St. Alban's Church
A neo-Gothic sanctuary of immigrant faith and international craftsmanship in the heart of Odense.
A striking neo-Gothic Catholic church in central Odense, built in the early 20th century and designed by German architect Ludwig Schneider. With its distinctive 54-meter tower, ornate stained glass windows, and hand-carved wooden altarpiece, this architectural gem serves as a spiritual focal point for the city's Polish, German, and Vietnamese Catholic communities. Though overshadowed by the nearby cathedral, St. Alban's Church stands as a testament to 20th-century religious craftsmanship and immigrant heritage.
A brief summary to St. Alban's Church
- Adelgade 1, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566121664
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience and better appreciation of the stained glass windows, which are most luminous in natural daylight.
- Examine the hand-carved wooden altarpiece closely—it represents exceptional Tyrolean craftsmanship from 1908 and showcases intricate religious iconography.
- The church's tower is visible from several streets in central Odense; use it as a navigation landmark when exploring the surrounding historic district.
- Respect service times and dress modestly; check the official website for current Mass schedules before visiting, as times may vary seasonally.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City Bus
Multiple bus routes serve central Odense and stop within 200 meters of St. Alban's Church on Adelgade. Journey times from Odense Railway Station are approximately 5–10 minutes depending on route and traffic. Single tickets cost around 24 DKK; day passes offer better value for multiple journeys. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service on Sundays and public holidays.
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Walking from Odense Railway Station
The church is located approximately 600 meters northwest of Odense Railway Station in the city center. A pleasant 8–10 minute walk takes you through Odense's historic streets; head northwest along Østergade, then turn onto Adelgade. The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through the pedestrian shopping district, making it accessible for most visitors.
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Bicycle
Odense is a highly bike-friendly city with extensive cycle lanes. Rental bikes are available at the railway station and throughout the city center for approximately 60–80 DKK per day. The church is a 5–7 minute cycle ride from the station via flat, dedicated cycle paths. Secure bike parking is available near the church.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (such as Uber) operate throughout Odense. A journey from the railway station to St. Alban's Church typically costs 60–100 DKK and takes 5–8 minutes depending on traffic. This option is most convenient for visitors with luggage or mobility limitations.
St. Alban's Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about St. Alban's Church
A Monument to Faith and Immigrant Heritage
St. Alban's Church represents a remarkable chapter in Odense's religious and social history. The current building is not the medieval church where King Canute IV was murdered in 1086—that original structure stood roughly halfway between this church and Odense Cathedral, and was demolished around 1540. Instead, this neo-Gothic edifice emerged from the determination of Odense's first Catholic congregation since the Protestant Reformation, established in 1867 with just 12 adults and 7 children. For decades, services were held in rented spaces until the congregation purchased part of the former Odense Priory in 1869, establishing a school and residence for the Sisters of St. Joseph.Architectural Vision and International Craftsmanship
The church's distinctive appearance owes much to the vision of German architect Ludwig Schneider from Breslau, who designed the structure with its commanding 54-meter tower as a beacon of faith in the city center. Construction began in 1906, and the building was consecrated on October 25, 1908, though still unfinished. Every element reflects meticulous international craftsmanship: the stained glass windows were created by Georg Schneider of Regensburg in Bavaria, capturing light in vibrant hues that transform the interior throughout the day. The organ, built by the Austrian company Gebrüder Rieger from Jägerndorf in Austrian Silesia, produces rich tones that fill the nave during services. The wooden altarpiece, carved in 1908 by Konrad Martiner from Sankt Ulrich in Tyrol, showcases the skilled artistry of Alpine woodcarvers. Even the four bells were manufactured in Germany, creating a harmonious soundscape that echoes across Odense.A Gathering Place for Communities
From its inception, St. Alban's Church has served as a vital spiritual and social hub for immigrant communities. The Redemptorists, who arrived from Austria in 1899, played a crucial role in fundraising and establishing the permanent church structure, receiving considerable contributions from Austria and Germany. Over more than a century, the church has remained a focal point for Polish, German, and Vietnamese Catholics, providing not only religious services but also cultural continuity and community belonging. The church's role as a sanctuary for diverse immigrant populations underscores its significance beyond its architectural merits.Neo-Gothic Splendor in Urban Context
The church's neo-Gothic style reflects 19th and early 20th-century architectural trends that drew inspiration from medieval cathedral design while incorporating contemporary construction techniques and materials. The red brick construction and soaring proportions create a sense of spiritual elevation, while the tower serves as a visual landmark in Odense's urban landscape. Though often overshadowed by the nearby Odense Cathedral—which dates to the 14th century and houses the remains of Saint Cnut—St. Alban's Church commands attention through its distinctive silhouette and refined detailing.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.1 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Oceania
0.2 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
0.4 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.6 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
1.8 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.5 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
3.3 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Det gamle vandtårn
4.0 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
5.2 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
7.1 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
10.2 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.1 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
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
0.1 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.
Washing Site at Odense River
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Klokkedybet
0.1 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.
Vægmaleri
0.1 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Odense City Hall
0.2 km
Enjoy serene lawns, mature trees, and recreational paths in Nyborg’s central green park—a scenic spot for relaxation and community just steps from historical landmarks.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
0.2 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.
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.
Kramboden i Odense
0.2 km
Gothic grandeur and royal history meet in the heart of Odense at St. Canute's Cathedral, a landmark of spiritual and architectural significance on Funen.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
0.2 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.
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 Comediehuus
0.2 km
On Sortebrødre Torv, the lost Odense Comediehuus lives on in stories of young H.C. Andersen, vanished footlights and a square that still hums with everyday drama.
H. C. Andersens House
0.2 km
An immersive museum in Odense where architecture, garden and multimedia exhibitions draw you deep into the imaginative world of Hans Christian Andersen.
The maiden jump
0.2 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.
Blackfriars Square
0.3 km
Cobblestoned Blackfriars Square blends medieval streets, colourful timber houses and a bustling twice‑weekly market in the historic heart of Hans Christian Andersen’s Odense.
Essential places to dine
Den Gamle Kro A/S
0.1 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.
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.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
0.2 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
0.2 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
0.2 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
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.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
0.2 km
For nearly 50 years Odense’s quintessential Danish steakhouse, now closed but still shaping the character and culinary memory of Vestergade 13.
Druen & Bønnen
0.2 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.
UBN
0.2 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 Ribelli
0.2 km
Inventive Italian fine dining with a Funen twist, served in an intimate, design-conscious dining room in the historic heart of Odense.
Grønttorvet
0.2 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.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
0.2 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
0.3 km
A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
0.3 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Aunt Green ApS
0.1 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.
House of Amber Odense
0.2 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Boutique India v/ shahzad ali
0.2 km
A colourful little Odense shop where Indian textiles, clothing and homewares bring the patterns, textures and warmth of the subcontinent to historic Overgade.
Reden Op Shop
0.2 km
Small, stylish second-hand boutique in central Odense where quality women’s fashion, community spirit and social impact come together on one friendly shop floor.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.2 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Magasin Odense
0.3 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
0.3 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
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.
Summerbird
0.3 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
0.3 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.3 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.
Moby Disc
0.3 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.
Friluftsland
0.3 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.
All About Kids
0.4 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
0.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kick Off - Sportspub
0.2 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.
Rabalder Bar Odense
0.2 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
0.2 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.
June Bar
0.2 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Lørups Vinstue
0.3 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.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
0.3 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.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.3 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Champagniet
0.3 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.
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.
Lalou Vinbar
0.4 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.4 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
No Stress Odense
0.4 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
0.4 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Sacred Sites
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
