Det gamle vandtårn (The Old Water Tower)
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Det gamle vandtårn is a historic brick water tower located in Odense, Denmark, representing an important chapter in the city's industrial and infrastructural development. Built in the early 20th century, this striking red-brick structure once served as a vital component of Odense's water supply system. Today, it stands as a testament to the engineering achievements of Denmark's industrial era and offers visitors insight into how modern utilities transformed urban life in the Nordic region.
A brief summary to Det gamle vandtårn
- Dalumgårds Alle 40A, Odense Municipality, Odense SV, 5250, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- The tower is best viewed from the surrounding streets and public spaces; its impressive height and distinctive red-brick Romanesque architecture are most striking when viewed from a distance.
- Visit during daylight hours to appreciate the detailed brickwork and architectural craftsmanship that characterizes the Art Nouveau period in which it was built.
- Combine your visit with exploration of the surrounding Odense SV neighborhood to understand the broader context of the city's industrial development and urban planning.
- Photography enthusiasts will find the tower's geometric form and textured brick surface particularly rewarding, especially during golden hour when light accentuates the building's details.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Public Bus
From Odense city center, take bus lines 21, 22, or 23 toward the southwestern districts. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Buses run regularly throughout the day with reduced frequency in evenings and on Sundays. The tower is located near Dalumgårds Alle; alight at the nearest stop and walk the final 100–200 meters. No ticket required for children under 7; standard adult single fare applies.
-
Bicycle
Odense is highly bicycle-friendly with extensive cycle paths throughout the city. From the city center, cycling to Dalumgårds Alle takes approximately 15–25 minutes depending on your starting point and route. Follow designated cycle lanes where available; the tower is accessible via quiet residential streets in the Odense SV neighborhood. Bicycle parking is available in the surrounding area.
-
Car
Drive to Dalumgårds Alle 40A in the Odense SV district. Parking is available on surrounding streets; check local parking regulations as some areas may have restrictions. Journey time from central Odense is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The location is accessible year-round by vehicle.
-
Walking
From Odense city center, walking to the tower takes approximately 35–45 minutes depending on your exact starting point. The route passes through residential neighborhoods with relatively flat terrain. Follow street signs toward Dalumgårds Alle or use a navigation app for precise directions. The walk is suitable for most fitness levels, though the distance makes it more practical as part of a broader exploration of the southwestern districts.
Det gamle vandtårn location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Det gamle vandtårn
A Monument to Industrial Progress
Det gamle vandtårn, or the Old Water Tower, is a remarkable brick structure that dominated Odense's skyline for over a century. Built in 1905 in the Romanesque style during the height of the Art Nouveau period, this 33-meter-tall tower was designed to hold a 110-cubic-meter reservoir. The tower's distinctive red-brick construction reflects the architectural preferences of early 20th-century Danish industrial design, when functional structures were crafted with both purpose and aesthetic consideration. Its prominent location at Dalumgårds Alle made it a recognizable landmark throughout the southwestern districts of Odense.Engineering Marvel of Its Era
The water tower represented cutting-edge infrastructure for its time. Odense had pioneered modern water supply systems in Denmark, with the city establishing its first water and gas works in 1853—among the earliest in the nation. The old water tower was part of this legacy, serving the growing population as Odense transformed from a medieval trading center into an industrial city. The tower's design allowed gravity to distribute water pressure throughout the city's expanding neighborhoods, a system that proved efficient and reliable for decades. The engineering principles behind such towers were revolutionary, enabling cities to manage water distribution without constant mechanical pumping.Architectural Character and Urban Significance
The tower's Romanesque brick design, executed during the flourishing Art Nouveau movement, gives it a distinctive character that sets it apart from purely utilitarian structures. The craftsmanship evident in its construction—the careful brickwork, proportions, and detailing—reflects a period when Danish architects and engineers took pride in creating infrastructure that was both functional and visually compelling. The tower's presence in the urban landscape served as a symbol of Odense's modernity and progress, much like the later Odinstårnet would become in the 1930s. Its red-brick facade has weathered over a century of Danish weather, standing as a durable testament to quality construction.From Essential Utility to Historical Landmark
As Odense continued to grow and modernize throughout the 20th century, the old water tower eventually became surplus to the city's expanding water infrastructure needs. By the 1950s, the city's water distribution system had evolved significantly, and the tower was decommissioned from active service. Despite losing its original function, the structure has been preserved as a historical monument, recognized for its cultural and architectural value. Today, it stands as a tangible link to Odense's industrial heritage, offering visitors and residents alike a physical reminder of how the city modernized and adapted to meet the needs of its growing population.A Window into Odense's Development
The old water tower tells the story of Odense's transformation from a medieval city into a modern urban center. In the 18th century, King Frederick IV ordered the rebuilding of Odense Palace and the construction of a canal to the harbor, facilitating trade and growth. By the 19th century, the city had become Denmark's second-largest urban center, with rapid industrial development spreading south of the river. The water tower, built in this context of expansion and modernization, represents the infrastructure investments that made such growth possible. Its preservation allows contemporary visitors to understand the practical innovations that shaped urban life in early 20th-century Denmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det gamle vandtårn
