View source for Odense

{{short description|City in Southern Denmark, Denmark}}
{{Other uses}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->| name                     = Odense
| other_name               =
| native_name              = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
| nickname                 =
| settlement_type          = [[List of cities in Denmark|City]]
| motto                    = <!-- images and maps  ----------->
| image_skyline            = Odense - Sankt Knuds kirke 2005-07-16.jpeg
| imagesize                =
| image_caption            = [[Odense Domkirke]]
| image_flag               =
| flag_size                =
| image_seal               =
| seal_size                =
| image_shield             = File:Coat of arms of Odense.svg
| shield_size              =
| image_map                =
| mapsize                  =
| map_caption              =
| image_map1               =
| mapsize1                 =
| map_caption1             =
| pushpin_map              = Denmark#Scandinavia#Europe
| pushpin_relief           =
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location within Denmark##Location within Scandinavia##Location within Europe
| pushpin_mapsize          = <!-- Location ------------------>
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|Denmark}}
| subdivision_type1        = [[Regions of Denmark|Region]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Region of Southern Denmark|Southern Denmark]] ({{lang|da|Syddanmark}})
| subdivision_type2        = [[Municipalities of Denmark|Municipality]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Odense Municipality|Odense]]
<!-- Politics ----------------->| government_footnotes     =
| government_type          =
| leader_title             =
| leader_name              =
| established_title        = Established
| established_date         = 988
| established_title2       = City charter
| established_date2        = 1355
| established_title3       = Municipality
| established_date3        = 1970
<!-- Area    --------------------->| area_magnitude           =
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="dstBY3">{{cite web | url=https://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?MainTable=BY3&TabStrip=Select&PLanguage=0&FF=20 | title=Folketal 1. Januar efter byområder, landdistrikter og folketal, areal og befolkningstæthed - Statistikbanken - data og tal }}</ref><ref name=dstARE207>{{cite web | url=https://statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?MainTable=ARE207&PLanguage=0&PXSId=0&wsid=cftree | title=Areal 1. Januar efter område - Statistikbanken - data og tal }}</ref><ref name="dstBefolkningstal">{{cite web | url=https://www.dst.dk/da/Statistik/emner/borgere/befolkning/befolkningstal | title=Befolkningstal }}</ref><ref name="EurostatFUA2">{{Cite web | url=https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=urb_lpop1&lang=en | title=PIB et principaux composants - volumes | language=fr | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815080615/http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do | archive-date=2015-08-15}}</ref><ref name=OECDDefFUA>{{cite web| url=https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/urban-rural-and-regional-development/the-eu-oecd-definition-of-a-functional-urban-area_d58cb34d-en | doi=10.1787/d58cb34d-en | title=The EU-OECD definition of a functional urban area | date=11 December 2019 | last1=Dijkstra | first1=Lewis | last2=Poelman | first2=Hugo | last3=Veneri | first3=Paolo | series=OECD Regional Development Working Papers | s2cid=197468189 }}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = 80.1
| area_urban_km2           = 80.1
| area_metro_km2           = 3,481.30
| population_as_of         = 2025
| population_total         = 185480<ref name="dstBY3"/>
| population_density_km2   = 2,294
| population_urban         = 185480<ref name="dstBY3"/>
| population_density_urban_km2 = auto
| population_blank1_title  = [[Municipality]]
| population_blank1        = 210803<ref name=dstFOLK1A>{{cite web | url=https://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/selectvarval/define.asp?PLanguage=0&subword=tabsel&MainTable=FOLK1A&PXSId=199113&tablestyle=&ST=SD&buttons=0 | title=Folketal den 1. I kvartalet efter område, køn, alder og civilstand - Statistikbanken - data og tal | access-date=28 August 2022 | archive-date=27 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827120855/https://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/selectvarval/define.asp?PLanguage=0&subword=tabsel&MainTable=FOLK1A&PXSId=199113&tablestyle=&ST=SD&buttons=0 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| population_density_metro_km2 = 144.79
| population_demonym       = Odenseaner
| timezone                 = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset               = +1
| timezone_DST             = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset_DST           = +2
| coordinates              = {{coord|55|23|45|N|10|23|19|E|region:DK|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_footnotes      = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags-->
| elevation_m              = 13
| elevation_ft             = <!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
| postal_code_type         = Postal code
| postal_code              = 5000–5270
| area_code                = (+45) 6
| blank_name               =
| blank_info               =
| blank1_name              =
| blank1_info              =
| website                  = [http://www.odense.dk/ www.odense.dk]
| footnotes                =
| official_name            =
| area_blank1_km2          = 305.60
| area_blank1_title        = [[Municipality]]
| population_metro         = 504,066<ref name="dstBefolkningstal"/><ref name="EurostatFUA2"/><ref name=OECDDefFUA/>
| population_density_blank1_km2 = 684
}}

'''Odense''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|oʊ|d|ən|s|ə}} {{respell|OH|dən|sə}}, {{IPAc-en|USalso|ˈ|oʊ|θ|ən|s|ə}} {{respell|OH|thən|sə}};<ref>{{Cite EPD|18|Odense|page=347}}</ref> {{IPA|da|ˈoðˀn̩sə|lang|Da-Odense.ogg}}) is the third largest city in Denmark (after [[Copenhagen]] and [[Aarhus]]) and the largest city on the island of [[Funen]]. As of 1 January 2025, the city proper had a population of 185,480<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statistikbanken |url=https://www.statistikbanken.dk/BY1 |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=www.statistikbanken.dk}}</ref> while [[Odense Municipality]] had a population of 210,803,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Folketal den 1. i kvartalet efter område, køn, alder og civilstand - Statistikbanken - data og tal |url=https://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/selectvarval/define.asp?PLanguage=0&subword=tabsel&MainTable=FOLK1A&PXSId=199113&tablestyle=&ST=SD&buttons=0 |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=www.statistikbanken.dk |archive-date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827120855/https://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/selectvarval/define.asp?PLanguage=0&subword=tabsel&MainTable=FOLK1A&PXSId=199113&tablestyle=&ST=SD&buttons=0 |url-status=dead }}</ref> making it the fourth largest municipality in Denmark (behind [[Copenhagen]], [[Aarhus]] and [[Aalborg]] municipalities). [[Eurostat]] and [[OECD]] have used a definition for the [[Metropolitan area]] of Odense (referred to as a ''[[Functional urban area]]''), which includes all municipalities in the [[Province]] (Danish: [[Provinces of Denmark|''landsdel'']]) of Funen (Danish: ''Fyn''), with a total population of 504,066 as of 1 July 2022.<ref name="EurostatFUA2"/><ref name=OECDDefFUA/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Befolkningstal |url=https://www.dst.dk/da/Statistik/emner/borgere/befolkning/befolkningstal |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=www.dst.dk |language=da}}</ref>

By road, Odense is located {{convert|45|km}} north of [[Svendborg]], {{convert|144|km}} to the south of [[Aarhus]] and {{convert|167|km}} to the southwest of the capital [[Copenhagen]]. The city was the seat of [[Odense County]] until 1970, and [[Funen County]] from 1970 until 1 January 2007, when Funen County became part of the [[Region of Southern Denmark]]. Odense has close associations with [[Hans Christian Andersen]] who is remembered above all for his [[fairy tale]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/writer/hans-christian-andersen|title = Hans Christian Andersen| date=9 November 2021 }}</ref> He was born in the city in 1805 and spent his childhood years there. 

There has been human settlement in the Odense area for over 4,000 years, although the name was not mentioned in writing until 988, and by 1070, it had already grown into a thriving city. [[Canute IV of Denmark]], generally considered to be the last [[Viking]] king, was murdered by unruly peasants in Odense's [[St. Canute's Abbey, Odense|St Alban's Priory]] on 10 July 1086. Although the city was burned in 1249 following a royal rivalry, it quickly recovered and flourished as a centre of commerce in the [[Middle Ages]]. After a period of decline, large-scale plans for development were made during the 18th century, which led to the rebuilding of [[Odense Palace]] and the building of a canal to the [[Port of Odense]], facilitating trade. In 1865, one of the largest railway terminals in Denmark was built, further increasing the population and commerce, and by 1900, Odense had reached a population of 35,000. Odense's [[Odinstårnet]] was one of the tallest towers in Europe when built in 1935 but was destroyed by the [[Nazism|Nazis]] during [[World War II]]. The [[University of Southern Denmark]] was established in 1966.

Today, Odense remains the commercial hub of [[Funen]], and is recognized internationally as a leading robotics city due to a cluster of cobot companies. Several other major industries are located in the city including the [[Albani Brewery]] and [[GASA]], Denmark's major dealer in vegetables, fruits and flowers. The city is home to Odense Palace, erected by King [[Frederick IV of Denmark|Frederik IV]] who died there in 1730, the [[Odense Theatre]], the [[Odense Symphony Orchestra]], and the [[Hans Christian Andersen Museum]]. In 2021 the Hans Christian Andersen House designed by Japanese architect [[Kengo Kuma]] opened. It incorporates parts of the earlier museum like Andersen's birthplace and a domed memorial hall featuring frescos by [[Niels Larsen Stevns]]. In sports, Odense has a number of football clubs including [[Odense BK|OB]], [[Boldklubben Marienlyst|BM]], [[Boldklubben 1909|B1909]], and [[Boldklubben 1913|B1913]], the [[Odense Bulldogs]] professional [[ice hockey]] team, and the city also hosts the [[H.C. Andersen Marathon]]. Odense is served by [[Hans Christian Andersen Airport]] and [[Odense station]], which lies on the line between Copenhagen and the [[Jutland]] peninsula.

== Etymology ==

The name Odense is derived from ''Óðins [[Vé (shrine)|vé]]'', meaning "Odin's sanctuary", as the area was known as a sanctuary for worshippers of the [[Norse mythology|Nordic god]], [[Odin]].<ref name="dnet">{{cite web|url=http://www.danishnet.com/info.php/travel/odense-24.html|title=Odense, Denmark|publisher=Danishnet.com|access-date=28 June 2014}}</ref>

== History ==
: ''For the Catholic ecclesiastical history, see [[Roman Catholic bishopric of Odense]]''

===Early history===

Odense is one of Denmark's oldest cities. Archaeological excavations in the vicinity show proof of settlement for over 4,000 years since at least the [[Stone Age]].{{sfn|Renouf|2003|p=58}}<ref name="dnet"/> The earliest community was centred on the higher ground between the [[Odense River]] to the south and [[Naesbyhoved Lake]] (now dry) to the north. [[Nonnebakken]], one of Denmark's former [[Viking ring fortress]]es, lay to the south of the river.<ref name=historienshus>{{cite web|url=http://www.historienshus.dk/odenses%20historie|title=Begyndelsen|publisher=Historiens Hus Odense|access-date=26 June 2014|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714145924/http://www.historienshus.dk/odenses%20historie|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Today, Odense's Møntergården Museum has many artefacts related to the early Viking history in the Odense area.{{sfn|Harding|2009|p=73}} The Vikings built numerous fortifications along the river banks to defend it against invaders coming in from the coast.{{sfn|Renouf|2003|p=58}}

[[File:Skt. Knud den Hellige.JPG|thumb|left|upright| [[Canute IV of Denmark]], generally considered to be the last Viking king, was murdered by unruly peasants in Odense in 1086]]

