Odense City Hall
Red-brick Italian-Gothic elegance and civic life meet at Odense City Hall, the historic heart of Flakhaven square and a key landmark in Hans Christian Andersen’s city.
Odense City Hall presides over Flakhaven square in the very heart of Odense, a red‑brick landmark that doubles as both the city’s political hub and one of its most photogenic facades. Built between 1881 and 1883 in an Italian‑inspired Gothic historicist style by architects J.D. Herholdt and Carl Lendorf, it frames the cathedral and cobbled square with ornate gables, arches and a clock tower. Visitors come to admire the architecture, pause on the steps overlooking lively Flakhaven, and use the building as a reference point while exploring Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown.
A brief summary to Odense City Hall
- Flakhaven 2, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566131372
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Circle the entire building to appreciate how the brick patterns, arches and gables change from the main square façade to the quieter side and rear elevations.
- Combine a stop at the city hall with a visit to nearby St. Knud’s Cathedral and the Hans Christian Andersen sites to understand Odense’s history in a compact area.
- For photos, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the sun skims across Flakhaven and brings out the texture of the red brick and stone bands.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walk from Odense Station
From Odense Railway Station, Odense City Hall is roughly a 10–15 minute walk through the central city on mostly flat, paved streets suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Trains connect Odense with major Danish cities such as Copenhagen and Aarhus, with typical journey times of about 1–1.5 hours from Copenhagen and fares generally starting around 200–350 DKK one way in standard class. The walk from the station passes shops and pedestrian areas, so allow extra time if you plan to browse on the way.
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City bus to the central area
Several local bus routes stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Flakhaven and Odense City Hall, making it easy to reach from residential districts and outer neighborhoods. Typical bus journeys within Odense take 10–25 minutes depending on distance, with single tickets usually costing around 20–30 DKK per adult, purchasable via ticket machines, apps or on board on many services. Buses run more frequently on weekdays and daytime; evening and weekend timetables are less frequent, so checking the latest schedule before you set out is advisable.
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Car or taxi to the city center
Odense City Hall lies in the central zone, where many streets are one-way or reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, so drivers typically park in nearby public car parks and walk 5–10 minutes to Flakhaven. Expect city-center parking fees, often charged by the hour, with typical rates in the range of 10–25 DKK per hour depending on the facility and time of day. Taxi rides from outlying districts or hotels within Odense commonly cost in the region of 80–180 DKK and take 5–20 minutes, subject to traffic and starting point.
Odense City Hall location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Odense City Hall
An Italian-Gothic Landmark in the Heart of Odense
Odense City Hall anchors Flakhaven, the central square where many of the city’s main streets and stories converge. The current building dates from the early 1880s and was designed by Johan Daniel Herholdt and Carl Lendorf, two influential Danish architects who looked south to Italy for inspiration. Their design references medieval town halls such as Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico, yet adapts those motifs to a Danish context and climate. From the square, the façade appears almost theatrical: a broad expanse of deep red brick, laced with pale stone bands and crowned by stepped gables and slender pinnacles. A central clock tower punctuates the roofline, while pointed arches and decorative friezes add rhythm at street level. The symmetry and detailing give the building a sense of ceremony that befits its role as the city’s administrative heart.Architecture Up Close: Brick, Arches and Symbolism
Walk closer and the craftsmanship becomes more apparent. The alternating brick and stone patterns create a textured tapestry across the façade, while tall, narrow windows emphasize verticality in classic Gothic fashion. Ornamental coats of arms and small sculptural elements hint at Odense’s civic pride and long urban history. Look for the arcaded entrance bays and the grand stairway that often serves as an informal viewing platform over the square. The building belongs to the Historicist movement, which freely blended older styles into new compositions. Here, Italian Gothic details are reinterpreted through Nordic materials and light, creating a town hall that feels both continental and distinctly Danish.Flakhaven Square and the Civic Stage
Odense City Hall does not stand in isolation; it forms one side of a stone-and-brick amphitheatre around Flakhaven. The open square functions as an outdoor living room for the city, hosting markets, seasonal festivities, cultural events and occasional concerts. In summer, stalls and temporary stages can transform the space into a lively gathering point, with the town hall as a constant backdrop. Directly nearby rises the tall silhouette of St. Knud’s Cathedral, and within a short stroll are several Hans Christian Andersen sites. This dense cluster of historic buildings, green corners and pedestrian streets makes the city hall area an ideal starting point for exploring central Odense on foot.Inside the Seat of Local Government
Behind the ornate exterior, Odense City Hall houses the city’s political and administrative functions. Offices, meeting rooms and a council chamber provide the everyday setting for municipal decision-making. On certain occasions there may be guided tours, public receptions or exhibitions in selected rooms or corridors, giving glimpses of decorative interiors and civic art. Even when interior access is limited, the entrance areas, stairways and public halls can reveal details such as patterned floors, carved woodwork and period lighting. These elements echo the exterior’s historicist language and reinforce the building’s ceremonial character while still serving practical, contemporary needs.A Reference Point in a Walkable City
