Odense Comediehuus
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.
Odense Comediehuus once stood on Sortebrødre Torv as the city’s early theatre, closely linked to the childhood of Hans Christian Andersen and Odense’s rising urban culture. Although the original 18th–19th century building was demolished in the 20th century after later uses as auction hall and emergency housing, its footprint and surrounding square still mark an important chapter in Danish theatre history. Today the spot invites you to imagine bustling vaudevilles, local crowds and the young Andersen dreaming of the stage.
A brief summary to Odense Comediehuus
- Sortebrødre Torv 1, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stop at the former Comediehuus site with a broader Hans Christian Andersen walk to understand how this modest theatre fed his early love of performance.
- Linger on Sortebrødre Torv during market hours; the noise, colours and smells help you imagine the busy social scene that once built around theatre evenings here.
- Bring a short excerpt from Andersen’s autobiography or a brief theatre history note to read on-site; it adds context to an otherwise invisible heritage location.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus within Odense
From central Odense, use one of the city bus lines serving the historic centre and get off near the pedestrian streets around Sortebrødre Torv; typical journey times from outer districts are 10–20 minutes. Single tickets within the city generally cost around 20–30 DKK when bought with contactless payment or transport apps. Buses run frequently during the day but less often in the evening, and most stops are a short, level walk from the square.
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Walking from Odense Banegård
From Odense’s main railway station area, the walk to Sortebrødre Torv takes about 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route leads through the compact city centre on paved, mostly level surfaces, suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility. Allow extra time on busy days, as the central streets can be crowded and you may want to pause at other historic spots along the way.
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Bicycle in central Odense
Odense is known as a bicycle-friendly city with dedicated lanes and calm streets in the centre. Renting a city bike or using a hotel bicycle, you can reach Sortebrødre Torv from most inner districts in about 5–10 minutes. Cycling is free beyond any rental fee, but remember that parts of the immediate square and some nearby streets are shared with pedestrians, so you may need to dismount and walk the last short stretch.
Odense Comediehuus location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
Discover more about Odense Comediehuus
A vanished theatre in the heart of Odense
Odense Comediehuus stood on Sortebrødre Torv, just off the medieval core of Odense, at a time when theatre was becoming a key form of urban entertainment. The building rose in the 18th century as a modest but ambitious playhouse, bringing spoken drama, music and light-hearted comedy to a growing provincial town. Its stage, lit by candles and simple lanterns, offered locals a rare window onto wider European culture. From the cobbled square where it once stood, it is easy to picture the original façade: a solid, slightly austere exterior facing the market, with people gathering at the entrance on performance evenings. Carriages would arrive and depart, and those with cheaper tickets would walk from nearby streets, queuing beneath flickering lamps before filing into the auditorium.Hans Christian Andersen’s formative theatre world
The Comediehuus is especially remembered because it was one of the first theatres that captured the imagination of a young Hans Christian Andersen. As a boy in Odense, he was drawn repeatedly to performances here, utterly fascinated by actors, scenery and the magic of storytelling brought to life. For him, this was not just a diversion but an early gateway to the artistic world he would later inhabit. Within these walls he observed the craft of performance up close: how a simple change of costume, a line delivered with feeling or a bit of painted canvas could transform reality. Those impressions fed into his sense of drama and character, visible later in his tales where everyday figures are charged with theatrical emotion. Standing on the site today connects you indirectly to those early creative sparks.From playhouse to auction hall and emergency shelter
Like many urban theatres, Odense Comediehuus went through several lives. As newer venues emerged and performance practices changed, this older building gradually lost its central theatrical role. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it served more practical purposes, including use as an auction hall, where furniture, tools and everyday objects were sold under its high roof. In the aftermath of housing shortages, the structure was even converted into emergency accommodation, sheltering dozens of adults and children under crowded conditions. This phase added a very different, more somber layer to the building’s story, turning a former cultural hub into a place of necessity and survival before it was finally demolished in the 1920s.The square that remembers what the walls forgot
Although the physical theatre has disappeared, the setting of Sortebrødre Torv still carries echoes of its presence. The square is framed by historic buildings and traditional Danish town architecture, and on certain days market stalls fill the space with fruit, flowers and local produce. The hum of traders and customers offers a modern parallel to the bustle that once surrounded performance nights. If you pause near the approximate footprint of the Comediehuus, you can imagine spectators spilling out into the cool night air, discussing the play they have just seen. The rhythm of the city continues, but layered beneath it is a quieter story about how entertainment, trade and daily life have always intertwined in this corner of Odense.Tracing theatre history in modern Odense
Today, visitors come here less for a specific attraction and more for a sense of place. The site forms an informal stop on walks that trace Hans Christian Andersen’s Odense and the development of Danish theatre. It invites a reflective kind of sightseeing, where you rely on fragments of history, plaques and your own imagination rather than grand remains. Seen in that light, Odense Comediehuus becomes a reminder that cultural heritage is not only preserved in intact monuments. It also survives in absence: in the outline of a square, in stories about a boy captivated by the stage, and in the evolving uses of a building that once brought comedy, song and drama to a small but aspiring city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Oceania
0.3 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.4 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.”
