Odense ZOO
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 ZOO is a lush, family-friendly zoological garden on the banks of the Odense River, just south of the city centre. Home to more than 130 species and over 2,000 animals, it blends close-up encounters with manatees, penguins, giraffes and tigers with imaginative play areas, canopy walkways and picnic spots. Thoughtful habitats evoke everything from African savannah to Antarctic ice, while cafés, treetop paths and educational exhibits make this a full, engaging day out in any season.
A brief summary to Odense Zoo
- Søndre Blvd. 306, Odense C, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566111360
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least three to four hours so you can see key habitats like the Oceanium and Kiwara savannah without rushing the playgrounds and treetop walk.
- Check the daily programme on arrival for giraffe feedings, penguin sessions and keeper talks, as times vary by season and can fill quickly.
- Bring a picnic in warmer months to enjoy at the riverside tables, but keep some budget for coffee or ice cream from the on-site cafés.
- Dress in layers and comfortable shoes; much of the experience is outdoors and the terrain mixes paved paths with some slopes and wooden walkways.
- If you prefer quieter paths, aim for mornings on weekdays outside school holidays, when queues for playgrounds and encounters are usually shorter.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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City bus from central Odense
From Odense city centre, regular local buses such as lines in the 40–50 range run towards the Dalum area and stop near Odense ZOO; the ride typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A standard adult ticket for city buses in Odense generally costs around 24–30 DKK for a single zone journey. Buses run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends, and most vehicles are low-floor, making this a convenient option for families and visitors with strollers.
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Walking or cycling along the river
If you are already in central Odense, you can reach the zoo on foot or by bicycle via the riverside paths in roughly 20–30 minutes of walking or 10–15 minutes of easy cycling. The route follows generally flat terrain with mixed surfaces of asphalt and compacted gravel, passing through parks and green spaces. It is suitable for most abilities, though during wet weather some stretches can be slightly muddy and cyclists should take care around pedestrians.
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Boat trip with Odense river cruise (seasonal)
In the warmer months, typically from late spring to late summer, sightseeing boats operate on the Odense River between the central park area and Odense ZOO. The journey usually takes around 20–25 minutes each way and offers a relaxed approach through wooded riverbanks. Expect to pay in the region of 100–140 DKK for an adult round‑trip ticket, with discounts for children. Services run on a fixed timetable and may be reduced in bad weather, so it is worth checking departure times in advance.
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Car or taxi within Odense
By car or taxi from most central Odense locations, the drive to the zoo typically takes 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. There is dedicated visitor parking close to the entrance, and many spaces are free, though specific zones or busy days may involve time limits. Taxi fares within the city usually start with a base fee and end up around 80–150 DKK for a short trip to the zoo. This option offers the most flexibility if you are travelling with small children or planning to stay until closing time.
Odense Zoo 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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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Odense Zoo
Riverside zoo in the heart of Odense
Odense ZOO stretches along the leafy banks of the Odense River, just a short distance from the city centre yet feeling surprisingly green and secluded. Paths wind between tall trees, lawns and flowerbeds, with the water never far away. The grounds are compact enough to feel manageable, but layered with bridges, viewpoints and tucked-away corners that invite you to slow down rather than rush from exhibit to exhibit. The zoo is arranged around distinct habitat zones, so as you walk you move from one climatic world to another. Transitions are gentle: a shaded path might suddenly open onto a sun-baked savannah scene, or a glass door might lead into steamy rainforest air. Throughout, clear signage, models and displays frame the animals as part of broader ecosystems rather than isolated specimens.Animals from manatees to Siberian tigers
The headline residents are spread across more than 130 species, ranging from familiar farmyard favourites to rare, conservation-dependent animals. One of the most distinctive areas is the Oceanium, where manatees glide through deep pools and penguins dart past underwater viewing windows, giving a sense of life in tropical rivers and icy coasts. On land, the Kiwara savannah area is designed to evoke an African floodplain, home to zebras, giraffes and antelope sharing open sightlines. Nearby, big cats such as lions and Siberian tigers occupy spacious, landscaped enclosures with rocks, climbing structures and sheltered zones. Primates are well represented too, with chimpanzees using ropes and platforms while younger animals play and interact in ways that are easy to observe from raised walkways.Playgrounds, treetop walks and family comforts
Odense ZOO is as much about outdoor play as it is about watching wildlife. Multiple playgrounds cater to different ages, from simple sandpits and gentle slides to more challenging climbing frames and rope features. A standout attraction is the treetop walkway, a roughly 250-metre-long route raised among the canopy, combining forest views with small challenges and interactive quiz points about Danish nature. Cafés and food kiosks are scattered through the grounds, offering everything from simple snacks and ice cream to burgers and salads, often with views of nearby enclosures or the river. There are dedicated picnic tables and seating areas where you can unpack your own food, plus sheltered spots that make it easier to cope with changeable Danish weather. Facilities such as restrooms, changing areas and drinking water points are integrated so families can comfortably spend several hours on site.Close encounters and seasonal experiences
Several experiences bring you physically closer to the animals. At set times, visitors can handfeed giraffes from raised platforms, meeting the animals at eye level and discovering just how long and agile a giraffe’s tongue can be. In summer periods, a lemur island opens for guided feedings, with keepers explaining behaviour and conservation as animals move freely nearby. Keeper talks and feeding demonstrations are posted on daily schedules, covering everything from big cats to penguins. Seasonal themes add extra layers: autumn events often play with Halloween atmospheres, while winter evenings can feature festive lighting and decorations that transform familiar paths into a more atmospheric after-dark walk.Green credentials and educational mission