The city celebrated its thousandth anniversary in 1988, commemorating the first mention of the town's name in a letter dated 18 March 988 from the German emperor [[Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor|Otto III]] which granted rights to Odense and neighbouring settlements.<ref name=museum>{{cite web|url=http://museum.odense.dk/viden/historie/odenses-historie/odense-bys-historie|title=Odense Bys Historie|publisher=Odense Bys Museer|access-date=27 June 2014|language=da|archive-date=15 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715000213/http://museum.odense.dk/viden/historie/odenses-historie/odense-bys-historie|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first church in Odense appears to have been [[St Mary's Church, Odense|St Mary's]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/16064d.htm|title=Ancient See of Odense in Denmark|publisher=Catholic Encyclopedia at New Advent|access-date=28 June 2014 }}</ref> probably built in the late 12th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/Odense_1013-1220.pdf|title=Vor Frue Kirke|publisher=Danmarks Kirker, Nationalmuseet|access-date=28 June 2014|language=da|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165603/http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/Odense_1013-1220.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The territory, previously part of the vast [[Archbishopric of Hamburg]], was created a [[Roman Catholic bishopric of Odense|Catholic diocese]] in 988. The first recorded bishops of Odense were Odinkar Hvide and [[Reginbert of Odense|Reginbert]], who was consecrated by Archbishop [[Æthelnoth (archbishop of Canterbury)|Æthelnoth]] of [[Archbishopric of Canterbury|Canterbury]], in 1022.{{sfn|Larson|2014|p=136}}

Recent excavations have shown that from the early 11th century, the town developed in the area around Albani Torv, Fisketorvet, Overgade and Vestergade.<ref name=historienshus/> By 1070, Odense had already grown into a city of stature in Denmark.<ref name="dnet"/> [[Canute IV of Denmark]], generally considered to be the last Viking king, was murdered by unruly peasants, discontent with the high taxes he imposed on the town, in Odense's [[St. Canute's Abbey, Odense|St Alban's Priory]] on 10 July 1086.<ref name="dnet"/> He was canonized in 1100.<ref name=dsd>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/Fyn/Fyn_-_byer/Odense/Odense_%28Historie%29|title=Odense – historie|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=26 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref> The priory no longer exists, although a church has been situated on the site since about 900. At the beginning of the 12th century, Benedictine monks from England founded St Canute's Abbey. It was here the English monk [[Ælnoth of Canterbury|Ælnoth]] wrote Denmark's first literary work, ''Vita et Passio S. Canuti'' (The Life and Passion of St Canute).<ref name=dsd/> Canute's shrine in Odense Cathedral (which was attached to the priory) attracted pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages and can still be viewed today.<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/425058/Odense|title=Odense|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=26 June 2014}}</ref>

===Middle Ages===
[[File:Braunius Odense.jpg|thumb|right|Braunius map of Odense from 1593]]
In the Middle Ages, a number of churches and monasteries were built in the town. [[St. Canute's Cathedral|St Canute's Church]] (''Skt. Knuds Kirke''), now the cathedral, dates from the end of the 13th century and was closely connected to the [[Benedictine Order]]. The town's other old churches are St Mary's (''Vor Frue Kirke'') and St John's (''Skt. Hans Kirke'') with its adjacent monastery. Greyfriars Monastery (''Gråbrødre Kloster'') was founded by the [[Franciscan Order|Franciscans]] in 1279.<ref name=museum/>

In 1247 Odense was burned by [[Abel, King of Denmark|Abel of Denmark]] during conflicts with his brother [[Eric IV of Denmark|King Erik IV]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dengang.dk/abel-og-hans-soenner/|title=Abel og hans sønner|publisher=Dengang.dk|access-date=28 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref> The cathedral had to be completely rebuilt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://museum.odense.dk/boern-unge/boern-unge/undervisning/moentergaarden/tro-mord-kaerlighed/faktaportal/13-skt-knuds-kirke|title=Snt Knuds Kirke|publisher=Odense Bys Museer|access-date=28 June 2014|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721074457/http://museum.odense.dk/boern-unge/boern-unge/undervisning/moentergaarden/tro-mord-kaerlighed/faktaportal/13-skt-knuds-kirke|archive-date=21 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nevertheless, the town continued to flourish as a commercial centre, and was charted in 1335.<ref name="Britannica"/> The city thrived economically during the Middle Ages, attracting many merchants and craftsman who traded their goods.{{sfn|Renouf|2003|p=58}}

In 1482 Bishop Karl Rønnov brought the German printer [[Johann Snell]] to Odense to print a short prayer book, ''Breviarium Ottoniense'', considered to be the first work to be printed in Scandinavia. In parallel Snell printed ''De obsidione et bello Rhodiano'', an account of the Turkish siege of the island of [[Rhodes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/en_GB/johan-snell-s-printing-works|title=John Snell's Printing Works|publisher=Kulturarv|access-date=27 June 2014|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831181140/http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/en_GB/johan-snell-s-printing-works|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Bog-_og_biblioteksv%C3%A6sen/Boghistorie_og_bogtryk/Johann_Snell|title=Johann Snell|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=27 June 2014 }}</ref>

After the [[Danish Reformation]], involving the suppression of the Catholic bishopric in 1536, the city enjoyed a sustained period of prosperity from the 1530s to the mid-17th century, becoming northern Funen's commercial centre. One of the main sources of income was the sale of cattle, providing substantial funds for the construction of fine [[half-timbered]] houses for the local merchants. The local nobility also participated in the city's development by building residences where they spent the winter months. But the city's prosperity came to an abrupt end in the late 1650s heavy taxes were imposed after the end of the [[Dano-Swedish War (1657–58)|Swedish Wars]]. A period of stagnation ensued until the end of the 18th century.<ref name=dsd/>

From the 16th century the town was the meeting-place of several parliaments, and until 1805 Odense was the seat of the provincial assembly of Funen.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Odense|volume=20|page=2}}</ref> By 1700 Odense's population was about 4,000.{{sfn|Renouf|2003|p=58}}

===Development===
[[File:Denmark-odense-hans christian andersen-childhood home.jpg|thumb|Hans Christian Andersen's childhood home]]
Dramatic changes began in Odense in the 18th century to modernise the city and a great plan was drawn up for development. In 1720, Frederick IV ordered the rebuilding of Odense Palace, partly on the foundations of the 13th century [[St. Hans's Monastery]], and the construction of St Hans's Church by the [[Knights Hospitallers]].<ref name="Britannica"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jmarcussen.dk/historie/Religion/orden/johanitter.html|title=Johanniterordenen|date=18 November 2003|publisher=Maritim og historisk information|access-date=28 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref> An 8 kilometre (5.0&nbsp;mi) long, 7.5 metre (25&nbsp;ft) deep canal from [[Odense Harbour]] to [[Odense Fjord]] was built between 1796 and 1806 to facilitate the growth of Odense as a port city, radically increasing its level of trade and population.<ref name="dnet"/>{{sfn|Thestrup|Andersen|Oxenvad|1986|pp=193–200}} Founded in 1796, [[Odense Teater]] is the first provincial theatre in Denmark and the country's second oldest.<ref name=hoo/><ref name=dsdodense>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Teater/Danske_teatre/Odense_Teater|title=Odense Teater|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|date=17 April 2012 |access-date=29 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref> [[Odense Central Library]] was established in 1924 and removed to [[Odense station]] in 1995.<ref name="Dewe2012">{{cite book|last=Dewe|first=Mr Michael|title=Planning Public Library Buildings: Concepts and Issues for the Librarian|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sARvKM5rynkC&pg=PA150|date=1 October 2012|publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.|isbn=978-1-4094-8501-8|pages=150–}}</ref> The [[Odense Music Library]] contains Denmark's largest collection of phonograms.<ref name=soundart>{{cite web|title=Vision for Odense Music Library|url=http://www.soundart.dk/vgsite.data/Components/vangogh6visionUK.pdf|publisher=Sound Art|access-date=13 July 2014|date=April 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613003214/http://www.soundart.dk/vgsite.data/Components/vangogh6visionUK.pdf|archive-date=13 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

From the 1840s, the city enjoyed a period of rapid expansion beyond its traditional boundaries, becoming Denmark's second largest city. The city gates were demolished in 1851 and soon afterwards development extended to the area south of the river. Glove production, which had begun in the 18th century, developed into one of the most important industries while the harbour facilities were further expanded.<ref name=byport/> In 1853 Denmark's first modern water and gas works were opened in Odense.<ref name=dsd/> Commerce was further boosted by the building of a railway across Funen in 1865, and Odense became one of Denmark's largest rail junctions.<ref name="dnet"/>{{sfn|Renouf|2003|p=58}} All this provided an ideal basis for industrialisation, attracting a wide range of industries including iron and metals, textiles, and food and beverages. Separate areas of the city were devoted to increased industrial and residential expansion,<ref name=hoo>{{cite web|url=http://www.odense.dk/subsites5/english/topmenu/about/a%20history%20of%20odense|title=A History of Odense|publisher=Odense Kommune|access-date=29 June 2014|archive-date=20 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720215336/http://www.odense.dk/subsites5/english/topmenu/about/a%20history%20of%20odense|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the population of the city began to grow markedly; by 1900 it had 35,000 inhabitants.{{sfn|Renouf|2003|p=58}}

===Modern history===
Odense's most famous landmark was [[Odinstårnet]] (''The Odin Tower'') constructed in 1935, as the second-tallest tower in Europe, only surpassed by the [[Eiffel Tower]] with its 177 meters.  ''Odinstårnet'' was blown up by a Danish Nazi group in 1944 and has never been rebuilt.{{sfn|Lauridsen|2007|p=151}} However, a miniature model now stands in [[Odinsparken]] in the area where the original was located. During the German occupation in the [[Second World War]], Odense's general strike in August 1943 contributed to terminating collaboration with the Germans.<ref name=hoo/>

Until the beginning of the Danish industrial revolution, Odense was also the second-largest city in modern Denmark, but has in recent times been overtaken by Aarhus. From the 1960s Odense increasingly became a cultural hub, with the establishment of a university in 1966 and the launching of trade shows, including the large Odense Congress Centre.<ref name="dnet"/> In 1988 a major national television network, [[TV 2 (Denmark)|TV2]], was established in Odense.<ref name=hoo/>

In celebration of the thousandth anniversary in 1988, a forest, [[Tusindårsskoven]] (meaning "The Thousand Year Forest") was planted.<ref name="dnet"/> The forest now hosts the annual music festival Tinderbox. In 2005 the city celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of [[Hans Christian Andersen]]<ref name="dnet"/> and in 2025 the 150th anniversary of his death.

The [[Odense Steel Shipyard]] (''Staalskibsvæeft''), which since 1996 had been Denmark's largest shipbuilding facility, closed in 2012 as a result of international competition. Opened in 1919 by [[Mærsk|A.P. Møller]], it latterly produced container ships for Mærsk, the parent company. The Lindø site was sold to the Port of Odense (''Odense Havn'') who are developing the Lindø Industrial Park.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Bil,_b%C3%A5d,_fly_m.m./S%C3%B8fart/Rederier/Odense_Staalskibsv%C3%A6rft|title=Odense Staalskibsværft|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=30 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Denmark map.gif|thumb|250px|Location of Odense in Denmark]]
Odense is situated in the northeastern centre of the island of Funen. By road, Odense is located {{convert|45|km}} north of [[Svendborg]], {{convert|144|km}} to the south of Aarhus, {{convert|167|km}} to the southwest of Copenhagen, {{convert|136|km}} east of [[Esbjerg]] and {{convert|69|km}} southeast of [[Kolding]].<ref name="GM">{{Google maps | url =https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Kolding,+Denmark/Odense,+Denmark/@55.4547986,9.3884785,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x464ca02a01dd95a9:0xea8de3fa6eefccfd!2m2!1d9.4730519!2d55.495973!1m5!1m1!1s0x464cd935429724c1:0x3b1e34d53b2ff5ec!2m2!1d10.40237!2d55.403756  | access-date =28 June 2014}}</ref>  Suburbs of Odense include [[Stige]] to the north, [[Seden]], [[Bullerup]] and [[Agedrup]] to the northeast, [[Blommenslyst]] to the west, [[Bellinge, Denmark|Bellinge]] to the southwest, and [[Neder Holluf]] and Højby to the south.<ref name="GM"/>
[[File:Tornoe Odense Fjord.jpg|thumb|left|320px|[[Tornø]] in the Odense Fjord]]
The Odense River flows through Odense, to the south of the main shopping quarter.{{Sfn|Harding|2009|p=72}} To the north of the city is the Odense Fjord, and to the northeast, along the 165 road to [[Kerteminde]] is [[Kerteminde Fjord]]. The fjord is accessed through the narrow passage of Gabets, between Hals and [[Skoven]], and is connected by canal to the Port of Odense.{{sfn|Griffes|p=60}} The small fishing village of [[Bregnør Fiskerleje|Bregnør]] lies {{convert|2.3|mi}} to the southeast of the passage. A controlling depth of {{convert|11|m}} is reported in the northern part of channel between the entrance to the fjord and Lindo Terminal Quay.{{sfn|Griffes|p=60}} The bight of [[Fyns Hoved]] to the northeast of the harbour curves south to form the approach to Odense Fjord. The eastern side of the bight between Fyns Hoved and Skoven, {{convert|5.5|m}} to the south, is irregular, with a beach and hills behind it, and to the south of the bight is the small, shallow [[Korshavn Bay]], with the [[Korshavn Light]] in the vicinity. Skoven is a bare, rugged peninsula, with Dalby Bay (Dalby Bugt) to the east.{{sfn|Griffes|p=60}}

In the southwestern part of the Odense Fjord are the islands of [[Vigelsø]] and the 21 hectare [[Tornø]], although the latter is connected to the mainland by a 300-metre (980&nbsp;ft)-long causeway. Vigelsø is the largest island in the fjord at 132 hectares and is an important breeding ground for migratory birds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://naturstyrelsen.dk/naturoplevelser/naturguider/vigelsoe/|title=Vigelsø|publisher=Naturstyrelsen.dk|access-date=28 June 2014|language=da}}</ref> It is part of the [[Special Area of Conservation]] ''No. SPC 94, Odense Fjord'' under the [[European Union|EU]] [[Habitats Directive|Habitat]] and [[Birds Directive]]s and has been subject to close monitoring, with the target to reach at least "good" ecological status by 2015.{{Sfn|Andersen|Conley|2010|p=81}} The island is low-lying, the highest point of Østerhoved only reaching six metres above the sea. There is a 25 hectare forest on the northern part of the island while the southern part consists of [[meadow|coastal meadow]]s.

===Climate===
Odense has a [[Oceanic climate|temperate oceanic climate]], classified as [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen zone ''Cfb'']]. Mild summers feature average maximum temperatures exceeding 20&nbsp;°C (68&nbsp;°F), while winters are characterised by minimum temperatures dropping just below freezing. The hottest months on average are July and August with highs of 21&nbsp;°C (70&nbsp;°F) and daily mean temperatures of 17&nbsp;°C (63&nbsp;°F) and 16&nbsp;°C (61&nbsp;°F) respectively.<ref name="ct"/> These are also the wettest months, with August receiving {{convert|80| mm|abbr=on}} and July {{convert|64| mm|abbr=on}} of rain on average. [[Extratropical cyclone]]s frequently affect the region, contributing to abundant precipitation.<ref name="ct">{{cite web|title=Climate of Odense, Denmark; Average Weather|publisher=ClimaTemps|access-date=30 June 2014|url=http://www.odense.climatemps.com/}}</ref> The coldest months are January and February, with a daily mean temperature of 0&nbsp;°C (32&nbsp;°F), and lows of −2&nbsp;°C (28&nbsp;°F) and −3&nbsp;°C (26&nbsp;°F) respectively.<ref name="ct"/>  It is common for Odense Fjord to contain ice between January and March, and the entrance is kept clear by icebreakers. The tidal range in the fjord varies up to {{convert|0.6|m}}, and winds from the west and northeast may raise the water level by up to {{convert|1.8|m}} and winds from the east and southwest may lower it by up to {{convert|1.5|m}}.{{sfn|Griffes|p=60}} Climate data for the city are recorded at [[Hans Christian Andersen Airport]] ([[International Civil Aviation Organization airport code|ICAO]]: EKOD).

{{Weather box|width=auto
|collapsed=yes
|location= Odense ([[Hans Christian Andersen Airport]]) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1971–2000)
|metric first=Yes
|single line=Yes
| Jan record high C = 11.2
| Feb record high C = 13.4
| Mar record high C = 18.5
| Apr record high C = 27.4
| May record high C = 28.8
| Jun record high C = 31.6
| Jul record high C = 33.4
| Aug record high C = 33.6
| Sep record high C = 27.7
| Oct record high C = 23.0
| Nov record high C = 15.8
| Dec record high C = 12.4
|year record high C = 33.6
| Jan high C = 3.7
| Feb high C = 4.1
| Mar high C = 6.9
| Apr high C = 11.9
| May high C = 16.2
| Jun high C = 19.3
| Jul high C = 21.8
| Aug high C = 21.6
| Sep high C = 17.5
| Oct high C = 12.5
| Nov high C = 7.7
| Dec high C = 4.6
|year high C = 
| Jan mean C = 1.9
| Feb mean C = 2.2
| Mar mean C = 4.2
| Apr mean C = 8.3
| May mean C = 12.3
| Jun mean C = 15.5
| Jul mean C = 17.6
| Aug mean C = 17.6
| Sep mean C = 14.2
| Oct mean C = 9.8
| Nov mean C = 5.8
| Dec mean C = 2.9
|year mean C = 
| Jan low C = 0.1
| Feb low C = 0.2
| Mar low C = 1.4
| Apr low C = 4.7
| May low C = 8.3
| Jun low C = 11.6
| Jul low C = 13.5
| Aug low C = 13.6
| Sep low C = 10.8
| Oct low C = 7.1
| Nov low C = 3.9
| Dec low C = 1.2
|year low C = 
| Jan record low C = -21.6
| Feb record low C = -20.0
| Mar record low C = -14.9
| Apr record low C = -5.3
| May record low C = -2.0
| Jun record low C = 1.7
| Jul record low C = 3.6
| Aug record low C = 4.2
| Sep record low C = -1.4
| Oct record low C = -4.1
| Nov record low C = -16.2
| Dec record low C = -20.0
|year record low C = -21.6
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 48.5
| Feb precipitation mm = 30.1
| Mar precipitation mm = 39.6
| Apr precipitation mm = 32.4
| May precipitation mm = 41.1
| Jun precipitation mm = 50.6
| Jul precipitation mm = 50.0
| Aug precipitation mm = 52.7
| Sep precipitation mm = 56.7
| Oct precipitation mm = 58.1
| Nov precipitation mm = 53.3
| Dec precipitation mm = 47.7
|year precipitation mm = 560.9
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 10.4
| Feb precipitation days = 7.4
| Mar precipitation days = 9.0
| Apr precipitation days = 7.5
| May precipitation days = 7.3
| Jun precipitation days = 8.9
| Jul precipitation days = 8.1
| Aug precipitation days = 8.6
| Sep precipitation days = 9.7
| Oct precipitation days = 10.8
| Nov precipitation days = 10.9
| Dec precipitation days = 9.8
|year precipitation days = 108.4
| Jan snow days = 6.0
| Feb snow days = 4.4
| Mar snow days = 3.9
| Apr snow days = 1.1
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.0
| Nov snow days = 1.6
| Dec snow days = 3.3
|year snow days = 20.9
| Jan humidity = 88
| Feb humidity = 87
| Mar humidity = 84
| Apr humidity = 76
| May humidity = 73
| Jun humidity = 74
| Jul humidity = 74
| Aug humidity = 74
| Sep humidity = 80
| Oct humidity = 83
| Nov humidity = 87
| Dec humidity = 88
|year humidity = 81
| Jan sun = 40
| Feb sun = 61
| Mar sun = 124
| Apr sun = 179
| May sun = 258
| Jun sun = 265
| Jul sun = 256
| Aug sun = 224
| Sep sun = 175
| Oct sun = 101
| Nov sun = 44
| Dec sun = 28
|year sun =
|source 1 = Danish Meteorological Institute (precipitation and snow 1971–2000, humidity 1961–1990, sun 1931–1960)<ref name = DMI1>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dmi.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/Rapporter/TR/2002/tr02-12.pdf
| title = Danish Climatological Normals 1971–2000 for selected stations
| publisher = [[Danish Meteorological Institute]]
| access-date = 17 November 2015}}</ref><ref name = DMI2>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dmi.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/Rapporter/TR/1999/tr99-5.pdf
| title = Observed Air Temperature, Humidity, Pressure, Cloud Cover and Weather in Denmark with Climatological Standard Normals, 1961–90
| publisher = [[Danish Meteorological Institute]]
| access-date = 17 November 2015}}</ref><ref name=DMI3>{{cite web | last1 = Cappelen | first1 = John | last2 = Jensen | first2 = Jens | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130427173827/http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf | archive-date = 27 April 2013 | url = http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/tr01-17.pdf | work = Climate Data for Selected Stations (1931-1960) | title = Danmark - BLANGSTEDGÅRD/ODENSE | page = 74 | publisher = Danish Meteorological Institute | language = da | access-date = 14 October 2019}}</ref>
|date=November 2015
|source 2 = IEM<ref name = IEM1>{{cite web
|url=https://www.mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/monthlysum.php?station=EKOD&network=DK__ASOS
|title= [EKOH] Odense [1973-] Monthly Summaries
|publisher=The Iowa Environmental Mesonet
|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref>}}

{{wide image|Denmark-Odense-winter at Skovsoeen.JPG|700px|Winter at Skovsøen in Fruens Bøge, Odense}}

== Demographics ==
Odense has long been a populated town, and in 1670 it had a population of 3,808 people. By 1787 the population had grown to 5,363 to and 5,782 in 1801. The population grew markedly during the 19th century, reaching 8,709 inhabitants in 1834, 10,238 in 1845, 12,932 in 1855, 16,970 in 1870, 20,804 in 1880 and 30,268 in 1890.<ref name="dendig">{{cite web|url=http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/koebstaeder/befolkning.aspx?koebstadID=38|title=Befolkningsudvikling, Odense|publisher=Dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk|access-date=9 July 2014|language=da|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714214633/http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/koebstaeder/befolkning.aspx?koebstadID=38|url-status=dead}}</ref>

With improvements in communications by rail and via the port, the population of Odense grew dramatically in the early 20th century. The 1901 census recorded 40,138 people,<ref name="EB1911"/> growing to 47,224 in 1911, 61,969 in 1921 and 87,090 in 1935. During the Second World War, the population passed the 100,000 mark, reaching 103,107 in 1945.<ref name="dendig"/> It continued to grow in the post war years, with 120,570 recorded in 1955 and 133,384 in 1965; the city reached a population of 139,490 people in 1970,<ref name="dendig"/> a time when it was developing as a university city after Odense University was established in 1966.

