Munke Mose Park, Odense
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
Munke Mose is Odense’s central green oasis, an 8.5-hectare wetland park where manicured lawns meet wilder swampy corners along the Odense River. Once a boggy meadow linked to medieval monastic mills, it is today a relaxed, family-friendly park with lakes, islands, and grand old trees. Fairy-tale sculptures inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, a celebrated Thumbelina-themed playground, river cruises, pedalos, and café life make it a natural pause point between Odense’s museums and historic streets.
A brief summary to Munke Mose
- Havhesten, Filosofgangen, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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
- Bring a picnic blanket; the best spots are on the gentle lawns sloping towards the river, where you still have a view of boats and sculptures.
- If you are travelling with children, plan extra time for the Thumbelina-themed playground, which can easily occupy an hour or more.
- Pair a stroll in Munke Mose with a river cruise or pedalo rental to see the park’s wetland character and fairy-tale statues from the water.
- In cooler months, dress for damp ground; paths are level but some grassy areas near the river can remain soft or muddy.
- Photographers should come early or late in the day for softer light on the seahorse fountain and the ginkgo and beech trees by the water.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from central Odense
From the historic centre around the cathedral and city hall area, reaching Munke Mose Park on foot typically takes 5–10 minutes. The route is flat and follows ordinary city pavements, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Surfaces inside the park are mostly gravel and compacted paths, so everyday footwear is sufficient even for longer strolls, though after rain some grassy areas near the river can be soft.
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City bus within Odense
Several local bus lines stop on roads bordering the park, with journey times of about 5–15 minutes from most central neighbourhoods. A single adult ticket within Odense generally costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses usually run at least every 15–30 minutes during the day, but late evening and weekend frequencies can be lower.
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Bicycle access
Odense has an extensive cycle network, and Munke Mose is easy to reach by bike from inner districts in roughly 5–10 minutes. Dedicated bike lanes lead towards the city centre, and there are railings and informal spots near the park edges where cyclists routinely secure bicycles. Surfaces are predominantly flat, making this a comfortable option for most ages, though lights and reflective gear are advisable after dark.
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Car and parking in central Odense
Drivers can reach the area via main city streets, with travel time from outer districts typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. There is no large dedicated car park inside Munke Mose, but several public parking facilities and on-street spaces exist within walking distance in the city centre. Expect to pay standard central Odense parking rates, commonly in the range of 12–25 DKK per hour, and note time limits and payment methods posted at each location.
Munke Mose location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Munke Mose
From Monks’ Meadows to City Oasis
Munke Mose occupies a broad bend of the Odense River, right in the city’s heart, but its story stretches back nearly a millennium. The area once belonged to the Benedictine monks of St Canute’s Monastery, whose watermill powered Odense’s grain supply and gave the park its name. Low-lying meadows flooded in winter, turning into natural skating rinks, while in summer the land served for grazing and hay. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the municipality deliberately preserved the open space, transforming the former bog and factory grounds into a public park. Landscape architect Edv. Glæsel helped shape a design that would keep parts of the area feeling wild yet welcoming. Today, that history still lingers in the broad water surfaces, relict millpond and soft, marshy edges that make Munke Mose feel different from a conventional city garden.Water, Islands and Grand Old Trees
Water defines the atmosphere here. The Odense River snakes through the park, widening into calm basins where ducks and swans glide between reed beds and grassy banks. Small islands, linked by low bridges, break up the views so that new perspectives appear with each few steps. The main lake near Jagtvej traces the line of the old mill dam, a reminder of the park’s working past. Around these waters stands an impressive collection of trees: oaks, hornbeam, red and copper beeches, ash, chestnut, magnolia and the remarkable ginkgo, often called a living fossil. In autumn the foliage burns gold and copper; in spring, fresh leaves frame the water with bright green. Manicured lawns roll down to the river in some sections, perfect for a picnic blanket, while elsewhere paths slip into more shadowy, almost swamp-like corners that hint at the original wetland.Fairy-Tale Art in a Storyteller’s City
Munke Mose plays an important role in Odense’s network of Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculptures. At one entrance, the powerful bronze seahorse fountain rears from the river with a mermaid on its back, a dynamic figure drawn from Agnete’s Lullaby. Elsewhere you may spot scenes from The Wild Swans or a version of The Little Mermaid, cleverly placed so they interact with water and greenery. These works anchor the park firmly in the identity of Andersen’s birthplace, turning ordinary strolls into a gentle sculpture hunt. They also provide a satisfying visual counterpoint to the soft landscape: dark bronze against bright grass, mythological figures framed by quiet channels and overhanging branches.Playgrounds, River Cruises and Everyday Leisure
For many locals, Munke Mose is all about casual outdoor life. The celebrated playground, themed around the tale of Thumbelina, enlarges butterflies, lily pads, birds and fish into climbable structures where children scramble and slide amid bold colours. Nearby, Odense’s river boats depart for leisurely cruises, while pedal boats and canoes offer a more hands-on way to explore the water. On warm days, queues form at the small café and ice-cream counter near the river cruise pier, and the lawns become an informal dining room of blankets and takeaway boxes. Fitness enthusiasts jog along the riverside paths, yoga groups find flat grass under shade trees, and office workers slip into the park for a few quiet minutes beside the water.Seasons, Events and Neighbouring Gardens