Odense St.
0.4 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.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.4 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
visit
0.5 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
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)
2.6 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
3.3 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
4.2 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
5.1 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
6.9 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.
9.2 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
10.2 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.1 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.
The Glavendrup Stone
13.9 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Blackfriars Square
0.0 km
Cobblestoned Blackfriars Square blends medieval streets, colourful timber houses and a bustling twice‑weekly market in the historic heart of Hans Christian Andersen’s Odense.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
0.1 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.
Andersen on the bench
0.1 km
Share a bronze bench with Hans Christian Andersen himself in the heart of Odense’s fairy-tale district, where the city’s stories slip quietly into everyday life.
Museum Odense
0.1 km
An intimate city museum in Odense’s old town, blending Viking stories, historic homes and hands-on family exhibits across courtyards and centuries.
H. C. Andersens House
0.1 km
An immersive museum in Odense where architecture, garden and multimedia exhibitions draw you deep into the imaginative world of Hans Christian Andersen.
Møntergården
0.1 km
A pocket-sized historic quarter where cobbled courtyards, timbered houses and multimedia galleries bring the story of Odense and Funen vividly to life.
Kramboden i Odense
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Carl Nielsen Museum
0.2 km
Compact yet richly layered museum in Odense’s musical quarter, tracing Carl Nielsen’s life, music and partnership with sculptor Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen.
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.
St. Alban's Church
0.2 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
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.
Washing Site at Odense River
0.2 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.
Vægmaleri
0.3 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Saint Hans Church
0.3 km
A medieval monastic church of red brick and quiet light, Saint Hans links Odense’s castle, sacred history and old-town charm in one compact, atmospheric stop.
Essential places to dine
Grønttorvet
0.0 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.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
0.1 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.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
0.1 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
0.1 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
0.2 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Ryan's of Odense
0.2 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.
Brasserie Bordeaux
0.3 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Restaurant Ribelli
0.3 km
Inventive Italian fine dining with a Funen twist, served in an intimate, design-conscious dining room in the historic heart of Odense.
Den Lille Smalle
0.3 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
Restaurant Bacchus
0.3 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
0.3 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
0.3 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Druen & Bønnen
0.3 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.
UBN
0.4 km
Lively city-centre brasserie in historic Odense, serving seasonal comfort food and stone-oven pizzas alongside a serious cocktail bar with 300+ spirits.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
0.1 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
House of Amber Odense
0.1 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Reden Op Shop
0.1 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.
Klods Hans
0.1 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
0.2 km
Stylish hybrid café and design store in Odense’s Odeons Kvarter, where Scandinavian interiors meet French–Italian café indulgence in a relaxed, home-like setting.
Aunt Green ApS
0.3 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.
Look At This
0.3 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.4 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
0.4 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Magasin Odense
0.4 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Summerbird
0.5 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.
Dr. Adams
0.5 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Moby Disc
0.5 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lørups Vinstue
0.1 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.
Kick Off - Sportspub
0.1 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.
Rabalder Bar Odense
0.1 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.
The Flower and the Bee
0.1 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.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
0.2 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.
Sir Club
0.3 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
June Bar
0.4 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
0.4 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.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.5 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Den Brølende And
0.5 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
0.5 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Champagniet
0.5 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.
Ungarsk Vinstue
0.5 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Lalou Vinbar
0.6 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
No Stress Odense
0.6 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Tranquil
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
