Sortehusene – The Black Houses of Stige Ø
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Sortehusene is a collection of approximately 30 small, hand-built houses constructed from wood, tar paper, and recycled materials on the south coast of Stige Ø in Odense. Originally erected in the early 1900s as informal housing for working-class families, these distinctive black structures represent a unique chapter in Danish social history. Today, roughly half of the original houses remain and function as holiday cottages, offering visitors a glimpse into a resilient community that once thrived in primitive conditions without electricity, running water, or sanitation.
A brief summary to Sortehusene
- Østre Kanalvej 1, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during spring or early summer to experience the salt marshes in full bloom and observe migratory bird species at their peak activity.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the scenic Stige Ø trail system to appreciate the island's transformation from landfill to nature reserve and enjoy views toward Lindø Shipyard.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching, particularly around the 12-hectare lake on Stige Ø Nord, one of Funen's premier locations for observing waterfowl and wading birds.
- Plan an early morning visit to maximize chances of spotting wildlife such as hares and roe deer that graze the marshland areas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bicycle from Odense City Centre
Rent a bicycle in central Odense and cycle approximately 4–5 kilometres via the Odense Canal towpath to reach Sortehusene. The route follows dedicated cycling infrastructure along the canal, taking 15–25 minutes depending on pace. This is the most popular and practical option for visitors, offering scenic views of the waterfront. Bicycle rentals are widely available throughout Odense city centre.
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Public Bus from Odense Station
Take local bus services from Odense Central Station or city centre stops toward Stige Ø. Journey time is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on route and stops. Bus frequency varies seasonally; check Midtrafik timetables for current schedules. Single journey tickets cost approximately 24–36 DKK. This option suits visitors without bicycles, though walking from the bus stop to Sortehusene may require 10–15 minutes on local paths.
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Car with Parking
Drive from Odense city centre via Østre Kanalvej, which provides direct access to Stige Ø. Parking is available at designated areas near the entrance to Stige Ø, typically free or low-cost. Journey time from the city centre is approximately 10–15 minutes. Note that the final approach to Sortehusene itself involves walking along island paths; vehicles cannot access the houses directly.
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Walking from Stige Ø Entrance
If arriving by car or bus at the main Stige Ø entrance, walk along the marked trail system toward the southern coast where Sortehusene is located. The walk takes approximately 20–30 minutes depending on your exact starting point and pace. Trails are generally well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, though the terrain includes some gentle slopes from the island's former landfill topography.
Sortehusene location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Sortehusene
A Community Born from Necessity
Sortehusene emerged in the early 1900s as an unconventional solution to housing shortage. The collection of approximately 30 small dwellings was constructed entirely from salvaged materials—wood, tar paper, and other recycled components—by residents seeking affordable shelter on the southern coast of Stige Ø. Despite lacking official municipal approval, Odense Kommune imposed a symbolic annual rent of 2 kroner per house, acknowledging the structures' existence while maintaining a degree of administrative distance. The name Sortehusene, meaning "the black houses," derives from the tar paper covering that gave the buildings their distinctive dark appearance, though they were also historically known as Skyttehusene or Skydehusene.Life in Primitive Conditions
From 1945 until the area's sanitation in 1967, Sortehusene functioned as year-round housing for its most vulnerable residents. Living conditions were extraordinarily harsh: the houses contained no electricity, no indoor plumbing, and no toilets. Winter populations fluctuated dramatically—in 1956, local newspaper Fyens Stiftstidende estimated that 5 to 6 families occupied the houses during summer months, but only 3 permanent residents remained through the winter. The community survived through manual labor at nearby shipyards, fishing in the fjord, and harvesting mussel shells from the seabed, which were processed at local shell-works for use as poultry feed and industrial materials. This shell-gathering industry remained viable until the 1970s, when depleted resources forced the final shell-workers to abandon the trade.Transformation and Preservation