Munke Mose’s character shifts with the seasons. Spring brings flowering trees and longer light that lingers on the river. In high summer the park hums with picnics, outdoor games and student celebrations, and occasionally large gatherings such as May Day events or end-of-school traditions fill the lawns. Autumn lays a carpet of leaves along the paths, and in winter the open views make the low northern light particularly striking over the water. The park also forms a green hinge between other nearby spaces, including the H.C. Andersen gardens and Eventyrhaven. Together, these linked parks create an almost continuous belt of greenery around the historic core. Munke Mose sits at the centre of this chain: a flexible, welcoming space that can feel contemplative on a quiet morning or pleasantly sociable on a sunny afternoon, always with the gentle movement of the Odense River as its backdrop.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
visit
0.5 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
0.6 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.6 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.”
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
1.0 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
1.1 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
1.7 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.1 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
3.1 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Det gamle vandtårn
3.4 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
5.2 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
7.7 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.
9.6 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
10.4 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.2 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
14.3 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Sea Horse
0.1 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
0.1 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
0.2 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.
Munke Mose Park
0.3 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Pantheonsfrisen
0.3 km
A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.
Tidens Samling
0.4 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Gerthasminde
0.4 km
A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
The Darning Needle
0.4 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
0.4 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.
The maiden jump
0.5 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.
Brandts
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
0.6 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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.6 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.
Eventyrhaven
0.6 km
Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Essential places to dine
Café Cuckoo's Nest
0.3 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
0.3 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
0.4 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
The Burger Odense
0.4 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Marcello's
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.5 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Salinaz Odense
0.5 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Mitchell's Odense
0.5 km
Denmark's only British gastro pub, serving authentic carvery and craft beverages in warm, family-friendly surroundings.
Restaurant Madklubben Odense
0.5 km
Big-hearted, central Odense brasserie serving modern seasonal comfort food in iconic premises, with space for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
Eydes Gastro Pub
0.5 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.
Café Skt. Gertrud
0.5 km
Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
Café Kræz
0.6 km
Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Restaurant Værdsat
0.6 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
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.
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.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.4 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Underground
0.4 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Moby Disc
0.4 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.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
0.4 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Dr. Adams
0.4 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Summerbird
0.4 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.6 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Faraos Cigarer
0.6 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.
Aunt Green ApS
0.6 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Røde Bar
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.3 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
0.3 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.
Carlsens Kvarter
0.4 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
No Stress Odense
0.4 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
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.
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.
The Old Irish Pub
0.4 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Champagniet
0.4 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.
City Club
0.4 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Den Brølende And
0.4 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.
Christian Firtal
0.4 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.4 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.
The Boat House
0.5 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
0.5 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
0.8 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
0.9 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
BUTCHERS Odense
1.0 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.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
5.3 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
26.5 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.2 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
39.8 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.8 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
48.3 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
48.3 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.
Vinkapellet Samsø
49.3 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
50.8 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
50.9 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
51.6 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly