Walk through the old town in Hans Christian Andersen's footsteps, see his statue in Eventyrhaven and continue to Munke Mose for a riverside break. Choose Kongens Have for a shorter park visit or the harbour for a different side of Odense. The walks themselves have no admission charge; travel and purchases are extra.
Follow Andersen's footsteps through the old town
VisitOdense's footsteps route begins in Hans Jensens Stræde, passes through the historic quarter and heads down to the river before returning to the centre. Along the way, you see places linked to Hans Christian Andersen's life.
Footprints mark the route, just under 2.5 kilometres long. Choose a shorter section. This public-street walk does not include entry to the houses along it.
Look for sculptures in Eventyrhaven
Eventyrhaven, the Fairy Tale Garden, is beside the Odense River behind the cathedral and city hall. Look for the Andersen statue and The Paper Boat sculpture in the river. A wooden bridge leads to a small circular island.
Choose the garden for outdoor art and a quiet bench break. Flowerbeds change with the seasons. Eventyrhaven is separate from the garden around the new H.C. Andersens Hus, and visiting it does not include museum entry.
Bring a picnic to Munke Mose
A few minutes from the pedestrian shopping streets, Munke Mose has lawns and paths beside the Odense River. Bring a picnic, look for artworks or let children explore the playground inspired by the fairy tale Thumbelina.
Take a short park loop or follow the riverside paths towards Fruens Bøge for a longer walk. Boat trips and canoe or pedalo hire are separate seasonal activities, not part of the free park visit.
See Odense Castle from Kongens Have
Kongens Have, Odense's King's Garden, has trees, flowerbeds and sculptures in the city centre. Originally a Baroque garden, it retains some earlier features. Take a stroll and look at the exterior of Odense Castle.
The castle itself is closed to visitors, so plan for the park rather than a tour inside. Summer concerts and festivals are not automatically free; check the individual programme and admission conditions before making plans.
Explore the harbour without spending
Odense Harbour offers a contrast to the historic streets. The former industrial area is changing, with preserved buildings alongside newer housing and cultural venues. Walk through the area to see its architecture and waterfront setting.
Choose the harbour for urban scenery by the water. Cafés and street food are optional expenses. Swimming and sports facilities have separate conditions and possible seasonal restrictions: this guide recommends a free walk, not access to every activity.
Keep the day genuinely free
Pick two or three areas. The old town, Eventyrhaven and Munke Mose make a connected outdoor outing; Kongens Have or the harbour can be alternatives. Bring food and water if you want to avoid café spending.
Free means no admission charge for the walk or park, not free transport, parking or purchases. If rain changes your plans, check museum tickets separately. Free entry for particular age groups does not necessarily cover your whole party.
Questions and answers
Can I experience Hans Christian Andersen's Odense for free?
Yes: follow the outdoor footsteps route, explore the historic streets and see his statue in Eventyrhaven. H.C. Andersens Hus has ticket rules and timed entry. The outdoor walk does not give access to the museum or childhood home.
Which free activities work for children?
Munke Mose has a Thumbelina-inspired playground and lawns for breaks and play. You can also look for sculptures in Eventyrhaven. Supervise children by the river, and choose a short walk rather than the full route if they tire easily.
Do the free walks and parks need booking?
An ordinary self-guided visit does not require a ticket reservation. Special events, guided tours and individual activities can have different conditions. Check those separately and follow local signs or temporary closures.
Official links and sources
- VisitOdense: Free Activities
- VisitOdense: In the Footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen
- VisitOdense: The Fairy Tale Garden in Odense
- VisitOdense: Munke Mose Park
- VisitOdense: Kongens Have in Odense
- VisitOdense: Odense Slot in King's Park
- VisitOdense: Odense Harbour & Marina
- VisitOdense: Parks and green spaces in Odense
- H.C. Andersens Hus: Praktisk information
Guide updated 11 November 2026. Check current opening hours, tickets and transport with the provider.
Foto / Photo: Alf van Beem · CC0