Because of its central position and distinctive outline, the town hall quickly becomes a natural landmark for orientation. Many walking routes through Odense’s old streets and newer shopping avenues seem to pass by Flakhaven at some point, and the open space in front of the building is a convenient spot to pause, meet friends or study a map. Cyclists and pedestrians stream past throughout the day, underscoring the city’s reputation as a friendly, bike-oriented destination. The façade’s warm brick takes on different tones with the changing weather and seasons, making repeated encounters with the building feel subtly different.Photographs, Details and Changing Light
Photographers will find plenty of angles here. From across Flakhaven, you can frame the entire façade, often with the cathedral tower peeking into the background. Closer in, patterns in the brickwork, the clock face and carved details reward a more focused eye. Early morning and late afternoon light emphasize the relief and shadow in the masonry, while overcast days highlight the saturated reds of the bricks. Whether you are exploring Odense’s Hans Christian Andersen heritage or simply moving between museums, Odense City Hall offers a visually rich and historically layered pause in the center of the city.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
0.2 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.”
visit
0.2 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.5 km
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)
2.4 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
3.2 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Det gamle vandtårn
3.9 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
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
0.1 km
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
0.1 km
A vibrant tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tales, this lively mural transforms central Odense into a colorful celebration of Denmark’s literary heritage.
The maiden jump
0.1 km
Walk through history at The Funen Village in Odense, where 19th-century farmsteads, gardens, and local traditions offer a full-senses journey into rural Denmark.
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.
Klokkedybet
0.2 km
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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.2 km
A bronze suitcase poised for takeoff above a shimmering fountain, this H.C. Andersen–inspired sculpture turns a small Odense square into a quiet fairytale scene.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
0.2 km
Step into the tiny yellow house on Munkemøllestræde where a poor shoemaker’s son began the journey to becoming the world’s great master of fairytales.
Eventyrhaven
0.2 km
Riverside lawns, fairy-tale sculptures and seasonal blooms create a peaceful Hans Christian Andersen–inspired refuge in the very heart of Odense.
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.
VILLE VAU
0.2 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.
The Darning Needle
0.2 km
A provocative Hans Christian Andersen–inspired granite sculpture on Odense’s main shopping street, where a simple needle becomes a playful, ambiguous urban conversation.
Washing Site at Odense River
0.3 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.
Klods Hans billedevæg
0.3 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.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
0.3 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.
H. C. Andersens House
0.3 km
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
Rivalen restaurant & bar
0.0 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
0.0 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
Druen & Bønnen
0.0 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.
Restaurant Bacchus
0.1 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Den Lille Smalle
0.1 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
0.1 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
UBN
0.1 km
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
0.1 km
A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
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.
Café Kræz
0.2 km
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.
Café Skt. Gertrud
0.2 km
Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
Restaurant Ribelli
0.2 km
Ambitious Italian fine dining with Funen soul, where tradition meets local innovation.
Amy's Bar & Winehouse
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Aunt Green ApS
0.0 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.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.1 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
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.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
0.1 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Summerbird
0.2 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
0.2 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.
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
0.3 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
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.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.3 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Klods Hans
0.3 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
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
0.2 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
0.3 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Tingstedet
0.3 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.
James Dean Bar
0.3 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Sir Club
0.4 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.
The Boat House
0.4 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
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
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
