Funen - Denmark - page 364

From the rådhus (town hall) head east on Vestergade, cross over reinvented Thomas B
Thriges Gade, then turn onto 1 NNeddergadde, a cobblestoned street lined with crooked
half-timbered houses and antique stores, including 2 Krammbodden at number 24 - an
old-world merchant's house selling toys and bric-a-brac from bygone days.
At the end of Nedergade, a left turn brings you to 3 Vor F

irke, traditionally the
oldest church in Odense (records are hazy). Most of the interior dates to the 13th century.
From the church turn back onto Overgade; you'll soon reach 4 Møntergården , the re-
vamped city museum that's well worth a browse. Turn right into Claus Bergs Gade, which
spills out onto 5 SSorteebrøddre T

r Frue K ue Kirk

e Torv - this square (and surrounds) is the setting for
Odense's photogenic farmers market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Opposite the square is the Radisson hotel. There are photo ops galore at the 6 sculp- ulp-

tuured b d bencches out the front, celebrating the city's favourite son, Hans Christian Ander-

sen.
Immediately north of the hotel is the 7 Odense Koncerthus , with a museum dedicated
to another celebrated citizen, composer Carl Nielsen. A new concert hall, Odeon, is under
construction nearby (due for completion in 2016).
From the concert hall, turn onto Ramsherred to reach 8 HC Andersens Hus , Hans
Christian Andersen's birthplace, and the children's centre 9 Fyrtøjet . The museum is in a
neighbourhood of narrow cobbled streets and pastel-coloured houses - Bangs Boder is
storybook pretty.
After paying your respects to HCA, follow Gravene west to Slotsgade; contemporary-
art exhibitions are held inside a Brandts 13 , on the corner of Jernbanegade. Turn left and
follow Jernbanegade to Vestergade. Along the way you'll pass the site of b Grååbrøddre
Klo Kloster, a medieval Franciscan monastery now a home for the elderly.

Reaching Vestergade, dogleg south to c Sankt Knuds Kirke , Odense's intriguing
cathedral. From here, take Munkemøllestræde, where you'll find d HC Andersens
Barndomshjem , the writer's childhood home.
Loop back on Klosterbakken and take the path into e Eventyrrhaven, a delightful river-
side park (the name translates as 'Fairy-tale Garden') with a prominent statue of HCA.
Walk north through the park to return to the rådhus.

Festivals & Events

Odense Blomsterfestival FLOWERS