In 1966, Odense Municipality prohibited year-round habitation, effectively ending the settlement's original purpose. The area subsequently underwent dramatic transformation: from 1965 to 1994, Stige Ø served as the city's primary landfill, creating an environmental burden on the surrounding fjord ecosystem. Following recognition of this ecological damage, a comprehensive remediation project between 1994 and 2005 converted the former dumping ground into a recreational green space. Today, approximately half of the original houses survive and have been repurposed as holiday cottages, preserving this remarkable historical settlement. The remaining structures stand as tangible reminders of a working-class community that operated on the margins of urban society, drawing comparison to Copenhagen's famous Christiania district. Visitors can observe the authentic architectural character of these hand-built homes while walking the scenic trails of Stige Ø, which now functions as a nature reserve and popular destination for birdwatching and landscape appreciation.The Broader Landscape and Natural Recovery
Sortehusene exists within the larger context of Stige Ø's ecological and recreational renaissance. The island's northern section, Stige Ø Nord, was artificially created during the excavation of Odense Canal between 1797 and 1804, with dredged material forming new land. Today, this area supports extensive salt marshes, flowering meadows rich in beach asters, and a 12-hectare lake that has become one of Funen's most visited birdwatching locations. Visitors may observe swimming ducks, including pintails and shovelers, as well as hares and roe deer during early morning visits. The landscape's recovery from industrial use to thriving natural habitat demonstrates the potential for environmental restoration, making Sortehusene not merely a historical curiosity but part of a broader narrative of urban renewal and ecological healing.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odense St.
6.6 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.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
6.7 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Oceania
7.2 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
7.2 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
7.2 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.”
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
7.3 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
TheDoorOdense
7.7 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
8.3 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Bolbro vartegn
8.6 km
A bold neighbourhood landmark celebrating Bolbro's vibrant community identity in western Odense.
Odense Zoo
9.4 km
Experience cutting-edge Danish and Nordic contemporary art in a sophisticated gallery setting, steps from Amalienborg Palace in central Copenhagen.
Odense Dyrskueplads
9.4 km
Experience the cultural heartbeat of Funen at Odense Dyrskueplads, a premier venue for festivals, fairs, and community events in Odense.
The Funen Village
10.3 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Enebærodde
10.5 km
A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
The Glavendrup Stone
10.5 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Det gamle vandtårn
11.1 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Unmissable attractions to see
Seden Strand
2.0 km
Modest local beach on Odense Fjord, where quiet swims, big skies and new coastal nature projects meet everyday life at the water’s edge.
Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
2.6 km
Hunt for a hidden giant troll crafted from recycled dreams in Odense's enchanted forest.
Jordrummet - et af fem grønne læringsrum
2.7 km
A modest open-air classroom on Odense’s rural edge, Jordrummet invites hands-on encounters with soil, fields, and quiet green space between town and countryside.
Lumby Mølle
3.6 km
Working 1820 village windmill on Odense’s northern edge, where historic machinery, apple gardens and lively seasonal events bring rural Denmark to life.
Fredens Kirke
5.2 km
A luminous 1920 “Church of Peace” in Odense’s Skibhus Quarter, blending Jensen Klint’s thoughtful brick architecture with stained glass, music and local community life.
Street Art - Odense Havn
5.8 km
Colossal black‑and‑white animals climb old grain silos at Odense Harbour, turning raw industrial concrete into a striking, free open‑air artwork by the water.
Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
6.0 km
A compact urban nook in central Odense where a sculptural storytelling swing and stepped seating invite you to pause, daydream and weave your own city tales.
Thriges Kraftcentral
6.1 km
A fully operational 1916 power station where vintage diesel engines roar to life monthly, preserving a century of industrial innovation.
Promenaden Treppe
6.2 km
A simple waterside staircase where Odense’s fjord path dips towards the water, inviting you to sit, slow down, and soak in big skies and quiet coastal scenery.
North Atlantic House
6.2 km
A waterfront cultural village in Odense Harbour, where striking Nordic architecture, North Atlantic art, storytelling and cuisine meet beside the water’s edge.
