Marie-Kilden, Odense
A small historic spring hidden in Odense’s riverside green belt, Marie-Kilden offers a quiet glimpse of parish history and folklore amid trees, paths and gentle birdsong.
Marie-Kilden is a small historic spring and wayside shrine tucked along the leafy vicarage path between Dalum Church and Fruens Bøge in southern Odense. Framed by tall trees and the nearby Odense River, this modest monument blends local religious history, folklore, and everyday nature into a tranquil pause point. It is a quiet place to sit, reflect, and sense how rural Odense once felt, just a short step from the city’s suburban streets.
A brief summary to Marie-Kilden
- Odense, Odense SV, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Wear shoes suitable for dirt paths and potentially muddy ground, especially after rain, as the approach follows a natural riverside trail.
- Combine a brief visit to Marie-Kilden with a longer walk between Dalum Church and Fruens Bøge to make the most of the green corridor.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light filtering through the trees, which is ideal for quiet contemplation and photos.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from central Odense
From central Odense, use a city bus toward the Dalum or Odense SV area; typical routes take about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. A single adult ticket usually costs around 24–30 DKK within the city zones and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day but less often in evenings and weekends, so check departure times in advance. From the nearest stop, expect a short walk on local streets and then along the riverside path to reach the spring.
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Bicycle from Odense city centre
Cycling from Odense city centre to the Dalum riverside area typically takes 15–25 minutes at a moderate pace, using the city’s network of bike lanes and quiet residential streets. There is no fee to cycle, and public bike racks can usually be found near Dalum Church or along nearby roads, though dedicated secure parking is limited. The final stretch follows a shared path that can be narrow and busy with walkers, so ride considerately and be prepared to walk your bike on the narrower sections.
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Car or taxi within Odense
Reaching the Dalum area by car or taxi from central Odense generally takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis within the city typically start around 50–70 DKK plus 10–15 DKK per kilometre, so a ride from the centre can cost roughly 120–200 DKK. Street parking in nearby residential areas is usually available but may be time-limited and not directly beside the riverside path. From where you park, allow time to walk on footpaths to the green belt where Marie-Kilden is located.
Marie-Kilden 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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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Marie-Kilden
A quiet spring hidden in a green corridor
Marie-Kilden is a modest historic spring set along a narrow green belt that follows the Odense River on the edge of Dalum. The small structure and its setting feel almost tucked away, screened by trees and undergrowth, so that you step out of suburban Odense and into a sheltered strip of nature. The path here is used by walkers and cyclists, yet the spring itself often has a gentle, almost private atmosphere. The name refers to a holy or venerated spring, echoing a time when water sources were both practical lifelines and objects of devotion. Standing here, you can hear birdsong from the river corridor and the rustle of the wind through the leaves, while the murmur of the nearby city fades into the background. It is a simple spot, but its character comes from this sense of seclusion in the middle of a lived-in district.From holy well to local landmark
Like many springs across Denmark, Marie-Kilden has roots in a landscape shaped by both Christianity and older traditions. Springs were often connected with saints, healing powers, or local legends, and later folded into parish life as quiet places of reflection. The connection to Dalum Church and the old vicarage path underlines that this was once part of a small network of meaningful sites in the parish rather than an isolated curiosity. The structure you see today reflects more recent centuries of care, when the spring was marked, walled, or framed to protect the water and give it a recognisable form. Over time, it shifted from everyday resource to historical feature, a reminder of how people once related to water, faith, and the land. The modest scale is part of its charm: this is not a grand monument but a small piece of local heritage preserved in situ.Following the vicarage path between river and woods
Marie-Kilden lies on the path that threads between Dalum Church and the leafy quarter of Fruens Bøge, following the river in a green ribbon. As you approach, the route alternates between open views to the water and enclosed stretches where tree trunks and banks rise around you. The spring appears almost incidentally, just off the footpath, inviting a short detour. Benches and small clearings nearby offer informal places to pause, watch the light on the river, or listen to the distant rhythm of trains and traffic beyond the trees. The surroundings change markedly with the seasons: bright fresh greens in spring, deep shade in summer, russet carpets of leaves in autumn, and a more exposed, skeletal beauty in winter when the structure of the landscape becomes visible.A contemplative stop on a local stroll
Visiting Marie-Kilden is less about a long checklist of sights and more about a short, contemplative stop woven into a longer walk. Many people combine it with a riverside stroll, time in the woods at Fruens Bøge, or a visit to Dalum Church and its churchyard. The spring offers a natural moment to slow down, notice the details of moss-covered stones, water trickling or lying still, and the way the path curves along the slope. The terrain around the spring includes some uneven ground and can be muddy after rain, but the main path itself is generally straightforward for walkers. Because the site is small, visits tend to be brief, with the experience defined more by the route you take to get here and the sense of stepping into a shaded corner than by facilities or interpretation panels.Stories, symbolism and simple nature
Part of the appeal of Marie-Kilden lies in its open-endedness: apart from its basic historical identity as a spring, the site invites your own associations. You might see it as a relic of sacred water traditions, a marker of the old parish landscape, or simply a pretty, slightly mysterious feature in the woods. The combination of water, shade, and stone creates a naturally contemplative setting. On a sunny day, slanting light through the canopy can make the spring feel almost like a small stage set into the bank. In winter or in wet weather, it has a starker, more introspective character. Either way, this is a place to linger quietly for a few minutes, listen to the river, and sense how the boundary between town and countryside blurs along the margins of Odense.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det gamle vandtårn
0.6 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
3.4 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.”