0.0 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
3.9 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
3.9 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
3.9 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
3.9 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
4.4 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
4.4 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
4.5 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
5.3 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Fredens Kirke
5.9 km
Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
7.6 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
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.
Sortehusene
11.1 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Rolfshøj
12.5 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.
12.5 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
0.9 km
Experience authentic 18th-century Danish village life through restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on traditional crafts.
Brickworks
1.0 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
1.1 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
1.6 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
1.7 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
2.0 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
2.6 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
3.2 km
Lakes, lawns and fairytales along Odense River, Munke Mose Park is the city’s easygoing green refuge for picnics, play and riverside wandering.
Gerthasminde
3.3 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
3.4 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
The Sea Horse
3.4 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
3.5 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
3.5 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.
Bunkermuseum Of Odense
3.5 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.
University Press of Southern Denmark
3.6 km
Explore the historic Odense Castle and its picturesque Kongens Have park in the heart of Odense, Denmark.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Carlslund
1.0 km
Historic forest inn serving legendary Danish æggekage and traditional Funen cuisine in a charming woodland setting.
Sortebro Kro
1.1 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 Bondestuen
1.6 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
1.7 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
2.6 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
3.6 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
3.7 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
3.7 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
3.7 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Marcello's
3.7 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
3.7 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.
The Burger Odense
3.7 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
3.8 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
3.8 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Salinaz Odense
3.8 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
StiLia ApS
1.1 km
Curated Scandinavian gifts and homeware where design meets everyday living.
Odense Jagt & Fritid
2.0 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.
Bohemian Wonders
2.6 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
3.7 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
3.7 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
3.7 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
3.7 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Bog & idé - Odense C
3.7 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
3.8 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Dr. Adams
3.8 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Summerbird
3.8 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
3.8 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
3.8 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
3.9 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
3.9 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjallese Puben
1.4 km
Vibrant neighborhood bar where Odense locals gather for music, drinks, and authentic Danish pub atmosphere.
Carlsens Kvarter
3.4 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
Den Røde Bar
3.5 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
3.7 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
3.7 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.
James Dean Bar
3.7 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
No Stress Odense
3.7 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
3.7 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
City Club
3.8 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Den Brølende And
3.8 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.
Lalou Vinbar
3.8 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Champagniet
3.8 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
3.8 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Christian Firtal
3.8 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
3.8 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
3.9 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
4.1 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
4.1 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
4.2 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
26.4 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
37.1 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
44.6 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
44.9 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
51.7 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.
Ærø Jazzfestival
52.5 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Vinkapellet Samsø
52.7 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Landbogården
52.8 km
A cherished hub in Ærøskøbing where island tradition and contemporary culture meet over local food, craft drinks, and memorable music-filled evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access