from childhood. In the tale, Klokkedybet becomes a meeting point between the everyday world and something older and more enchanted. Reading the story before or after your visit adds a layer of resonance: the rustle of leaves, the ripple of a passing duck and the distant sound of modern traffic all feel like present-day notes across an older score. Even without a book in your hand, the knowledge that a world-famous storyteller once fixed his gaze on this very water invites you to slow down and look more closely.Traces of the vanished lane and convent
Historically, Klokkedybet did not only name the deep pool in the river. It was also the name of a narrow lane that once ran from Albani Torv down towards the water, close to where the river was considered at its deepest. The lane appeared on 16th- and 17th-century maps of Odense, a tight little passage squeezed between buildings in a crowded medieval streetscape. In the late 20th century the alley disappeared under new development, but the old name survived in maps, archives and memory. Nearby stood an aristocratic convent for noblewomen, part of the dense cluster of church sites that once defined this part of Odense. Andersen placed his Klokkedybet in front of that convent, layering his own childhood impressions over older topography. Today, modern offices and traffic routes have reshaped the area above the banks, but as you look across the water you are standing at a junction of many eras: monastic bells, merchant traffic, industrial expansion and contemporary city life.A quiet pause in a green city corridor
For today’s visitor, Klokkedybet is best experienced as a contemplative stop along the riverside paths that thread through Odense. Benches and grassy patches nearby offer places to sit and watch the play of light on the water, or to trace the flight of birds weaving between branches and reflections. Joggers, cyclists and dog walkers pass by, yet the focus always returns to the river and its steady flow. This green corridor is part of what makes Odense feel unusually soft and leafy for a city of its size. Standing by Klokkedybet, you can follow the ribbon of water with your eyes and imagine it upstream among parks and downstream past bridges and harbour works. Whether you are pausing during a walk, exploring Andersen-related sites or simply escaping the streets for a moment of stillness, the deep bend of Klokkedybet offers a subtle but memorable sense of place.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
3.4 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
3.9 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
7.2 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
Eventyrhaven
0.1 km
Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
0.1 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.
St. Alban's Church
0.1 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Washing Site at Odense River
0.1 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.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
0.2 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.
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.
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.
Vægmaleri
0.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
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.
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.
VILLE VAU
0.3 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.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
0.3 km
A towering black‑and‑white portrait of Hans Christian Andersen on a quiet Odense gable, where fairytale heritage meets contemporary street art in the old town.
Odense Comediehuus
0.3 km
On Sortebrødre Torv, the lost Odense Comediehuus lives on in stories of young H.C. Andersen, vanished footlights and a square that still hums with everyday drama.
Museum Odense
0.4 km
An intimate city museum in Odense’s old town, blending Viking stories, historic homes and hands-on family exhibits across courtyards and centuries.
Essential places to dine
Rivalen restaurant & bar
0.2 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
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.
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.
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
0.2 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
0.2 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.
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.
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.
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.
Café Kræz
0.3 km
Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Restaurant Ribelli
0.3 km
Ambitious Italian fine dining with Funen soul, where tradition meets local innovation.
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.
Grønttorvet
0.4 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
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.
Magasin Odense
0.3 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
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.
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.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
0.3 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Moby Disc
0.3 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.
House of Amber Odense
0.3 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Dr. Adams
0.3 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
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.
Reden Op Shop
0.3 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.
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.
Klods Hans
0.4 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.4 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
City Club
0.3 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.
Kick Off - Sportspub
0.3 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.
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.
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.
The Flower and the Bee
0.3 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
0.3 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.
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.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
0.4 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
Lalou Vinbar
0.4 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Lørups Vinstue
0.4 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
Tingstedet
0.4 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.4 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
The Old Irish Pub
0.5 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BUTCHERS Odense
0.3 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.
Boogie Dance Café
0.3 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
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.
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
47.8 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.
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.
Vinkapellet Samsø
48.8 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
50.3 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
50.4 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