visit
3.5 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
3.5 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
3.8 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
4.0 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
4.0 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
4.2 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
TheDoorOdense
5.2 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Fredens Kirke
5.5 km
Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
7.5 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
9.9 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Sortehusene
10.6 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Rolfshøj
12.1 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.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
12.3 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
Unmissable attractions to see
Parsonage
0.4 km
Experience authentic 18th-century Danish village life through restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on traditional crafts.
Brickworks
0.5 km
A small creative brick studio in southern Odense where Danish design spirit meets hands-on LEGO-style imagination in a low-key, family-friendly setting.
The Funen Village
0.5 km
Step into a living Funen countryside village of thatched farms, mills, orchards and heritage animals, where 18th- and 19th-century rural Denmark comes vividly to life.
Bøgetoppen i Odense Zoo
1.3 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.
Odense Zoo
1.4 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.
Odense Dyrskueplads
1.8 km
Odense’s flexible fairground, where quiet open fields transform into bustling arenas for Det Fynske Dyrskue, major concerts and large outdoor events.
Fyns Militærhistoriske Museum
2.3 km
Compact military museum in Odense’s former barracks, tracing 400 years of Funen’s soldiers, resistance and overseas missions through objects, stories and uniforms.
Munke Mose Park
2.7 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Bunkermuseum Of Odense
2.9 km
Step into a fully preserved Cold War command bunker beneath Odense and explore an atmospheric maze of control rooms, exhibits and civil defence history.
Munke Mose
3.0 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
Gerthasminde
3.0 km
A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
University Press of Southern Denmark
3.0 km
Explore the historic Odense Castle and its picturesque Kongens Have park in the heart of Odense, Denmark.
The Sea Horse
3.0 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.
Funen Opera
3.1 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.
Bispens lysthus
3.1 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.
Essential places to dine
Sortebro Kro
0.5 km
Thatched-roof country inn on Odense’s historic edge, blending classic Danish kro charm with refined, seasonal fine dining and warmly polished hospitality.
Restaurant Carlslund
0.5 km
Historic forest inn serving legendary Danish æggekage and traditional Funen cuisine in a charming woodland setting.
Restaurant Bondestuen
1.4 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.
Restaurant Wienerstuen
1.4 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 Knudsens Gaard
2.1 km
Refined Danish cuisine in a half-timbered hotel farmhouse, where seasonal Funen produce meets candlelit country-house ambience on Odense’s tranquil south side.
Vår
3.1 km
Intimate, light-filled fine dining in Odense, where a Michelin-recognized chef crafts calm, seasonal tasting menus rooted in local Funen produce and thoughtful wine.
Café Cuckoo's Nest
3.3 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
3.3 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
3.3 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
The Burger Odense
3.3 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Marcello's
3.3 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
Pasfall
3.4 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.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
3.4 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.
Olivia Brasserie - Restaurant Odense
3.4 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Salinaz Odense
3.4 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
StiLia ApS
0.9 km
Curated Scandinavian gifts and homeware where design meets everyday living.
Bohemian Wonders
2.3 km
A color-soaked vintage and boho showroom in Odense, where one-of-a-kind finds and small-batch designs turn slow fashion into a tactile, story-filled experience.
Odense Jagt & Fritid
2.6 km
Specialist 1,000 m² hunting, fishing and outdoor store in Odense SV, equipping you for Fyn’s forests, coasts and everyday life in nature.
All About Kids
3.3 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Moby Disc
3.3 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.
Bog & idé - Odense C
3.3 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
3.3 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Underground
3.3 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Summerbird
3.4 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Dr. Adams
3.4 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
3.4 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
GenbrugsHallerne
3.4 km
A vast indoor thrift hall in Odense where hundreds of private stalls turn second-hand shopping into an urban treasure hunt of everyday finds and quirky curios.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
3.4 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
3.4 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.
Magasin Odense
3.4 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjallese Puben
1.1 km
Vibrant neighborhood bar where Odense locals gather for music, drinks, and authentic Danish pub atmosphere.
Carlsens Kvarter
2.9 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
Den Røde Bar
3.1 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.
Proud Mary Odense
3.3 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
3.3 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
3.3 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.
No Stress Odense
3.3 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
City Club
3.3 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Den Brølende And
3.3 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.
Tingstedet
3.3 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Lalou Vinbar
3.3 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Champagniet
3.4 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 Old Irish Pub
3.4 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Den Lille Kro Odense
3.4 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
Christian Firtal
3.4 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
3.5 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
3.7 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
3.7 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
3.8 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
4.6 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
25.9 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
26.7 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
37.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
44.9 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
45.4 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
51.3 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.
Kasket karl
52.2 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Vinkapellet Samsø
52.3 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Ærø Jazzfestival
52.8 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Langelands Jazzklub
52.9 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly