Odense Cathedral – St. Canute's Church: Spiritual Heart of Funen
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.
Odense Cathedral, or St. Canute's Church, is the grand Gothic cathedral at the heart of Odense. Built in honor of King Canute IV, Denmark’s patron saint, this light-filled landmark boasts impressive brickwork, intricate altarpieces, and royal tombs. Its centuries-old history, vaulting arches, and tranquil ambiance make it a must-see for visitors exploring Odense’s heritage and religious legacy.
A brief summary to Kramboden i Odense
- Nedergade 24, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566114522
- Monday 11 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Check out the crypt where St. Canute and his brother are buried—it's an atmospheric highlight often missed by casual visitors.
- Attend a midday concert if possible; the cathedral’s acoustics and organ are truly exceptional for music lovers.
- Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful during services and look for any posted restrictions.
- The cathedral is just steps from H.C. Andersen’s childhood home, making it easy to combine with a stroll through Odense's historic district.
- Entry is usually free, but consider a small donation to support preservation of this national treasure.
Getting There
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Walking
From Odense’s central railway station, the cathedral is an easy 10-minute stroll through the city center’s pedestrian zone. Pass lively boutique shops and local bakeries before the cathedral’s tall steeple comes into view beside the old town square.
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Public Transport
Local buses from the main transit hub stop within a short walk of the cathedral, with a single fare typically costing DKK 24. The bus drops near the city's major plaza, from which the cathedral is visible and easily accessed on foot.
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Taxi
A taxi from the city center or main hotel district to St. Canute’s Church is a brief ride, usually under 10 minutes, with fares averaging DKK 60–90 depending on traffic.
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Driving
Parking is available in public lots around the historic core, though spaces fill quickly, especially during events. Average hourly rates are DKK 16–20. No special permits or tolls apply for visiting the cathedral.
Discover more about Kramboden i Odense
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Andersen on the bench
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Strike a pose with Hans Christian Andersen himself—this lifelike bronze statue in Odense invites you to sit, reflect, and celebrate Denmark’s storytelling legacy.
VILLE VAU
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A world-class architectural landmark offering immersive exhibitions on Denmark’s maritime past and present, set in a dramatic underground dry dock by Kronborg Castle.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
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Oceania
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Inside an innovative underground dry dock, the M/S Maritime Museum reveals Denmark’s seafaring past through interactive displays, family activities, and evocative architecture.
St. Canute's Cathedral
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Discover Danish and Nordic art in a refined gallery space at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a landmark for modern and classical works in central Copenhagen.
Saint Hans Church
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A buzzing pedestrian street in Nørrebro, Jægersborggade blends Copenhagen’s creative edge with indie shops, urban gastronomy, and an atmosphere beloved by locals.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
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Experience Denmark's storied seafaring legacy in a striking underground museum beside Kronborg Castle, with immersive exhibitions and architectural innovation.
visit
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Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Odense St.
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Discover Jægersborggade: Copenhagen's vibrant street blending art, fashion, and gastronomy in the heart of Nørrebro.
King's Garden
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Lush, centuries-old park near Odense Castle offering tranquil landscaping, rich royal history, summer flower beds, and a vibrant local gathering spot in central Funen.
Banegårdspladsen
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Denmark’s celebrated M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør fuses iconic modern architecture with engaging exhibits on seafaring, trade, and the maritime heart of the nation.
Funen Opera
0.9 km
Funen Opera in Odense captivates with cutting-edge performances, Danish premieres, and welcoming vibes—an essential destination for culture and music on Funen.
Munke Mose Park
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Award-winning maritime museum ingeniously sunk into a former dry dock at Helsingør, offering interactive exhibitions on Denmark’s seafaring history next to Kronborg Castle.
Fredens Kirke
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Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
Odense Dyrskueplads
2.7 km
Experience the cultural heartbeat of Funen at Odense Dyrskueplads, a premier venue for festivals, fairs, and community events in Odense.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum Odense
0.1 km
Discover Hans Hulehånd, Thomas Dambo’s iconic recycled-wood troll sculpture, blending Danish folklore, environmental art, and hidden adventure in the heart of Odense.
Odense Comediehuus
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A charming 18th-century comedy house in central Odense, offering intimate theatre experiences, improv, and a glimpse into Denmark’s local performing arts scene.
Washing Site at Odense River
0.1 km
Discover Hans Hulehånd, a monumental wooden troll by Thomas Dambo, hidden among Odense’s greenery—where street art, folklore, and Danish nature come together for all ages.
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.
Blackfriars Square
0.2 km
Explore Funen's WWII history at Besættelsesmuseum Fyn, housed in an authentic German bunker with exhibits on the occupation and resistance.
TIME - Museum for Odense
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Discover The Maiden Jump in Odense: A harmonious blend of history and art, offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's cultural heritage.
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.
H. C. Andersens House
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Odense Cathedral, or St. Canute’s Church, is a majestic Gothic landmark that tells Denmark’s royal and spiritual story from the city’s historic heart.
Klokkedybet
0.3 km
Experience the serene beauty of Sneglehøjen, Odense's natural retreat for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Carl Nielsen Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s only Viking ship burial, Ladby blends atmospheric history, hands-on exhibits, fjord views, and immersive storytelling for a truly unique Funen adventure.
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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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.
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.