Residents began to move out of the centre into the suburban areas which were included in [[Odense Municipality]] after boundaries were redefined in 1970.<ref name=hoo/> As a result, the population declined slightly in the 1970s and 1980s, falling to 136,646 in 1981.<ref name="dendig"/> It began climbing again in the late 1980s, and steadily grew to 144,518 in 1996 and 145,554 in 2004.<ref name="dendig"/> In 2025 Odense had a population of 185,480 people.<ref>[https://www.dst.dk/da/Statistik/nyheder-analyser-publ/nyt/NytHtml?cid=51231 Byopgørelsen 1. januar 2025]</ref> 

{| class="wikitable"
! rowspan="3" |Population groups
! colspan="2" |Year
|-
! colspan="2" |2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statistikbanken |url=https://www.statbank.dk/20024 |access-date=2023-07-02 |website=www.statbank.dk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Population at the first day of the quarter by region, sex, age (5 years age groups), ancestry and country of origin - StatBank Denmark - data and statistics |url=https://www.statbank.dk/statbank5a/SelectVarVal/Define.asp?MainTable=FOLK1C&PLanguage=1&PXSId=0&wsid=cftree |access-date=2023-07-02 |website=www.statbank.dk}}</ref>
|-
!Number
!%
|-
!Danish descent
!171,670
!82.59%
|-
!Immigrants
!25,732
!12.38%
|-
|EU-27
|7,716
|3.71%
|-
|Europe outside EU-27
|8,376
|4.03%
|-
|Africa
|3,944
|1.9%
|-
|North America
|301
|0.14%
|-
|South and Central America
|542
|0.26%
|-
|Asia
|15,192
|7.31%
|-
|Oceania
|76
|–
|-
|Stateless
|
|–
|-
|Unknown
|
|–
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''207,864'''
|100%
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;"
|+Largest groups of foreign residents<ref>{{cite web|title=Population at the first day of the quarter by municipality, sex, age, marital status, ancestry, country of origin and citizenship|url=http://www.statbank.dk/statbank5a/selectvarval/define.asp?PLanguage=1&subword=tabsel&MainTable=FOLK1&PXSId=146524&tablestyle=&ST=SD&buttons=0|publisher=Statistics Denmark|access-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019091426/http://www.statbank.dk/statbank5a/selectvarval/define.asp?PLanguage=1&subword=tabsel&MainTable=FOLK1&PXSId=146524&tablestyle=&ST=SD&buttons=0|archive-date=19 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
! Nationality || Population
|-
|{{flag|Turkey}} || 2,413
|-
|{{flag|Somalia}} || 2,296
|-
|{{flag|Vietnam}} || 2,177
|-
|{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} || 1,761
|-
|{{flag|Poland}} || 1,639
|-
|{{flag|Syria}} || 1,314
|-
|{{flag|Germany}} || 1,312
|-
|{{flag|Iran}} || 1,129
|-
|{{flag|Romania}} || 901
|}

==Municipal administration==
{{Main|Odense Municipality}}
Odense Municipality is the administrative unit which covers not only the city of Odense but surrounding [[suburb]]s and villages. Odense City Council consists of 29 members, including a mayor. The former mayor of Odense, [[Anker Boye]], is a member of the [[Social Democrats (Denmark)|Social Democratic Party]]. His first term was from 1993 to 2005 when he was defeated by [[Jan Boye]], a [[Conservative People's Party (Denmark)|Conservative]]. He was re-elected in the 2009 election, forming a coalition with the [[Red–Green Alliance (Denmark)|Red–Green Alliance]], the [[Socialist People's Party (Denmark)|Socialist People's Party]] and the Social Democrats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_historie/Danmark_efter_1945/Anker_Boye|title=Anker Boye|publisher=Den Store Danke|access-date=4 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odense.dk/topmenu/indflydelse%20og%20politik/odense%20byraad/byraadets%20medlemmer|title=Byrådets medlemmer|publisher=Odense Kommune|access-date=4 July 2014|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713170723/http://www.odense.dk/topmenu/indflydelse%20og%20politik/odense%20byraad/byraadets%20medlemmer|archive-date=13 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Boye and his administration have been criticised for mismanaging the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen in 2005, above all for allegedly signing a contract with [[Tina Turner]] for a show which resulted in a deficit of 13 million [[Danish krone|kroner]].<ref name="SindingBøllingtoft2012">{{cite book|last1=Sinding|first1=Knud|last2=Bøllingtoft|first2=Anne|title=Cases on Management, Leadership and Organisations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k-Ng_crmGFEC&pg=PA136|year=2012|publisher=Samfundslitteratur|isbn=978-87-593-1698-6|pages=136–139}}</ref>

In the 2013 municipal elections, Boye was successful in obtaining sufficient support from the [[Danish Social Liberal Party|Liberals]] and the left to ensure his continuation as mayor from the beginning of 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fyens.dk/indland/Anker-Boye-beholder-magten-i-Odense/artikel/2408211|title=Anker Boye beholder magten i Odense|date=19 November 2013|publisher=Fyens.dk|access-date=4 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

Boye announced in December 2016 that he would resign as mayor on 1 January 2017. The new mayor of Odense would be Peter Rahbæk Juel, also a member of the Social Democrats.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fyens.dk/odense/Borgmester-skifte-Anker-Boye-stopper-til-nytaar/artikel/3103808|title=Borgmesterskifte: Anker Boye stopper til nytår|date=3 December 2016|publisher=Fyens.dk|access-date=27 September 2018|language=da}}</ref> Rahbæk Juel succeeded Boye as announced and continues to serve as mayor after the municipal elections in 2017 and 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.odense.dk/politik/odense-byraad/byraadets-medlemmer/peter-rahbaek-juel-borgmester-a|title=Peter Rahbæk Juel, borgmester (A)|publisher=Odense.dk|access-date=27 September 2018|language=da}}</ref>

== Economy ==
[[File:Odense Inner Harbour-industry.jpg|left|thumb|Port of Odense]]

Odense is Funen's most important industrial and commercial centre, and the city's central location in Denmark makes it one of the national convention and congress centres. Enterprises include the [[Albani Brewery]], [[ABB|ABB (Asea Brown Boveri)]], Kansas Workwear (clothing), Plus Pack (canning and containers) as well as manufacturers in the electrical sector such as Riegens / SG Lighting. In recent years there has been a general trend from manufacturing into the service sector.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/Fyn/Fyn_-_byer/Odense|title=Odense|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=29 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref> By 2002, 51% of the workforce was employed by the service sector while only 13% were working in industry.<ref name=byport>{{cite web|url=http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/koebstaeder/by.aspx?koebstadID=38|title=Danmarks Købstæder: Odense, Byhistorie|publisher=Dansk Center for Byhistorie|access-date=29 June 2014|language=da}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Lindø Wharf, once Denmark's largest shipbuilding facility, has now been converted into Lindø Industrial Park specialising in the production and storage of components for the offshore industries, creating a variety of new tenants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lindo-industripark.dk/uk/|title=LindøIndustrial Park A/S|publisher=Lindø Industripark|access-date=20 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref> GASA, a large horticultural centre, supplies fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants to most of the country as well as for export.<ref name=dsdodense/> Established in 1988, Denmark's major commercial television channel [[TV 2 (Denmark)|TV 2]] is based in Odense.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Samfund,_jura_og_politik/Massemedier/Tv-stationer_og_institutioner,_danske/TV_2|title=TV2|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=29 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

The [[Rosengårdcentret]] shopping centre is located in the south-eastern part of Odense. The centre dates from 1971 and is the largest in Denmark with {{convert|140000|m2|abbr=on|}} floor space and more than 150 shops as well as restaurants, a cinema and a fitness centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rosengaardcentret.dk/om-centret/rosengaardcentret-danmarks-bedste-shoppingcenter/|title=Om centret|publisher=Rosengårdcentret|access-date=29 June 2014|language=da|archive-date=3 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703000842/http://rosengaardcentret.dk/om-centret/rosengaardcentret-danmarks-bedste-shoppingcenter/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Denmark's second-largest [[IKEA|IKEA outlet]] is the biggest neighbour. A wide variety of shops can be found in the city centre, especially on Kongensgade and Vestergade and adjacent pedestrian streets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitodense.com/fyn/shopping/shopping-i-odense|title=Shopping i Odense|publisher=Visit Odense|access-date=29 June 2014|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127220209/http://www.visitodense.com/fyn/shopping/shopping-i-odense|archive-date=27 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Denmark-Odense Zoo.jpg|thumb|right|[[Odense Zoo]]]]

Tourism is an important source of income for the city. In 2008 Odense Municipality was listed seventh in Denmark for turnover on tourism, reaching 1.6 million Danish kroner for the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://turismedk.dk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/turismen-i-tal-2011.pdf|title=Turismen i tal|publisher=Visit Denmark|access-date=2 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> In 2011, [[Odense Zoo]] was Funen's most popular tourist attraction and the eleventh most popular in Denmark with 405,913 visitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fyens.dk/indland/Turist-boom-Fulde-huse-i-fynske-attraktioner/artikel/2086199|title=Turist-boom: Fulde huse i fynske attraktioner|date=22 May 2012 |publisher=Fyens.dk|access-date=2 July 2014|language=da}}</ref> The zoo was founded in 1930 and covers an area of {{Convert|3.6|ha}} and has roughly 2,000 animals, covering 147 [[species]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/8cfec879#/8cfec879/14|title=Dyr:Savannens Fyrtarne Stortrives|publisher=Årsberetning 2011|page=16|access-date=2 July 2014|language=da}}</ref> In 2001, Odense Zoo inaugurated a [[Danish krone|DKK]] 60 million "Oceanium" featuring South American animal life.

Nightlife in the city culminates in Brandts Passage, which contains numerous restaurants, bars and cafes.{{sfn|Harding|2009|p=74}} Hotels of note include the [[Comwell H.C. Andersen Hotel]], the First Hotel Grand with its brasserie bar, the 68-room Old English-style Milling Hotel Plaza, City Hotel Nattergalen, which is in close proximity to the Hans Christian Andersen museum, and the 140-room Danhostel Odense City.{{Sfn|Harding|2009|p=73}}
[[File:Innorobo 2015 - Mobile Industrial Robots - MiR100.JPG|thumb|A robot from the Odense-based robotics company MiR, or Mobile Industrial Robots. ]]
Odense has become an internationally [https://investinodense.dk/robotics-automation/ recognized hub for robotics], particularly following the success of companies such as [[Universal Robots]] and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). The city hosts numerous startups, leading academic institutions in robotics at the [[University of Southern Denmark]], the national drone test center at [[Hans Christian Andersen Airport]], and the national Danish cluster for the robot industry, Odense Robotics, with more than 300 robotics, drone and automation companies, employing nearly 20,000 people.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=The Robot Report |date=2024-02-27 |title=How Odense became a leading robotics city |url=https://www.therobotreport.com/how-odense-became-a-leading-robotics-city/ |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=The Robot Report |language=en-US}}</ref> Odense is especially known for its advancements in collaborative robots, or "co-bots."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-08 |title=Blandt de bedste i verden: Odense har godt greb om robotterne og nu er en unik mulighed på vej {{!}} fyens.dk |url=https://fyens.dk/erhverv/blandt-de-bedste-i-verden-odense-har-godt-greb-om-robotterne-og-nu-er-en-unik-mulighed-paa-vej |access-date=2025-07-17 |website=fyens.dk |language=da}}</ref>

== Landmarks ==
[[File:Sankt Albani kirke Odense.jpg|thumb|[[St. Alban's Church, Odense|St Alban's Church]], Odense]]

[[Nonnebakken]], a hill in the Odense area, is the site of one of Denmark's six former [[Viking ring castles]], built during the reign of [[Sweyn I of Denmark|Sweyn Forkbeard]], who had forced his father [[Harold I of Denmark|Harold Bluetooth]] to leave the country and seek refuge by the [[Jomsvikings]] in [[Wollin]] (modern Poland) in around 975. The fort provided its occupier the command of the Odense River passing next to the hill. The archaeological remains of the fort were heavily damaged when a building for the [[Odd Fellow]] [[Masonic Lodge|lodge]] was constructed on the site during the late nineteenth century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vikingeborge.dk/nonnebak.htm|title=Nonnebakken|publisher=Vikinge Borge|access-date=12 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://historiskatlas.dk/Nonnebakken_%28897%29|title=Nonnebakken|publisher=Historisk Atlas|access-date=12 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

