Oceania
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
A striking bronze sculpture of the sea goddess Oceania reclines on Flakhaven, Odense's central square. Created by Danish artist Svend Wiig Hansen and installed in 1992, this provocative work features a classical face, seal-flipper feet, and a muscular form that has sparked both admiration and debate among locals and visitors. Children delight in using the sculpture as a climbing and sliding structure, while its bold, unapologetic presence makes it one of Odense's most talked-about artworks.
A brief summary to Oceania
- Flakhaven, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photography light and fewer crowds. The sculpture's muscular form and classical features are particularly striking when illuminated by low-angle sunlight.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: Odense Cathedral and City Hall are immediately adjacent, and the sculpture sits within easy walking distance of H.C. Andersen House and other cultural sites.
- Observe how different visitors interact with the sculpture—children treat it as a playground, adults debate its artistic merit, and photographers seek the perfect angle. This varied engagement is part of what makes Oceania culturally significant.
- The sculpture is accessible 24/7 as a public artwork in an open square. There are no restricted viewing times, making it ideal for spontaneous visits or late-evening walks through the city center.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
Getting There
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Walking from Odense Train Station
From Odense Central Station, walk northwest through the city center toward Flakhaven. The journey takes approximately 12–15 minutes on foot. Follow Jernbanegade toward the historic center, then continue into the pedestrian shopping district. Flakhaven is clearly signposted and located directly in front of City Hall. The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through the main commercial and cultural areas of Odense.
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Cycling from Central Odense
Odense is highly bicycle-friendly with extensive cycle paths throughout the city. From most central locations, Flakhaven is 1–3 kilometers away and reachable by bike in 5–10 minutes. Bike rental is available at numerous locations around the city, typically costing 50–100 DKK per day. Secure parking for bicycles is available on and around Flakhaven.
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Local Bus Service
Several local bus routes serve the central Odense area and stop near Flakhaven. Journey times from outlying neighborhoods range from 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point. Single tickets cost approximately 24 DKK for adults. Bus stops are clearly marked, and real-time information is available via the Midttrafik app or at bus shelters.
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Parking by Car
Multiple paid parking facilities are located near Flakhaven, including underground and surface car parks. Parking typically costs 20–40 DKK per hour, with daily rates around 150–250 DKK. The closest parking is within 50–200 meters of the sculpture. Street parking is limited and subject to time restrictions; paid car parks are more reliable for longer visits.
Oceania location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Oceania
A Controversial Icon of Modern Danish Sculpture
Oceania stands as one of Odense's most debated and discussed artworks since its installation in June 1992. This monumental bronze sculpture depicts the sea goddess in a reclining pose, rendered with anatomical boldness and classical refinement. The figure combines mythological grandeur with contemporary artistic vision, featuring a serene classical face, distinctive seal-flipper feet, and a powerfully sculpted form that commands attention on Flakhaven, the city's main square adjacent to City Hall and Odense Cathedral. The sculpture was gifted to Odense by The Odense City Art Foundation and Asea Brown Boveri A/S, representing a significant investment in public art. Its arrival sparked immediate and enduring conversation—some residents and visitors celebrate it as a masterwork of modern sculpture, while others find its naked, unapologetic presentation provocative or aesthetically challenging. This polarized reception has become part of the sculpture's cultural significance, making it far more than a simple public artwork.The Artist Behind the Vision
Svend Wiig Hansen (1922–1997) was a central figure in post-war Danish art and a graduate of the Copenhagen Art Academy (1950). Throughout his career, Hansen persistently explored themes of human form and relationships in both painting and sculpture, creating works that challenged conventional aesthetics. His sculptures are represented in museums and public spaces across Denmark and internationally. Oceania exemplifies Hansen's commitment to bold, figurative expression and his willingness to provoke thought and emotion through large-scale public works.A Playground for Children, A Landmark for Visitors
Despite—or perhaps because of—its controversial nature, Oceania has become a beloved landmark for Odense's youngest residents. Children show no hesitation in climbing, sliding, and playing on the sculpture, treating it as an interactive public artwork rather than a distant monument. This playful engagement has transformed Oceania into a living, dynamic part of the city's public realm. Tourists frequently pause to photograph the sculpture and debate its gender presentation and meaning, making it an essential stop on any walking tour of central Odense.Setting and Surroundings
Located on Flakhaven, the sculpture sits in the heart of Odense's historic center, surrounded by significant landmarks including City Hall and the adjacent cathedral. The square itself is a gathering place and transit hub, ensuring that Oceania remains visible and accessible to both residents and visitors. The sculpture's prominent placement amplifies its cultural impact and ensures it cannot be ignored or overlooked in discussions of contemporary Danish public art.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Oceania
0.0 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
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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
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Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
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A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
0.6 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)
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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
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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
7.2 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.
9.3 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
10.3 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
14.0 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Vægmaleri
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Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
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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.
The maiden jump
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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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
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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.
St. Alban's Church
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Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
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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.
Eventyrhaven
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Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
Klokkedybet
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A quiet, story-rich bend of Odense River where legends of a sunken bell and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale imagination deepen an otherwise modest city waterscape.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
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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.
The Darning Needle
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A provocative Hans Christian Andersen–inspired granite sculpture on Odense’s main shopping street, where a simple needle becomes a playful, ambiguous urban conversation.
VILLE VAU
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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.
Washing Site at Odense River
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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.
Klods Hans billedevæg
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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.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
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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.
H. C. Andersens House
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An immersive museum in Odense where architecture, garden and multimedia exhibitions draw you deep into the imaginative world of Hans Christian Andersen.
Essential places to dine
Druen & Bønnen
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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.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
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Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
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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
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For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Restaurant Bacchus
0.1 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Den Lille Smalle
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Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
UBN
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Lively city-centre brasserie in historic Odense, serving seasonal comfort food and stone-oven pizzas alongside a serious cocktail bar with 300+ spirits.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
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A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
Café Kræz
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Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Restaurant Madklubben Odense
0.2 km
Big-hearted, central Odense brasserie serving modern seasonal comfort food in iconic premises, with space for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings.
Ryan's of Odense
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Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Café Skt. Gertrud
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Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
Amy's Bar & Winehouse
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A cozy, social hub in central Odense renowned for its expertly chosen wines, relaxed atmosphere, and local flavor—perfect for an authentic Danish evening out.
Vietnam Street Food / Restaurant Odense
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Casual Vietnamese street-food spot in central Odense, serving pho, bánh mì and noodle bowls in a bright, unfussy setting ideal for quick, flavourful meals.
Restaurant Ribelli
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Ambitious Italian fine dining with Funen soul, where tradition meets local innovation.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Aunt Green ApS
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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.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
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Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
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A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Magasin Odense
0.1 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
0.1 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Dr. Adams
0.2 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.2 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
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Compact outdoor specialist shop in central Odense, offering quality gear, expert advice and hands-on testing for everything from city showers to Nordic trekking.
Moby Disc
0.2 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.
All About Kids
0.2 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.3 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
House of Amber Odense
0.3 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
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A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Underground
0.3 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
June Bar
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Den Brølende And
0.2 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
0.2 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Champagniet
0.2 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.
Lalou Vinbar
0.2 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
0.2 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.2 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Tingstedet
0.2 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Christian Firtal
0.3 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.3 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
0.3 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.
James Dean Bar
0.3 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
0.1 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
0.2 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
0.4 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
0.8 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
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
26.4 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.0 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
40.1 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.9 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
47.8 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
48.8 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Ærø Golf Klub
48.8 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Samsø Island Distillery
50.2 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
50.3 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
51.1 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
- Unique
- Quirky
- Scenic
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
