The Maiden Jump (Jomfruspringet), Odense
A single worn paving stone in Odense’s old town preserves a stark local legend of shame, faith and a fatal leap from the cathedral tower.
Tucked into the cobbled charm of Munkemøllestræde in Odense’s old town, The Maiden Jump (Jomfruspringet) is a small but hauntingly memorable stop on a stroll through Hans Christian Andersen’s quarter. Marked in the paving stones near the cathedral, this modest site recalls a dark local legend of a young woman’s fatal leap from the church tower, blending folklore, faith and moral drama in a single footprint. It is a quiet, contemplative pause point between museums, fairytale sculptures and half-timbered houses.
A brief summary to The maiden jump
- Munkemøllestræde 4, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine The Maiden Jump with a visit to Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home nearby to contrast historical legend with literary fairytales on the same short walk.
- Look down carefully at the paving stones to spot the subtle footprint-like mark associated with the legend rather than expecting a large monument or statue.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere in the narrow lane around the site.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walk from central Odense
From the pedestrian core around Flakhaven and the cathedral area, reaching Munkemøllestræde on foot typically takes 5–10 minutes. The route follows level, cobbled streets and is suitable for most visitors, though wheelchair users and prams may find some sections uneven. Walking is free and allows you to explore nearby historic buildings and fairytale sculptures on the way.
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Local city bus to the cathedral area
Several city bus lines in Odense stop within about 5–10 minutes’ walk of the cathedral and the historic quarter. Typical travel time from outer neighbourhoods is 10–20 minutes, with daytime services running roughly every 10–20 minutes. A single adult ticket within the city usually costs around 20–30 DKK when bought via local travel apps or ticket machines. From the bus stop, expect short walks on cobbled streets with limited shelter in bad weather.
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Cycling within Odense
Odense is well known for its cycle-friendly infrastructure, and many visitors choose to reach the old town by bike. From most inner districts, cycling to Munkemøllestræde takes 5–15 minutes along dedicated lanes or calm streets. Bike rental prices commonly range from 80–150 DKK per day, depending on type and provider. Bicycle parking is available near the cathedral and museum area, but racks can be busy at peak times.
The maiden jump 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 The maiden jump
A quiet stone with a heavy story
The Maiden Jump, known locally as Jomfruspringet, is easy to miss: just an unassuming section of worn paving stones along Munkemøllestræde, a short walk from Odense Cathedral and Hans Christian Andersen’s childhood home. Yet beneath your feet lies one of the city’s most poignant legends, condensed into a single footprint. Here, the atmosphere shifts almost imperceptibly from bustling historic quarter to something more reflective, as if the stone itself were holding its breath. The site is not marked by grand sculpture or towering monument. Instead, its power comes from how it hides in plain sight amidst half-timbered façades, crooked rooflines and the murmur of nearby cafés. That understatement suits Odense’s medieval core, where stories are woven into everyday corners rather than set apart on pedestals.The tragic legend behind the leap
The tale tells of a young maid serving in a respectable household near the cathedral. She becomes pregnant outside wedlock at a time when such a fate could mean ruin, shame and harsh judgment. Desperate and feeling there is no place for her or her child, she climbs the cathedral tower with the baby in her arms. In one final act of despair, she leaps into the void, her body crashing onto the cobbles below. Over time, the spot of her fall was remembered and retold until the story crystallised around this particular paving stone, said to bear the imprint of her foot. Whether the details are historically accurate matters less than what the legend expressed: a warning about rigid morals, a reflection on justice and forgiveness, and a reminder of how unforgiving small communities could be.Folklore, faith and medieval morality
The Maiden Jump sits in a neighbourhood where church towers, narrow lanes and modest houses once framed every aspect of life, from baptism to burial. In this setting the legend becomes more than a sad anecdote; it is a window into the moral universe of earlier centuries. Honour, sin, reputation and salvation were not abstract ideas but forces shaping destinies. Standing by the stone, you are close enough to see the cathedral’s spire and imagine the dizzying height of her leap. The proximity of church and dwelling, of sacred and everyday space, underlines how entwined belief and social control once were. The story invites quiet questions: who decided right and wrong, and who bore the heaviest cost when rules were broken?Exploring the old town around the stone
Part of the charm of visiting The Maiden Jump is how naturally it fits into a slow wander through Odense’s historic heart. Within a few minutes’ walk you pass the little yellow house where Hans Christian Andersen grew up, atmospheric lanes lined with timbered buildings, and modern museum architecture dedicated to his stories. The stone becomes one stop in a wider tapestry of narrative – some rooted in documented history, others in myth. Because the site itself is small, time here is usually spent lingering rather than exploring. Many visitors find themselves studying the pattern of the cobbles, tracing the outline said to mark the maiden’s landing, then lifting their gaze to the skyline to picture her path from tower to ground.A contemplative pause between fairytales
