Guide Service in Odense

In the Middle Ages there were four churches in Odense: Sct. Albany Church, Church of Our Lady, Sct. Hans Church – with the outside brick pulpit and Sct. Knuds Church (Odense Cathedral). The last three of these still exist today.

In 1086, king Canute the Holy was killed in front of the high altar in Sct. Albany Church. Only 15 years later, this brutal ruler was canonized because of the scene of his murder and Odense got a new cathedral named after Sct. Canute.

The cathedral is the finest gothic building in Denmark and absolutely worth visiting. It is also known for its altarpiece made by Claus Berg.

My guests prefer usually to see the inside of the Cathedral and the outside of both the Cathedral and Sct. Hans Church and a broader tour into the renaissance in Odense.

On this historical walking tour, we'll trace the footsteps of bygone events and uncover the concealed secrets that have shaped Odense's narrative during World War II. Delving into the city's past, we'll encounter the dramatic events that have etched their presence, and listen to remarkable tales of resistance, unity, and the war, as perceived by the occupying forces.

Yet, Odense's wartime history isn't solely shrouded in darkness and strife. We'll also immerse ourselves in the enchanting melodies that forged bonds of resistance and optimism among people. Along the way, we'll encounter preserved remnants of the past, serving as poignant reminders of challenging times, as well as testaments to the resilience and fortitude of Odense's inhabitants.

Join us for an unforgettable historical walking tour, exploring one of the most captivating cities of World War II in Denmark.

It is almost impossible to visit Odense without listening to some of the interesting stories about the famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen who was born in Odense.

A guided tour of the city of Odense in the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen is an obvious starting point for getting to know the city centre and Odense.

During this guided tour of the old city centre, you will pass the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and see the spot where his mother used to work as a laundress. We will visit the Cathedral, Odense Domkirke, where he was confirmed and see the place where the old theatre used to be and he first fell in love with the world of theatre. These and other places in Odense played an integral part in Hans Christian Andersen's life and in forming him.

Hans Christian Andersen spent the greater part of his childhood near the little river Odense Å. On this guided tour, you will learn how this area looked in Hans Christian Andersen's days and how it inspired our renowned fairytale writer and poet. And to cap it all, we finish by boating on Odense Å.

We start at Vaskepladsen, the washing place, where Hans Christian Andersen's mother did the laundry for the high society in Odense. On we go, across Eventyrhaven, Garden of Fairytales and Munkemose, Moor of the Monks to the Shipping Company Odense Åfart. From here, we go on a nice boating trip on Odense river, past the villas and mansions in Hunderup and past the Zoo, all the way to the forests Hunderup Skov and Fruens Bøge, The Beeches of Our Lady.

During the trip, I will tell you about the sights and connect it all to the life and times of Hans Christian Andersen.

Exciting city walk in Odense with historical and modern features.

As we walk through the streets and alleys of Odense I will tell an exciting story about the city's past and its sights. Vikings, kings and many other stories and adventures!

Odense was once one of Denmark's most important medieval cities. Traces of this heyday still exist and the latest excavations in the city give us answers to many questions.

Modern Odense has very few traces from the Middle Ages, but one of the most important is Odense Cathedral! On my tour you will hear about the city's historical development, industrialization and the modern times.

My narrative includes the history of the city, Hans Christian Andersen as well as giving some insight into modern Odense.

Odense Cathedral is called St. Canute's Church, and has two main attractions. It houses the body of the victim of a regicide in 1086, and it has an absolutely marvelous altarpiece.

Odense Cathedral is named after the Viking king Canute IV Svendsen, who in 1086 had sought refuge in St. Alban's church, near to the present cathedral, but was assassinated anyhow. It is an exciting story and tale of the rebellion against the king, the king's flight through Jutland with a small band of men, his murder, and the solemn transfer of his body to the present cathedral in 1095.

In the crypt I will show you St. Canutes shrine and his famous Byzantine silk blanket with motifs of eagles. The crypt is also the final resting place for the later Danish King Hans (1487-1513) and his spouse Queen Christine.

It was Queen Christine who ordered the church's amazing, golden altarpiece from the best and most skilled carver in Northern Europe at the time, Claus Berg from Lübeck. It shows hundreds of wooden figures, all individually designed and carved by hand. It is considered to be the most outstanding Scandinavian medieval piece of art.

You will also hear about the main features of the construction of the church and about the English monks, who after the canonization of King Canute came to settle at the monastery associated with the church, and you will get acquainted with the lives and fates of some of the persons who have been interred in the church during the centuries.

Guided walk through downtown Odense.

The tour will give you facts about the early history of the city, some 19th century landmarks, and examples of how the city is developing into a modern metropolis.

I will show you the following locations:

• Overgade/Nedergade

• Eventyrhaven – the Fairytale Garden

• Cathedral

• City Hall

• Fisketorvet/the Fish Market

• The cobblestone streets of Hans Christian Andersen's childhood neighborhood.

Short walk, but good mobility required.

Join a guided city tour through the exciting harbor area of Odense. Odense's new district is undergoing vibrant development, and I have been involved in its planning from the very beginning.

This is the story of the industrial harbor, now transformed into residential quarters. The new residential areas are a mix of owned and rented apartments, complemented by a delightful fusion of new corporate headquarters amidst old industrial buildings, with landmarks like the Nordatlantisk Hus and the old Toldbod guiding the transformation.

What makes this place special is its ability to blend different architectural styles and functions into a harmonious whole, where life and culture thrive. Listen to the story from the perspective of the rental world and discover the exciting journey from industry to innovation along the Odense harbor.