Odense Havnebad
6.2 km
Ship-shaped, free-to-use and open year-round, Odense Havnebad brings outdoor swimming, sauna warmth and harbour views together in the heart of urban Odense.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
6.2 km
A half-submerged Hans Christian Andersen rises from Odense Harbour, blending literary legend, protest art and waterfront atmosphere in one striking sculpture.
Cultural-botanical Garden
6.3 km
A tranquil 10-hectare botanical sanctuary housing 13,000 plant species and Denmark's finest birch and fern collections.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
6.5 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
Banegårdspladsen
6.6 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
Essential places to dine
Banjo's
4.6 km
Unpretentious Odense grillbar serving classic Danish smørrebrød, hotdogs, burgers and ribbensteg in a casual, everyday setting on Sandhusvej.
Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
5.9 km
Woodland restaurant by Odense Harbour, pairing classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with leafy views, bright banquet rooms and easy access to forest paths.
Den Lille Kabys
5.9 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
6.0 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Restaurant Aro
6.1 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
6.2 km
Refined North Atlantic cuisine and harbour views meet under one roof at Odense’s Nordatlantisk Hus, where seasonal ingredients and Nordic design shape a memorable meal.
Giraffen
6.6 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
6.8 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Grønttorvet
6.8 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Brasserie Bordeaux
6.9 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
6.9 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
6.9 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
6.9 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Pinsame Odense ApS
7.0 km
Roman-style pinsa in an unfussy Odense neighborhood setting, serving long-fermented, crisp-yet-airy bases with both classic and creative toppings for dine-in or takeaway.
Restaurant Ribelli
7.0 km
Inventive Italian fine dining with a Funen twist, served in an intimate, design-conscious dining room in the historic heart of Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Klassisk Design
5.7 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
5.8 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
5.8 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
5.9 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
ButikZoom
6.1 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Red Cross Op Shop
6.1 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
Butik Pulvis
6.1 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Den Lille Vandal
6.1 km
A cosy Odense shelf market where local families trade gently used children’s clothes, toys and gear, blending everyday practicality with a sustainable, community feel.
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
6.2 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Baggårdsbutikken
6.3 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
6.3 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
Look At This
6.6 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
6.7 km
Stylish hybrid café and design store in Odense’s Odeons Kvarter, where Scandinavian interiors meet French–Italian café indulgence in a relaxed, home-like setting.
aneBane
6.8 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
Klods Hans
6.8 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
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
5.1 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Ungarsk Vinstue
6.3 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Lørups Vinstue
6.8 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
Sir Club
6.8 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.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
6.8 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
Rabalder Bar Odense
6.9 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
The Flower and the Bee
6.9 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Kick Off - Sportspub
6.9 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Grand Bar & Lounge
7.1 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
7.2 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.
June Bar
7.2 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Viggos
7.2 km
Lively, wallet-friendly brown bar in central Odense, pouring cold draft beer, simple pub food and long, sociable nights for students, locals and night owls.
Pianobar odense
7.2 km
Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
Bar Rar Ltd.
7.2 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
7.2 km
Smoky, old-school Danish pub energy in the heart of Odense’s main shopping street, with cheap beers, loud nights and a lived-in, brown-bar charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BUTCHERS Odense
6.9 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.
Boogie Dance Café
7.0 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
7.1 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dansebar Odense
7.2 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
10.3 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
27.3 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.7 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.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
40.7 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.
Samsø Island Distillery
43.1 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.
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.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
45.6 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Kalundborg Jazzclub
48.3 km
Experience the soulful rhythms of jazz in the heart of Kalundborg at this intimate and vibrant venue.
SKØL Brygkompagni
48.3 km
Discover craft beer excellence and Danish hospitality at SKØL Brygkompagni—Kalundborg’s lively brewpub blending Scandinavian tradition, local flavor, and community spirit.
Juviklubben
48.3 km
Intimate Kalundborg live music hub and youth club, where generations meet for close-up concerts, casual bar nights and a laid-back, community-driven vibe.
Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus
48.3 km
Experience live music and cultural events at Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus, the heart of Kalundborg's entertainment scene.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Couple Friendly