In a city famous for whimsical stories and imaginative worlds, The Maiden Jump offers a different kind of tale: stark, unresolved and deeply human. It balances the charm of nearby fairytale sculptures and playful museum spaces with a reminder that not all old stories end happily. That contrast gives Odense’s storytelling landscape extra depth. Stopping here adds only a few minutes to your route, but it can subtly colour the rest of your walk. As you continue through the quarter’s cosy streets and gardens, the memory of that single footprint lingers, an invisible companion reminding you that behind every picturesque façade, lives once unfolded with drama, courage and tragedy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Oceania
0.1 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
0.6 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
0.7 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)
2.3 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
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
3.8 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
7.3 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.
9.4 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
14.1 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
0.1 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.
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.
Odense City Hall
0.1 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.
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.
Vægmaleri
0.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
0.3 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.
Bispens lysthus
0.3 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.
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.
VILLE VAU
0.3 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.
Hans Christian Andersen Mural
0.4 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.
Essential places to dine
Druen & Bønnen
0.1 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.
Rivalen restaurant & bar
0.1 km
Contemporary Danish dining with innovative flair in Odense's vibrant city center.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
0.1 km
Modern American steakhouse vibes in a historic Odense brewery yard, serving premium cuts, bold wines and cocktails in a low‑lit, cosmopolitan setting.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
0.2 km
A cozy, inn-style restaurant in central Odense serving generous portions of traditional Danish comfort food in nostalgic, candlelit surroundings.
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.
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 Kræz
0.2 km
Central Odense café by day, vibrant weekend bar by night with European cuisine and live entertainment.
Restaurant Bacchus
0.2 km
Authentic French fine dining in an intimate Odense setting, where classical technique meets refined hospitality.
Den Lille Smalle
0.2 km
Cozy Odense café beloved for exceptional smoothie bowls, quality coffee, and genuine Danish hygge.
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.
Café Skt. Gertrud
0.2 km
Classic French café and weekend cocktail bar in Odense's vibrant city center since 1986.
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.
The Burger Odense
0.2 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Ryan's of Odense
0.3 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Summerbird
0.0 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
0.1 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
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.
Moby Disc
0.1 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.
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.
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.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.1 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.
All About Kids
0.1 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Friluftsland
0.1 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.
Aunt Green ApS
0.2 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.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.2 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 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
0.3 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
0.3 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Faraos Cigarer
0.4 km
A vast 600 m² universe of comics, games, miniatures and cosplay, Faraos Cigarer Odense is the city’s colourful hub for Nordic geek culture and tabletop fun.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Brølende And
0.1 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
0.1 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Champagniet
0.1 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.
No Stress Odense
0.1 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
June Bar
0.1 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Lalou Vinbar
0.1 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
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.
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.
James Dean Bar
0.3 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
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.
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.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.3 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
0.2 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
0.3 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
0.5 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
26.3 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
40.0 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
47.9 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
48.7 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Vinkapellet Samsø
48.9 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Samsø Island Distillery
50.3 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
50.5 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
51.2 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
