Odense Andersen

The Danish island of Funen is home to Odense, an old resort with a beautiful cathedral, numerous museums and even more green areas. The author of the Ugly Duckling and the creator of the Four Temperaments was born there.

The Grimm brothers created cruel fairy tales, and Hans Christian Andersen - sad ones. Who did not feel sorry for the cold and hungry girl who wandered the streets on New Year's Eve, trying to sell at least a packet of matches? Who has not pondered over the unhappy love of a lead soldier and a paper lady? Readers of Andersen's fairy tales have learned to look at things old and broken, at things that are only seemingly dead, differently.

The famous Danish poet and writer came from a poor family. He was the son of a laundress and a shoemaker, and poverty left a permanent mark on his psyche. All his life he was afraid of going insane like his grandfather. He is remembered as the father of fairy tales, only some of which have a happy ending.

On the path of a fairy tale writer

Andersen's birthplace was Odense , one of Denmark's oldest cities and now the country's third largest city. It is located on Funen, an island known as the green garden of the Kingdom of Denmark. Were it not for the tourists who visit Odense in large numbers, the island could also be called an oasis of peace.

One of the city's attractions is HC Andersens Barndomshjem , the writer's birthplace, which today houses a museum dedicated to his childhood. Tourists also visit HC Andersens Hus , the house where, according to some (this is not confirmed), Thumbelina's father was born. Currently, it is the seat of the artist's biographical museum with an exhibition on his life and work. Visitors can take a look at Andersen's personal belongings. The building also houses an archive and a library.

Old age of Odense

As befits an ancient city, Odense has many monuments. They include, among others the gothic Sankt Knuds Kirke (Cathedral of St. Canute), in which the body of St. Canute lies in the glass reliquary. In addition to the martyr from the 11th century, Danish monarchs, including John II Oldenburg and his wife, are also buried in the temple.

Another city attraction is Odense Slot , a castle originally owned by a Knights Hospitaller Monastery. The oldest part of the buildings is from the fifteenth century.

While exploring Andersen's town, it is worth visiting Den Fynske Landsby , an open-air museum where you can see what the island's countryside looked like in the past. The village of Funen consists of about 20 objects.

When listing important points of the city, it is impossible to ignore numerous museums. Apart from those devoted to the "sad fairy-tale writer", it houses the Funen Art Museum and the Danish Railways Museum. The Carl Nielsen Museum , founded in honor of the most famous Danish composer from Odense, is also extremely important. 2015 marked the 150th anniversary of his birth - on this occasion, a number of concerts and other cultural events were organized in the city.

Camping in Odense

Odense is characterized not only by a large number of museums and monuments, but also by a multitude of bicycle paths. Many of them run through very attractive regions, including beautiful, climatic villages. Taking your own two-wheeler with you is a great idea.

And where can we stay if we want to rest in a peaceful and green place? The Odense campsite is located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by hundred-year-old oaks and boxwood hedges. The Engen and Fruens Bøge recreational areas are just a 10-minute walk along the forest path.

In the past, Odense was a poor Danish center. Perhaps this is partly why one of its most famous inhabitants wrote fairy tales full of sad children and unhappy objects. Over time, the city has grown, it has become more cheerful and colorful. And we too learned to remember that Andersen also knew stories with happy endings.