Odense ZOO holds Danish Green Attraction environmental certification, reflecting structured efforts to reduce energy use, manage waste and select more sustainable products. Information panels highlight these initiatives alongside broader messages about biodiversity and habitat protection, encouraging visitors to think about the links between home choices and faraway ecosystems. Education is woven into the visit rather than confined to classrooms. Interactive exhibits, quizzes on the treetop walk and well-placed viewing shelters all invite you to linger and observe behaviour, read about species roles in their ecosystems, and consider ongoing conservation projects. For many visitors, the blend of river landscape, curated habitats and thoughtful storytelling creates a day that is both entertaining and quietly informative.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det gamle vandtårn
1.7 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
visit
2.2 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
2.2 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
2.2 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
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.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
2.7 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
2.7 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Odense St.
2.8 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.
TheDoorOdense
3.9 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
4.2 km
Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
6.1 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
9.4 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
10.5 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
10.9 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
Rolfshøj
12.9 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bøgetoppen i Odense Zoo
0.1 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 Dyrskueplads
0.6 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
0.9 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.
Marie-Kilden
1.4 km
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.
The Funen Village
1.5 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.
Munke Mose Park
1.5 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Parsonage
1.5 km
Experience authentic 18th-century Danish village life through restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on traditional crafts.
Gerthasminde
1.6 km
A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
Munke Mose
1.7 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
Brickworks
1.7 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 Sea Horse
1.7 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
1.7 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
1.8 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.
Pantheonsfrisen
1.9 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
2.0 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Bondestuen
0.2 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
0.2 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 Carlslund
1.0 km
Historic forest inn serving legendary Danish æggekage and traditional Funen cuisine in a charming woodland setting.
Restaurant Knudsens Gaard
1.4 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.
Sortebro Kro
1.4 km
Thatched-roof country inn on Odense’s historic edge, blending classic Danish kro charm with refined, seasonal fine dining and warmly polished hospitality.
Café Cuckoo's Nest
1.9 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
2.0 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
2.0 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Pasfall
2.0 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.
Marcello's
2.0 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
The Burger Odense
2.0 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Vår
2.1 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.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
2.1 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
2.1 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Salinaz Odense
2.1 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
StiLia ApS
0.6 km
Curated Scandinavian gifts and homeware where design meets everyday living.
Bohemian Wonders
0.9 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.
All About Kids
2.0 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Underground
2.0 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
2.0 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
2.0 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Moby Disc
2.0 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
2.1 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Dr. Adams
2.1 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Summerbird
2.1 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
2.1 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
2.1 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
2.2 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
2.2 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
2.2 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Carlsens Kvarter
1.7 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
1.7 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
1.9 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.
Proud Mary Odense
1.9 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
2.0 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
No Stress Odense
2.0 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
2.0 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
2.1 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
2.1 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
City Club
2.1 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Den Brølende And
2.1 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.
Champagniet
2.1 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.
Christian Firtal
2.1 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
2.1 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
2.1 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
2.2 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
2.4 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Boogie Dance Café
2.4 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
2.5 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
5.1 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
26.6 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.3 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
38.6 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
44.0 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
46.7 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
50.0 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
51.0 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
52.4 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
52.5 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
53.3 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
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access