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.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
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Discover Odense Cathedral, where soaring Gothic architecture, royal Danish history, and vibrant local culture converge in the heart of Odense.
Essential places to dine
Den Gamle Kro A/S
0.1 km
Centuries-old Danish restaurant in Odense, delighting guests with authentic cuisine, timber-framed ambiance, and stories from Funen’s past in the city’s heart.
Grønttorvet
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Restaurant Under Lindetræet
0.2 km
Restaurant Under Lindetræet in Odense offers acclaimed Danish gourmet dining amidst historic settings and fairy tale charm, blending tradition with modern Nordic cuisine.
Ryan's of Odense
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Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Den Lille Smalle
0.3 km
Experience Odense’s contemporary Nordic café culture with creative brunch, expertly brewed coffee, and a welcoming vibe at Den Lille Smalle in the city’s heart.
Restaurant Bacchus
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Discover the exquisite taste of France at Restaurant Bacchus in Odense C – where culinary artistry meets delightful ambiance.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
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MASH - Restaurant Odense
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Experience American-style steakhouse sophistication with Danish charm at MASH Odense, where prime cuts and cosmopolitan ambiance meet in Odense city center.
Restaurant Ribelli
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Experience authentic Italian cuisine in Odense at Restaurant Ribelli - where tradition meets local flavors.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
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Discover gourmet steak dining at A Hereford Beefstouw in Odense - where quality meets exceptional service.
Druen & Bønnen
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Experience exquisite Danish-French cuisine at Druen & Bønnen in Odense, where fresh ingredients meet culinary artistry.
Brasserie Bordeaux
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Discover Brasserie Bordeaux in Odense - where French culinary elegance meets Danish hospitality in an unforgettable dining experience.
UBN
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UBN blends brasserie classics, top-notch pizzas, and creative cocktails in central Odense, making it a favorite urban hangout for food lovers and night owls.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
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Indulge in authentic Danish comfort food and timeless tavern ambiance at Restaurant Klosterkroen, a culinary landmark in the heart of Odense’s old town.
Café Kræz
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Bohemian café, vibrant eatery, and late-night music hub—Café Kræz brings Odense’s creative spirit and lively nightlife to the heart of the city.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Look At This
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Magasin Odense
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Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
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Discover unique vintage-inspired furniture and décor at Hipstory Showroom Odense, where past meets present in design excellence.
Bohemian Wonders
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Skovsted Nyborg
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Discover Skovsted Nyborg: Nyborg's premier toy store offering a curated selection of classic and modern toys for all ages.
Pyre Studio
26.8 km
Discover Danish fashion at Pyre Studio, Nyborg's premier boutique for unique and stylish apparel.
Tippy
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Discover contemporary women's fashion at Tippy, a boutique nestled in Nyborg's historic center.
Gen&Brug Nyborg
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Gen&Brug Nyborg is a vibrant second-hand shop offering preloved treasures, Danish design finds, and a warm, sustainable shopping experience in central Nyborg.
DesignKnap
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Discover contemporary Scandinavian fashion at DesignKnap, Nyborg's premier clothing boutique.
Sprogø
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Sprogø is a windswept, storied Danish island in the Great Belt, offering rare guided visits to its lighthouse, wild landscapes, and hauntingly historic past.
Høkildegård
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Storms Hjørne
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Samsø Gårdbutik Svanegården
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Eskehus Samsø
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Eclectic art gallery and creative hub in Brundby, Samsø, where local artists and visitors mingle among unique paintings, crafty creations, and high-quality art supplies.
Langemarksgård
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Langemarksgård farm shop on Samsø provides a welcoming showcase of the island’s best produce, homemade treats, and authentic countryside atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Flower and the Bee
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Lørups Vinstue
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Historic bar in the heart of Odense offering classic Danish atmosphere, eclectic memorabilia, live music, and affordable drinks for an authentic local experience.
Bootleggers Odense Craft Beer Bar
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Lalou Vinbar
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Chic, candle-lit wine bar in central Odense, serving natural and organic wines with expert guidance in a welcoming Scandinavian setting.
Christian Firtal
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Beloved craft beer bar in Odense’s historic quarter, famed for its cozy atmosphere, rotating taps of Danish and international brews, and authentic local 'hygge' spirit.
The Old Irish Pub
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Classic Irish hospitality in Odense: live music, big screens for sports, and a buzzing crowd in a cozy pub full of spirited atmosphere.
Carlsens Kvarter
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Carlsens Kvarter—Odense’s legendary tavern fusing classic Danish ‘brown bar’ atmosphere with one of Funen’s best craft beer selections.
Den Røde Bar
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Hjallese Puben
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Experience authentic Danish pub culture at Hjallese Puben in Odense S.
Central Cafeen
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Øksendrup Cider
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Experience the authentic flavors of South Funen's organic ciders at Øksendrup Cider.
Chr. II's Pub
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Jimbo's Kaffebar
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Buzzing local coffee bar in Nyborg’s city center, mixing top-quality coffee, craft drinks, and Danish pastries with authentic small-town charm.
Bistroen
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Modern Danish bistro nestled by Nyborg’s scenic waterfront, offering local flavors, seasonal cuisine, and relaxed ambiance just steps from the historic coastline.
Kompasset
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Experience Danish hospitality at Kompasset, Vester Skerninge's cozy bar offering craft beers, fine wines, and live music in a welcoming atmosphere.