===Churches===
Odense is the [[Episcopal see|see]] of the [[bishop]] of [[Bishopric of Funen|Funen]]. [[Saint Canute's Cathedral]] ({{langx|da|Sankt Knuds Kirke}}) was formerly connected with the great [[Benedictine]] monastery of the same name, and is one of the largest and finest buildings of its kind in Denmark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.danishnet.com/info.php/travel/canute-cathedral-odense-352.html|title=Saint Canute's Cathedral (Sankt Knuds Kirke)|publisher=Danishnet.com|access-date=12 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odense-domkirke.dk/odense-cathedral-history|title=Odense Cathedral History|publisher=Odense Domsogn|access-date=12 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103023839/http://www.odense-domkirke.dk/odense-cathedral-history|archive-date=3 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Originally dating from 1081 to 1093, the church was rebuilt in the 13th century in brick in a pure [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style. Under the altar lies [[Canute the Saint of Denmark|Canute]]  (Danish: ''Knud''), the patron saint of Denmark<ref name="EB1911"/> and his brother on public display. A large fragment of [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] cloth is displayed next to the two skeletons. The cathedral also boasts one of Denmark's most remarkable altarpieces, a magnificent [[triptych]] by [[Claus Berg]]. Kings [[John, King of Denmark|Hans]] and [[Christian II of Denmark|Christian II]] are buried in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nordenskirker.dk/Tidligere/Sanktknud_kirke/Sanktknud_kirke.htm|title=Sankt Knuds kirke|publisher=Nordens kirker|access-date=29 June 2014|language=da|archive-date=6 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606091228/http://www.nordenskirker.dk/Tidligere/Sanktknud_kirke/Sanktknud_kirke.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[St. Alban's Church, Odense|St Alban's Church]], built in the [[Neogothic]] style and consecrated in 1908, is the Roman Catholic church of Odense. Its steeple is {{convert|54|m|abbr=on}} high.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sct-albani.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24&Itemid=6|title=History of the Church|publisher=Sct. Albani Kirke|access-date=29 June 2014 }}</ref> St Mary's Church (''Vor Frue Kirke'' or Our Lady's Church), built in the 13th century and restored in 1851–1852 and again in 1864, contains a carved 16th-century altarpiece by Claus Berg of [[Lübeck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nordenskirker.dk/Tidligere/Odenfrue_kirke/Odensfrue_kirke.htm|title=Odense Vor Frue kirke|publisher=Nordens kirker|access-date=29 June 2014|language=da|archive-date=31 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131100346/http://nordenskirker.dk/Tidligere/Odenfrue_kirke/Odensfrue_kirke.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Saint Hans Church|St John's Church]] (''Sankt Hans Kirke''), first mentioned in 1295, was built by the [[Knights Hospitaller]], also known as the Order of Saint John. Not much of the original building remains as it was rebuilt in 1636 and subsequently restored. Built of red brick with horizontal decorations on the chancel wall, it has large Gothic windows. The date of 1496 on one of the bells in the step-ribbed tower may well be the year the church was completed. The tower is adjacent to Odense Palace which was originally built as a monastery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scthans-kirke.dk/site/Information/Kirkebygningen/|title=Sct. Hans Kirke|publisher=Sct. Hans Kirke|access-date=29 June 2014|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715040700/http://www.scthans-kirke.dk/site/Information/Kirkebygningen/|archive-date=15 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Ansgars Church]] was the first church to be built in Odense since the Middle Ages. Completed in 1902, it was designed by [[Niels Jacobsen]] in the late [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style in red brick on granite foundations. The cross-shaped interior is complemented by a spired bell-tower, {{convert|45|m|abbr=on}} high.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/Odense_1589-1600.pdf|title=Angars Kirke|publisher=Danmarks Kirker, National Museet|access-date=30 June 2014|language=da|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714150330/http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/Odense_1589-1600.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Peace Church, Odense|Peace Church]] (''Fredenskirke'') consecrated in 1920 was so named in gratitude for the end of the [[First World War]]. The church was the work of [[Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint]] who went on to design Copenhagen's [[Grundtvig's Church]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fredens-kirke.dk/om-fredens-kirke|title=Om Fredens Kirke|publisher=Fredens Kirke|access-date=30 June 2014|language=da|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714230802/http://www.fredens-kirke.dk/om-fredens-kirke|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===City Hall===
[[File:Odense Rådhus 01.jpg|thumb|left|City Hall]]
Odense's [[Odense City Hall|City Hall]] (''Odense Rådhus''), with its medieval Italian look, was designed by [[Johan Daniel Herholdt]] and [[Carl Lendorf]] in the [[Historicism (art)|Historicist]] style. Completed in 1883, it combines red masonry with sandstone decorations, [[Crow-stepped gable|stepped gables]] and a saw-tooth course.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dac.dk/en/dac-life/danish-architecture-guide/odense/odense-city-hall/|title=Odense City Hall|publisher=DAC|access-date=3 July 2014}}</ref> It stands on the site of a smaller building from 1480.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitdenmark.co.uk/en-gb/denmark/odense-town-hall-gdk665035|title=Odense Town Hall|publisher=Visit Denmark}}</ref> In 1937 [[Bent Helveg-Møller]] won the competition for the building's enlargement. The tower over the main entrance was torn down in 1942 but was not rebuilt. As work was delayed during the war, the extension was not completed until 1955. In conjunction with Hans Christian Andersen's 200th anniversary in 2005, comprehensive renovation work was completed on the building's interiors, including the entrance halls, meeting rooms, banqueting hall and council chamber.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odenseleksikon.dk/bygningsvaerker/om%20odense%20raadhus|title=Odense Rådhus|publisher=Historiens Hus, Odense|access-date=3 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

===Palaces and theatres===
[[File:Denmark-odense palace.jpg|thumb|[[Odense Palace]]]]
[[File:Odense Teater (2006).jpg|thumb|[[Odense Theater]]]]

[[Odense Palace]]  was erected by Frederick IV, who died there in 1730. Now an administrative building, it stands on the site of ''Sankt Hans Kloster'', a 15th-century monastery which was transferred to the Crown in 1536.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/Danske_slotte_og_herreg%C3%A5rde/Odense_Slot|title=Odense Slot|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=10 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> The main white Baroque wing with 13 bays was designed by [[J.C. Krieger]] for Frederick IV and completed in 1723.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dac.dk/en/dac-life/danish-architecture-guide/odense/odense-palace/|title=Odense Palace}}</ref> Set in a park, the [[King's Garden (Odense)|King's Garden]] was constructed to a French design by [[Johan Cornelius Krieger]].<ref name=visitodense.com>{{cite web|title=Odense Castle|url=http://www.visitodense.com/ln-int/danmark/odense-castle-gdk665051|publisher=Visit Odense}}</ref>

[[Odense Teater]], first established in 1796, is Denmark's second oldest theatrical enterprise and one of the country's three main theatres. The original building was on Sortebrødre Torv was used until 1914 when a new building designed by Jacobsen was opened on Jernbanegade. It has three stages: ''Store Scene'',  ''Værkstedet'', and ''Foyerscenen''. The theatre also has stages in the former sugar factory ''Sukkerkogeriet'', where it runs the first drama school outside Copenhagen established in 1941.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Teater/Danske_teatre/Odense_Teater?highlight=odense%20teater|title=Odense Teater|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|date=17 April 2012 |access-date=10 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> It is notable in theatrical history for staging the première of [[Henrik Ibsen]]'s first contemporary realist drama ''[[The Pillars of Society]]'' on 14 November 1877.<ref>{{cite web|title=Facts about Pillars of Society|url=http://ibsen.nb.no/id/473.0|work=Ibsen.net|date=10 August 2001|first=Jens-Morten|last=Hanssen|access-date=10 July 2014}}</ref> [[Teater Momentum]] or Teater uden Ryglæn, publicly funded by the municipal government and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, is also of note. Established in 2005, it signs on a new director each year who is charged with creating the "volume" of the year with a set of plays and performers. It also puts on other cultural entertainment including concerts, debates, lectures and poetry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teatermomentum.dk/ofte-stillede-sporgsmal/|title=Ofte stillede spørgsmål|publisher=Teater uden Ryglæn|access-date=10 July 2014|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714170015/http://www.teatermomentum.dk/ofte-stillede-sporgsmal/|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Odense Symphony Orchestra]] (Odense Symfoniorkester), one of Denmark's five regional orchestras, was formally established in 1946. The orchestra is based in Odense Concert Hall, which was inaugurated in 1982. Most of the orchestra's concerts are given in the Carl Nielsen Hall, a seating capacity of 1,212 and a large 46-stops organ built by [[Marcussen & Son]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://odensesymfoni.dk/Webnodes/da/Web/Odense+Symfoniorkester/ENGLISH|title=Welcome to Odense Symphony Orchestra|publisher=Odensesymfoni.dk|access-date=12 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219110116/http://odensesymfoni.dk/Webnodes/da/Web/Odense%2BSymfoniorkester/ENGLISH|archive-date=19 February 2015}}</ref> First established in 1948, [[Funen Opera]] (''Den Fynske Opera'') was reopened in 1996 after a period of closure. It specializes in presenting contemporary operas in Danish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://denfynskeopera.dk/om-os/historie.aspx|title=Historie|publisher=Den Fynske Opera|access-date=29 January 2015|language=da|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826064830/http://denfynskeopera.dk/om-os/historie.aspx|archive-date=26 August 2014}}</ref>

===Hans Christian Andersen connections===
[[File:Hc-andersens-hus.jpg|thumb|left|Hans Christian Andersen's home]]
Remembered above all for his [[fairy tale]]s, Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense in 1805. It is thought his birthplace is the small yellow house on the corner of Hans Jensens Stræde and Bangs Boder in the old town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andersen.sdu.dk/liv/minibio/foedested_e.html|title=Birthplace|publisher=Hans Christian Andersen Center|access-date=2 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212752/http://www.andersen.sdu.dk/liv/minibio/foedested_e.html|archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> In 1908 the house was opened as the [[Hans Christian Andersen Museum]]. It documents his life from his childhood years as the son of a struggling shoemaker, to his schooling, career as an author, and later life, with artefacts providing an insight into his acquaintances and adventures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/hans-christian-andersen-museum/exhibitions|title=Hans Christian Andersen Museum|publisher=Odense City Museums|access-date=2 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218104322/http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/hans-christian-andersen-museum/exhibitions|archive-date=18 December 2013}}</ref> Andersen's childhood home<ref name=childhood-home /> is on Munkemøllestræde not far from the cathedral. He lived in the little half-timbered house from the age of two until he was 14. Opened as a museum in 1930, the house contains an exhibition of the cobbling tools used by his father and other items based on Andersen's own descriptions.<ref name=childhood-home >{{cite web|url=http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/hans-christian-andersens-childhood-home/hca-childhoodhome|title=Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home|publisher=Odense City Museums|access-date=2 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218104326/http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/hans-christian-andersens-childhood-home/hca-childhoodhome|archive-date=18 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Throughout the city there are numerous statues and sculptures representing characters from the stories of Hans Christian Andersen. They include the Steadfast Tin Soldier, the Mermaid, the Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep, the Toad, the Darning Needle, the Emperor's New Clothes, the Sea Horse, the Paper Boat, the Flying Trunk and the Wild Swans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitfyn.com/ln-int/funen/attractions/hans-christian-andersens-statues-odense|title=Hans Christian Andersen's statues in Odense|publisher=Visit Fyn|access-date=2 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152550/http://www.visitfyn.com/ln-int/funen/attractions/hans-christian-andersens-statues-odense|url-status=dead}}</ref> A statue of Andersen stands in ''Eventyrhaven'' (The Fairy Tale Park), beside the cathedral. Sculpted by [[Louis Hasselriis]] in 1888, it shows the storyteller with a book in his hand, ready to entertain onlookers with his fairy tales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://historiskatlas.dk/H._C._Andersen_%288153%29|title=H.C. Andersen|publisher=Historisk Atlas|access-date=2 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

===Museums===
[[File:denmark-odense-fynske landsby-scenery.jpg|thumb|right|Scene from [[The Funen Village]]]]
The museums in Odense are mainly governed by the [[Odense City Museums]], a department of the municipal government. [[Funen's Art Museum]] (Fyns Kunstmuseum), formerly The Museum of Funen Diocese, was one of Denmark's oldest art museums, dating to 1885. It contained the principal works by [[Jens Juel (painter)|Jens Juel]], [[Dankvart Dreyer]], [[P.S. Krøyer]] and [[H. A. Brendekilde]]. The museum is now closed and all works transferred to the [https://brandts.dk/ Kunstmuseum Brandts].The open-air [[The Funen Village]] museum (''Den Fynske Landsby'')  tries to emulate what country life was like in Denmark at the time of Andersen's life and contains houses of historical Odense. Another focus area is sustainability and circular economy and what that entailed in the 1800s.<ref>{{cite web |title=A village from Hans Christian Andersen's time |url=https://denfynskelandsby.dk/dk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218104324/http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/funen-village |archive-date=18 December 2013 |access-date=30 June 2014 |publisher=Museum.odense.dk}}</ref>

The [[Carl Nielsen Museum]] is dedicated to the life of [[Carl Nielsen]] and his wife, the sculptor [[Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen]]. It documents his life from his childhood in the town of Nr. Lyndelse, to his career and success on the European music scene, with his violins, his bugle and his grand piano on display, as well as a number of his musical scores, including six symphonies, three concertos, two operas, and chamber music and numerous songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/carl-nielsen-museum/the-carl-nielsen-museum |title=The Carl Nielsen Museum |publisher=Museum.odense.dk |access-date=30 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205734/http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/carl-nielsen-museum/the-carl-nielsen-museum |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref>

[[File:Odense-Moentergaarden.jpg|thumbnail|left|Møntergården]]
The [[Møntergården]] - now Museum TID - cultural history museum of Odense is one of the most notable remaining [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]] buildings of the city, built in 1646 by the nobleman [[Falk Gøye]]. It has many artefacts related to the early Viking history in Odense,{{sfn|Harding|2009|p=73}} and was named after the narrow street Møntestræde adjacent to the building, where a coin workshop once operated in around 1420.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/moentergaarden/buildings|title=Møntergården|publisher=Museum.odense.dk|access-date=28 June 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714190439/http://museum.odense.dk/en/museums/moentergaarden/buildings|url-status=dead}}</ref> Located in a courtyard of half-timbered houses, the museum also has exhibits on Funen's ancient history, as well as Odense in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.{{sfn|Bain|Booth|Parnell|2008|p=202}}

The [[Danish Railway Museum]] is the national [[railway museum]] of Denmark, the largest such museum in Scandinavia. It was established in 1975 in a former engine shed adjacent to the city's main railway station and has an area of over {{convert|10000|m}}, with some 50 locomotives and railway carriages on 20 rail tracks from all periods of Danish rail history. The oldest steam engine dates back to 1869.{{sfn|Baedeker|Press|1990|p=70}}

Kunstmuseum Brandts is situated in the old industrial quarter and showcases Danish and international art. Over the years it has housed various semi-permanent exhitions like the [[Brandts Museum of Photographic Art]], The Media Museum, and the classic collection from the former Fyns Kunstmuseum. It was founded on 13 September 1985 as part of the [[Brandts|Brandts International Centre for Art and Culture]] and opened its own exhibition space in 1987.{{sfn|Booth|2003|p=254}} 

[https://tidenssamling.dk/en/front-page/ Tidens Samling] (HANDS-ON Museum of fashion and interior 1900-1999) shows Danish design and fashion from the 20th century. Decade after decade you can walk through the recent past,´.

== Education ==
[[File:Knud holscher, KHR arkitekter, odense university.jpg|thumb|Odense University (1966) designed by [[Knud Holscher]] of KHR Arkitekter]]

===Odense University===
[[Odense University]], established by law in 1964, was the first of three new provincial universities created to relieve pressure on the universities of [[Copenhagen University|Copenhagen]] and [[Aarhus University|Aarhus]]. Teaching began in 1966. By the end of the 20th century, there were 11,000 students and some 5,000 employees. Before it became part of the [[University of Southern Denmark]] in 1998, it had four faculties covering arts, medicine, and natural and social sciences. The university building which opened in 1971 was designed by [[KHR Arkitekter]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Erhverv,_karriere_og_ledelse/P%C3%A6dagogik_og_uddannelse/Danske_universiteter/Odense_Universitet|title=Odense Universitet|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=5 June 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

===University of Southern Denmark===
[[File:The Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark.jpg|left|thumb|The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark's Odense Campus]]
The University of Southern Denmark (''Syddansk Universitet'') was established in 1998 as a merger of Odense University, the Southern Denmark Business School (''Handelshøjskole Syd''), the Southern Engineering School (''Ingeniørhøjskole Syd'') and the South Jutland University Centre (''Sydjysk Universitetscenter''). The main campus is in Odense but there are also departments in Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Kolding, Slagelse and Sønderborg. With some 26,000 students (2012), the establishment is Denmark's third largest university.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Erhverv,_karriere_og_ledelse/P%C3%A6dagogik_og_uddannelse/Danske_universiteter/Syddansk_Universitet?highlight=syddansk%20universitet|title=Syddansk Universitet|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=12 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> The Faculty of Engineering (''Det Tekniske Fakultet'') combines several institutions: ''Odense Maskinteknikum'' (a mechanical engineering college which was established in 1905 and in 1962 became the Southern Engineering School), the Mads Clausen Institute and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Erhverv%2c_karriere_og_ledelse/P%C3%A6dagogik_og_uddannelse/Danske_universiteter/Syddansk_Universitet/Det_Tekniske_Fakultet|title=Det Tekniske Fakultet|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=5 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

The Odense campus of the University of Southern Denmark is known to host all faculties and study programs at the same place, contrary to, for instance, [[University of Copenhagen]] where the institutes and disciplines have been spread out in the city. This, too, is reflected in the strategy of the university which stresses cross-disciplinary research. In 2024, [[University of Southern Denmark|The University of Southern Denmark]] campus and Nyt OUH – the new buildings for [[Odense University Hospital]] – will be physically connected to promote cooperations between the two institutions. The combined university and hospital will cover 500,000 square meters,<ref>{{Cite web |title=NytOUH/SDU |url=https://www.sdu.dk/da/nytouh-sdu |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=sdu |language=da}}</ref> making it one of the [[List of largest buildings|largest buildings]] in Europe.

===Other educational institutions===
[[File:University College Lillebaelt.jpg|thumb|University College Lillebælt, Odense]]
Odense also includes departments of the [[UCL University College]] headquartered in [[Vejle]]. The university is the result of a merger between several further education institutions on Funen and in [[Jelling]], Vejle and [[Svendborg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ucl.dk/om-os/generel-information/fortid-og-fremtid/historie/|title=UCL's historie|publisher=ucl.dk|access-date=5 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> UCL is currently undertaking comprehensive renovation of the buildings on Niels Bohrs Allé from the 1960s where it will concentrate its Odense interests. It intends to open University College Lillebælt Campus Odense in August 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.building-supply.dk/article/view/125345/stor_renovering_af_ingeniorhojskolen_i_odense#.U7fG47Hm4ZY|title=Stor renovering af ingeniørhøjskolen i Odense|author=Lars Dalsgaard Adolfsen|publisher=Building Supply|date=13 March 2014|access-date=5 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

Aimed at improving employment opportunities in business, the Lillebaelt Academy of Professional Higher Education (''Erhvervsakademiet Lillebælt'') was established in 2009 as a result of a merger between Tietgen Business College, SDE college, Kold College and Vejle Business College. In 2014, it had 3,200 students and a staff of 300. Its programmes are offered at various locations in Odense and Vejle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eal.dk/eal/site.aspx?p=810|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917204138/http://www.eal.dk/EAL/site.aspx?p=810|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 September 2011|title=About Lillebaelt Academy of Professional Higher Education|publisher=eal.dk|access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> Under the auspices of the municipality, the Odense School of Music (''Odense Musikskole'') offers educational courses with an emphasis on music to children and young people up to the age of 25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odensemusikskole.dk/topmenu/praktisk|title=Musik for alvor|publisher=Odense Musikskole|access-date=5 July 2014|language=da|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714130618/http://www.odensemusikskole.dk/topmenu/praktisk|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Kold College is a privately run institution offering vocational courses in food, agriculture and gardening. Founded in 2004, after a merger between Datum Tekniske Skole and Gartnerskolen Søhus, it changed its name to Kold College in 2008. It also offers secondary education courses in the natural sciences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koldcollege.dk/en-GB/Home.aspx|title=Welcome to Kold College|publisher=Kold College|access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> The college is named after [[Christen Mikkelsen Kold|Christen Kold]] who founded vocational schools on Funen in the mid-19th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koldcollege.dk/da-DK/Kold-college/Om-Kold-College/Virksomhedsgrundlag/Skolens-historie.aspx|title=Skolens historie|publisher=Kold College|access-date=5 July 2014|language=da|archive-date=15 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515032028/http://www.koldcollege.dk/da-DK/Kold-college/Om-Kold-College/Virksomhedsgrundlag/Skolens-historie.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Funen Art Academy]] is an independent, nationally recognized educational institution centrally located at the premises of Odense's first museum and former Funen Museum of Art. The academy offers a 5-year course in the visual arts, as well as various exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://detfynskekunstakademi.dk/en/history/| title= Funen Art Academy|publisher= Funen Art Academy| access-date= 5 March 2025}}</ref>

Odense is home to eight [[Gymnasium (Denmark)|gymnasium]]s (Grammar schools), 21 state [[grade school]]s as well as a number of [[private school]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odense.dk/topmenu/borger/familie%20boern%20og%20unge/skole|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001302/http://www.odense.dk/topmenu/borger/familie%20boern%20og%20unge/skole|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2014|title=Her kan du læse om de uddannelser, der er i Odense|publisher=Odense Kommune|access-date=5 July 2014|language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uuo.dk/download/Fri-ogPrivatskoleriOdenseKommune_2009070814350400_1106.pdf|title=Fri- og Privatskoler i Odense Kommune|publisher=UUO Ungdommens Uddannelsesvejledning Odense og Omegn|access-date=5 July 2014|language=da|archive-date=15 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715201004/http://www.uuo.dk/download/Fri-ogPrivatskoleriOdenseKommune_2009070814350400_1106.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Sports ==
[[File:Odense Stadion.JPG|thumb|[[Odense Stadium]] during a Superliga game between [[Odense Boldklub]] and [[Brøndby IF]] in 2008.]]
Odense's most important football clubs are [[Odense Boldklub]] (OB), [[BK Marienlyst]] (BM), [[Boldklubben 1909|B1909]], and [[Boldklubben 1913|B1913]].  OB has a history going back to 1887 when it was founded as ''Odense Kricketklub'' (Odense Cricket Club). It changed its name to Odense Boldklub in 1893 after football was included in its activities. The club has won three national championships, and five cup titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odense.dk/subsites5/historienshus/topmenu/topmenu%202/om%20odense/institutioner%20og%20foreninger/odense%20boldklub|title=Odense Boldklub|author=Johnny Wøllekær|publisher=Historiens Hus, Odense|access-date=5 July 2014|language=da|archive-date=15 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715001100/http://www.odense.dk/subsites5/historienshus/topmenu/topmenu%202/om%20odense/institutioner%20og%20foreninger/odense%20boldklub|url-status=dead}}</ref> The club play their home matches at [[Odense Stadium]], also known as Odense Stadion. BK Marienlyst, founded in 1922, are in the [[Danish 2nd Division]], and play their home matches at [[Marienlystcentret]], which has a capacity of 1,200.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/venues/denmark/marienlystcentret/v6654/|title=Marienlystcentret|publisher=Uk.soccerway.com|access-date=12 July 2011}}</ref> The club also has a notable volleyball team. [[RC Odense]] represents the city at [[Rugby union|rugby]] in combination with [[Lindø RSC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcodense.dk/nyheder/klubbens-nyheder/11-senior/55-lindo-odense-spiller-i-1-divisioni-2013|title=Rugby Club Odense|publisher=Rcodense.dk|access-date=12 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714174024/http://www.rcodense.dk/nyheder/klubbens-nyheder/11-senior/55-lindo-odense-spiller-i-1-divisioni-2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Odense Bulldogs]] are a professional [[ice hockey]] team based in Odense. They play in the top Danish League [[Metal Ligaen]], as the only team from Funen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bulldogs.dk/|title=Odense Bulldogs|publisher=bulldogs.dk|access-date=5 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> In tennis, [[Tennis Club Odense]] is located near the Odense River.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tennisclubodense.dk/|title=Forside|publisher=Tennis Club Odense|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> The country's largest tennis centre is due to open in Marienlyst in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fyens.dk/odense/Nyt-tenniscenter-klar-om-10-maaneder/artikel/2439682|title=Landets største tenniscenter vest for Storebælt: Første spadestik torsdag – åbner senere på året|newspaper=fyens.dk|access-date=6 July 2014|language=da}}</ref>

The [[H.C. Andersen Marathon]] is held annually in Odense.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mynextrun.com/h-c-andersen-marathon|title=Hans Christian Andersen Marathon|publisher=My Next Run|access-date=6 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161245/https://www.mynextrun.com/h-c-andersen-marathon|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> On [[Feast of the Ascension#Sunday observance|Ascension Sunday]], the locals participate in Eventyrløbet (the Fairy Tale Run) with circuits from 2.5 to 10&nbsp;km.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nysport.dk/eventyrlobet.aspx|title=Eventyrløbet|publisher=Ny Sport|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>
There are many smaller sports clubs in Odense covering athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, climbing, cycling, rowing, fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, jujitsu, karate, riding, roller-skating, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, yoga and wrestling as well as several specialising in facilities for people with disabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nysport.dk/sportsklubber-i-kommunen.aspx?pageid=168&mid=229&id=48|title=Sportsklubber i Odense Kommune|publisher=Ny Sport|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.odense-roklub.dk/|title=Odense Roklub|publisher=Odense Roklub |access-date=29 January 2024 |language=da}}</ref>

===Esports===
In early December 2017,<ref>[http://en.pro.eslgaming.com/csgo/proleague/s6-finals/   ESL Pro League CS:GO Season 6 Finals, 5-10 December 2017, Odense, Denmark] retrieved January 2018</ref> the [[ESL (company)|ESL]] Pro League Season 6 finals were held in the 4,000-seat [[Arena Fyn]]. The event would return to Odense for its Season 8 finals, won by the hometown heroes [[Astralis]], in December 2018. The season 10 offline finals of ESL Pro League were also held in the city.

== Transport ==
===Boat===
The [[Port of Odense]] consists of three main basins and a number of facilities along the canal, with quays measuring roughly {{convert|4200|m}} in length in total.{{sfn|Griffes|p=61}} Vessels up to a length of {{convert|160|m}} and a draft of {{convert|6.8|m}} are facilitated in the port. The wharf for tankers is situated outside the harbour on the southern side of the canal, with facilities for tankers, general cargo ships, bulk, and [[liquefied petroleum gas|LPG]] ships, and has a depth of {{convert|7.5|m}}.{{sfn|Griffes|p=61}}

===Great Belt Bridge===
Accessibility to Odense was greatly increased when the [[ferry]] service between the two main Danish islands, [[Zealand (Denmark)|Zealand]] and Funen, was replaced by the [[Great Belt Bridge]] – opened for rail traffic in 1997, for road traffic in 1998. When the bridge opened, it was the second longest [[suspension bridge]] in the world. Aarhus can be reached by train in 1 hour and 33 minutes while, thanks to the Great Belt Bridge, trains to [[Copenhagen]] can take as little as an hour and a quarter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dsb.dk/global/pdf/koereplaner/intercity/k14/intercity-internet-.pdf|title=Rejser med InterCity og InterCityLyn|publisher=DSB|access-date=6 July 2014|language=da|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714201110/http://www.dsb.dk/global/pdf/koereplaner/intercity/k14/intercity-internet-.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Rail, bus and tram===
[[File:Denmark-Odense Railroad Centre.jpg|thumb|left|[[Odense station|Odense Station]]]]
Odense's main railway station [[Odense station|Odense Station]] lies on the [[Copenhagen–Fredericia/Taulov Line|railway line between Copenhagen and Jutland]], Denmark's peninsular mainland. International trains connect the town with [[Hamburg]] in [[Germany]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raildude.com/en/odense/train-connections-city/l/10236|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212530/http://www.raildude.com/en/odense/train-connections-city/l/10236|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 July 2014|title=Train connections – Odense – Denmark|publisher=Raildude|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> Local and regional trains link Odense to the rest of Denmark. A separate passenger railway line, [[Svendborgbanen]], operates between Odense and Svendborg. Formerly, railways connected Odense to most of Funen's coastal cities, but these links were closed down in the 1950s and 1960s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.danskejernbaner.dk/|title=danskejernbaner.dk – Oversigt over danske jernbaner, stationer og deres historie|last=Danske Jernbaner|year=2008|language=da|access-date=2 February 2010}}</ref> Today, these regional routes are served by buses operated by the public company [[FynBus]], which also operates the town's municipal bus service, connecting the town's suburbs to the city centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fynbus.dk/|title=Fynbus|publisher=Fynbus|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> On 28 May 2022, [[Odense Letbane|Odense's new tram line]] entered service. A 14.5&nbsp;km double-track line runs from Tarup in the northwest to the station, Syddansk Universitet, a hospital, and Hjallese in the south, with 26 stops. Possible extensions are under consideration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/light-rail-and-tram/celebrations-as-odense-tramway-opens/61734.article?ID=z9xqh~9nxqzx~9x9tn~W4ik~Ky0gk|title=Celebrations as Odense tramway opens|publisher=Railway Gazette|access-date=1 June 2022}}</ref>

===Road===
By road, Odense connects to Zealand and Jutland with the Funen Motorway (''Fynske Motorvej''), a section of the [[European route E20|E20]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vejdirektoratet.dk/DA/viden_og_data/statens-veje/vejenes_historie/Sider/Fynske-Motorvej.aspx#.U7kbSrHm4ZY|title=Fynske Motorvej (E20) |publisher=Vejdirektoratet|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> and to Svendborg on the southern part of Funen by way of the Svendborg Motorway (''Svendborgmotorvejen''), which comprises the [[Danish national road 9]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vejdirektoratet.dk/DA/viden_og_data/statens-veje/vejenes_historie/Sider/Svendborgmotorvejen.aspx#.U7kaMbHm4ZY|title=Svendborgmotorvejen (rute 9)|publisher=Vejdirektoratet|access-date=6 July 2014|language=da|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202943/http://www.vejdirektoratet.dk/DA/viden_og_data/statens-veje/vejenes_historie/Sider/Svendborgmotorvejen.aspx#.U7kaMbHm4ZY|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other, smaller routes connect Odense to the rest of Funen, with direct links to all coastal towns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hvorligger.dk/vejkort-fyn-danmark.html|title=Vejkort over Fyn|publisher=Hvorligger.dk|access-date=6 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714141412/http://hvorligger.dk/vejkort-fyn-danmark.html|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2015 plannings were established on Denmark's first [[Diverging diamond interchange]] (DDI), called "Dynamisk Ruderanlæg", upgrading the [[diamond interchange]] number 52 on Fynske Motorvej (E20), crossing the roadways of Assensvej by following the American design of DDIs at {{coord|55.361287|N|10.344932|E|}}<ref>[http://www.vejdirektoratet.dk/DA/vejprojekter/TSA52/Sider/default.aspx ''Dynamisk Ruderanlæg - Odense SV''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023521/http://www.vejdirektoratet.dk/DA/vejprojekter/TSA52/Sider/default.aspx |date=17 November 2015 }}, published 23 July 2014, updated 1 June 2015</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://publisher.qbrick.com/Embed.aspx?mcid=FDF5B52C23A887EA&width=640&height=360 | title=Dynamisk Ruderanlæg | access-date=9 November 2017 | archive-date=20 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520133933/http://publisher.qbrick.com/Embed.aspx?mcid=FDF5B52C23A887EA&width=640&height=360 | url-status=dead }}</ref> On 17 September 2017, the redesigned interchange opened for traffic.<ref>Vejdirektoratettv: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doow9MoYsCg ''Køretur gennem det dynamiske ruderanlæg ved Odense I''], YouTube, 20 September 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.fyens.dk/article/3186026 ''Video: Første danske venstrekørsel: Sådan foregår det''], fyens.dk 18 September 2017</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL7Ns6HmEkI ''Ruderkryds''], fyens.dk, 18. September 2017</ref> Computer aided simulation and land usage resulted the DDI as the adequate solution.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dynamiske Ruderanlæg |title=Det Digitale Projektbibliotek, Aalborg Universitet |url=https://projekter.aau.dk/projekter/da/studentthesis/dynamiske-ruderanlaeg(a467971e-d70c-4212-8985-88a5e76de099).html |website=projekter.aau.dk |language=da}}</ref>

===Air===
Odense is served by [[Odense Airport]], which operates flights to tourist resorts, mainly in the summer months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hca-airport.dk/|title=Hans Christian Andersen Airport|publisher=hca-airport.dk|access-date=5 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

=== Cycling Initiatives in Odense ===
In 2016, the city of Odense, Denmark implemented a new form of technology to allow for more efficient bike travel. Often, when it is raining heavily, cyclists have had to sit in the rain for long periods of time at traffic lights, and this disincentives them to cycle to work that day. To fix this problem, Odense has placed [[rain sensor]]s in traffic lights along their super bike highways. These sensors interact with [[motion detector]]s which "allow the system to register when bikes are within 70 meters of the intersection."<ref>{{Cite web |website=www.cycling-embassy.dk |access-date=2023-09-14 |title=Rain makes the light go green for cyclists in the Danish city of Odense |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114075358/http://www.cycling-embassy.dk/2016/05/10/rain-means-green-light-cyclists-danish-city-odense/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2017 |url=http://www.cycling-embassy.dk/2016/05/10/rain-means-green-light-cyclists-danish-city-odense/}}</ref> They then automatically prolong the green light. The intersection includes a small sign that explains the system to the cyclists, and when a light goes on, they can see the system is functioning. This technology allows cyclists to experience up to 20 seconds longer of green light, and makes their overall journey more efficient, safer, and dryer.

The [[Cycling Embassy of Denmark]] is the organization spearheading this research and initiatives. While there is not much criticism due to the cycling culture that is already fairly prevalent in Odense, those who commute in cars would be naturally upset by the longer red lights. However, the embassy believes that there should not be too much pushback because of the [[Social equity|equity]] issue involved with being exposed to the rain versus being sheltered in a car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://stateofgreen.com/en/news/10-examples-of-green-mobility-in-cities/|title=10 Examples of Green Mobility in Cities}}</ref> It will also only be utilized up to 3 times a month.

This initiative does not only optimize the corridor flow and speed for cyclists, but reinforces the "[[green wave]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ramboll.com/ingenuity/how-its-and-technology-can-accelerate-making-cycling-about-people|title=How technology can accelerate making cycling about people|access-date=5 November 2019|archive-date=5 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105153917/https://ramboll.com/ingenuity/how-its-and-technology-can-accelerate-making-cycling-about-people|url-status=dead}}</ref> The green wave is known as the ability to cycle through several intersections without having to stop. This is the overall thought the Cycling Embassy had in installing rain sensors, as they hope to implement the technology in other intersections of the city, creating an efficient city-wide system of sustainable transit. Eventually, riding a bike will be easier than riding a car.

==Healthcare==
[[File:Denmark-Odense University Hospital-patient hotel.jpg|thumb |250px | [[Odense University Hospital]]]]
The [[Odense University Hospital]] (OUH), established in 1912,<ref name=histouh>{{cite web|url=http://www.ouh.dk/wm377341|title=Odense Universitetshospitals historie – kort fortalt|publisher=OUH|access-date=2 July 2014|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714214115/http://www.ouh.dk/wm377341|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> is of major regional importance, not only for healthcare, but for conducting research in collaboration with the Institute of Clinical Research of the University of Southern Denmark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ouh.dk/wm386081|title=Research|publisher=Odense University Hospital|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714185054/http://www.ouh.dk/wm386081|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> OUH is the largest hospital unit in Denmark and the largest employer in Odense, and as of 2006 it had 1200 beds and a staff of 7700 people, of which 1300 people were doctors. Today there are about 10,000 employees covering all fields of medicine.<ref name=histouh/> The hospital tower block is {{convert|57|m}} high, has 15 floors and is Odense's tallest building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/statistics/tallest-buildings-odense-denmark|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714234940/http://www.emporis.com/statistics/tallest-buildings-odense-denmark|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 July 2014|title=Odense's tallest buildings – Top 20|publisher=Emporis|access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref>  It is the principal hospital for the northern part of Funen but also takes patients from all over Denmark, as it has highly specialized units within hand replantation surgery and special neuro-radiological intervention.

The Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, part of the OUH, is the only paediatric department on the island of Funen, and also conducts research into nutrition and gastrointestinal diseases, asthma and allergies, hormonal diseases and others. As of 2013, the children's hospital had consisted of seven wards and had 377 employees, with about 10,000 admissions and 25,000 annual outpatient visits annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ouh.dk/wm409703|title=Hans Christian Andersen Children´s Hospital|publisher=Odense University Hospital|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714190859/http://www.ouh.dk/wm409703|url-status=dead}}</ref> A new DKK 6.3 billion hospital is under construction in closer proximity to the University of Southern Denmark, scheduled to be completed in 2018. The hospital will have a floor area of {{convert|212000|m2}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ouh.dk/wm386072|title=The New OUH|publisher=Odense University Hospital|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144731/http://www.ouh.dk/wm386072|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Odense is home to several other private hospitals, including Privathospitalet H. C. Andersen Klinikken,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hca-klinikken.dk/|title=Velkommen til Privathospitalet H. C. Andersen Klinikken|publisher=Hca-klinikken.dk|access-date=1 July 2014|language=da}}</ref> Privathospitalet Hunderup,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.privathospitalethunderup.dk/|title= Privathospitalet Hunderup|publisher=Privathospitalethunderup.dk|access-date=1 July 2014|language=da}}</ref> and Privathospitalet Mariahjemmet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mariahjemmet.dk/|title=Velkommen til Stiftelsen Mariahjemmets hjemmeside|publisher=Mariahjemmet.dk|access-date=1 July 2014|language=da|archive-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517203201/http://mariahjemmet.dk/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Media==
[[File:Denmark-Odense-Fyens Stiftstidende.jpg|thumb|The publishing house of ''[[Fyens Stiftstidende]]'']]
Odense is the centre for media activity on Funen, and the hub of the regional network. Its principal newspaper is ''[[Fyens Stiftstidende]]'', a daily broadsheet owned by [[Den Fynske Bladfond]] and published by [[Fyens Stiftstidende A/S]], which was established on 3 January 1772.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fyens.dk/koncernen|title=Fyens Stiftstidende Om Fyens Stiftstidende-koncernen|publisher=Fyens.dk|language=da|access-date=2 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813203220/http://www.fyens.dk/koncernen|archive-date=13 August 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Until 1841 the newspaper was known as ''Kongelig Priviligerede Odense Adresse-Contoirs Efterretninger'', and on 13 April 1993 the newspaper changed its 221-year-old tradition as a midday newspaper, to a morning paper. In 2013, it had an average circulation of 47,738, down from some 60,500 in 2005.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Samfund,_jura_og_politik/Massemedier/Medier_og_dagblade,_Danmark/Fyens_Stiftstidende|title=Fyens Stiftstidende|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> The editor in chief, [[Per Westergård]], chairs the board of the [[Centre for Journalism (University of Southern Denmark)|Centre for Journalism]] at the University of Southern Denmark, one of the two university journalism departments in Denmark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://danskemedier.dk/nyhed/publicistpris-til-per-westergard-fynske-medier/|title=Publicistpris til Per Westergård, Fynske Medier|publisher=Danske Medier|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mediawatch.dk/Navne/article5186992.ece|title=Per Westergård fylder 60 år|date=5 July 2012 |publisher=Media Watch|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref> Denmark's largest [[university press]], the [[University Press of Southern Denmark]], is also based in Odense. It was founded in 1966 as ''Odense University Press'' (''Odense Universitetsforlag''), and its authors are mainly academics from the University of Southern Denmark.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.universitypress.dk/shop/profile.html|title=Om Syddansk Universitetsforlag|publisher=Syddansk Universitetsforlag|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

The television station [[TV 2 (Denmark)|TV 2]], fully owned by the state since 2003, is based in Odense. The station began broadcasting on 1 October 1988 as a privately owned company, thereby ending the television monopoly previously exercised by the Danmarks Radio ([[DR (broadcaster)|DR]]).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Samfund,_jura_og_politik/Massemedier/Tv-stationer_og_institutioner,_danske/TV_2|title=TV2 |encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=6 July 2014 |language=da}} With 13 channels since 2013, the station now broadcasts over 40,000 hours per year.</ref> Since 2007, TV 2 has had about 1,000 employees. Now operating six channels, TV 2 now broadcasts over 40,000 hours of television programmes per year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://omtv2.tv2.dk/index.php?id=1300|title=25 år med TV 2|publisher=TV 2|access-date=6 July 2014|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714235457/http://omtv2.tv2.dk/index.php?id=1300|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Notable residents ==
* '''Note:''' ''Place of birth'' is shown for notables born in the wider [[Odense Municipality]]
[[File:Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester 2015.jpg|140px|thumb|Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, 2015]]

=== Nobility ===
* [[Canute IV of Denmark]] ({{circa}} 1042 – 1086), also known as ''Canute the Saint'' and ''Canute the Holy''
* [[Charles I, Count of Flanders]] (1084–1127), also known as ''Charles the Good'', son of [[Canute IV of Denmark]]
* [[Ludvig Rosenkrantz]] (1628–1685), noble, military officer and land owner; settled in Norway
* [[Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester]] (born 1946), wife of [[Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester]], a first cousin of [[Queen Elizabeth II]].

=== Public thought and politics ===
[[File:Niels-Helveg-Petersen.jpg|thumb|140px|Niels Helveg Petersen, 2008]]
* [[Jørgen Sadolin]] ({{circa|1490}}–1559), Danish [[Reformation in Denmark–Norway and Holstein|reformer]]
* [[Frants Berg]] (1504–1591), clergyman, rector in Odense 1581, [[Diocese of Oslo|Bishop of Oslo]] in 1548–1580
* [[Jacob B. Winslow]] (1669–1760), Danish-French anatomist
* [[Ida Falbe-Hansen]] (1849–1922), educator, philologist and women's activist
* [[Louise Winteler]] (1834–1926), headmistress, founder of the Louise Winteler girls school
* [[Anna Lohse]] (1866–1942), teacher and women's rights activist
* [[Lise Østergaard]] (1924–1996), psychologist and politician
* [[Niels Helveg Petersen]] (1939–2017), politician
* [[Bendt Bendtsen]] (born 1954), politician and [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]] in 2009–2019
* [[Lars Christian Lilleholt]] (born 1965), politician, former Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate
* [[Jeanette Varberg]] (born 1978), archaeologist, curator at the [[National Museum of Denmark]]

=== Arts ===
[[File:HCA by Thora Hallager 1869.jpg|140px|thumb|HC Andersen, 1869]]
[[File:Carl Nielsen.jpg|thumb|140px|Carl Nielsen, 1910]]
* [[Johan Frederik Schultz]] (1756–1817), book printer and publisher
* [[Wilhelm Bendz]] (1804–1832), painter of [[genre works]] and portraits
* [[Hans Christian Andersen]] (1805–1875), novelist, poet, fairy tale and short story writer
* [[Carl Frederik Aagaard]] (1833–1895), landscape painter and decorative artist
* [[Julius Paulsen]] (1860–1940), painter
* [[Carl Nielsen]] (1865 in Sortelung – 1931), composer, musician, conductor and violinist
* [[Holger Jacobsen]] (1876–1960), architect
* [[Bodil Kjer]] (1917–2003), actress
* [[Dagmar Orlamundt]] (1863–1939), actress
* [[Ove Sprogøe]] (1919–2004), actor
* [[Morten Grunwald]] (1934–2018), actor, stage director and theatre manager
* [[Kim Larsen]] (1945–2018), rock and pop musician
* [[Jens Galschiøt]] (born 1954), sculptor; moved to Odense in 1973
* [[Ulrich Thomsen]] (born 1963 in Næsby), actor
* [[Claes Bang]] (born 1967), actor and musician
* [[Trine Dyrholm]] (born 1972), actress, singer and songwriter
* [[Roland Møller]] (born 1972), actor
* [[Johan Kobborg]] (born 1972), ballet dancer, choreographer, director and visual artist
* [[MØ]] (born 1988 in Ubberud), singer-songwriter

=== Business ===
* [[Erich Erichsen]] (1752–1837), merchant and ship-owner
* [[Johan Frederik Schultz]] (1756–1817), book printer and publisher
* [[Carl Frederik Tietgen]] (1829–1901), [[industrialist]], financier and banker
* [[Niels Jacobsen]] (1865–1935), architect and politician, Chairman of [[The Lego Group]], worked and died in Odense
* [[Kurt Østervig]] (1912–1986), furniture designer

=== Sport ===
[[File:Helle Frederiksen 2.jpg|thumb|140px|Helle Frederiksen, 2009]]
[[File:Caroline Wozniacki (35449695422).jpg|140px|thumb|Caroline Wozniacki, 2017]]
* [[Edmund Hansen (cyclist)|Edmund Hansen]] (1900–1995), tandem cyclist, Olympic silver medalist
* [[Abraham Kurland]] (1912–1999), wrestler, Olympic silver medalist
* [[Jytte Hansen]] (1932–2015), breaststroke swimmer
* [[Ib Solvang Hansen]] (1934–1978), professional wrestler
* [[Richard Møller Nielsen]] (1937 in Ubberud – 2014), football player and manager
* [[John Danielsen]] (born 1939), footballer
* [[Ole Bjørnmose]] (1944 in Strib - 2006), footballer
* [[Lars Høgh]] (born 1959 - 2021), footballer
* [[Inger Pors Olsen]] (born 1966), rower
* [[Þorvaldur Örlygsson]] (born 1966), Icelandic footballer
* [[Anja Andersen]] (born 1969), handball player and coach, Olympic winner
* [[Niels Frederiksen]] (born 1970), football manager
* [[Thomas Helveg]] (born 1971), footballer
* [[Nicki Pedersen]] (born 1977), motorcycle speedway rider
* [[Allan Simonsen (racing driver)|Allan Simonsen]] (1978–2013), racing driver
* [[Stephan Mølvig]] (born 1979), rower, Olympic winner
* [[Lars Jacobsen]] (born 1979), footballer
* [[Hans Andersen (speedway rider)|Hans Andersen]] (born 1980), motorcycle speedway rider
* [[Helle Frederiksen]] (born 1981), triathlete
* [[Frederik Klokker]] (born 1983), cricketer
* [[Martin Damsbo]] (born 1985), [[compound archery]] competitor
* [[Rikke Møller Pedersen]] (born 1989), breaststroke swimmer, Olympic bronze medalist
* [[Caroline Wozniacki]] (born 1990), tennis player
* [[Viktor Axelsen]] (born 1994), badminton player, Olympic winner

== Twin towns – sister cities ==
[[Odense Municipality]] is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web|title=Principielle rammer for internationale indsatser|url=https://www.odense.dk/politik/politikker-og-visioner/strategier/internationale-indsatser|website=odense.dk|publisher=Odense Kommune|page=3|language=da|date=2022-10-04|access-date=2024-01-08|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207195352/https://www.odense.dk/politik/politikker-og-visioner/strategier/internationale-indsatser|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
<!--Brno, Katowice, Petah Tikva - twinning ended-->
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], United States
* {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Funabashi]], Japan
* {{flagicon|NED}} [[Groningen]], Netherlands
* {{flagicon|KOR}} [[Iksan]], South Korea
* {{flagicon|TUR}} [[İzmir]], Turkey
* {{flagicon|LTU}} [[Kaunas]], Lithuania
* {{flagicon|UKR}} [[Kyiv]], Ukraine
* {{flagicon|FRO}} [[Klaksvík Municipality|Klaksvík]], Faroe Islands
* {{flagicon|ISL}} [[Kópavogur]], Iceland
* {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Norrköping Municipality|Norrköping]], Sweden
* {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Östersund Municipality|Östersund]], Sweden
* {{flagicon|GER}} [[Schwerin]], Germany
* {{flagicon|CHN}} [[Shaoxing]], China
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[St Albans City and District|St Albans]], England, United Kingdom
* {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Tampere]], Finland
* {{flagicon|NOR}} [[Trondheim]], Norway
* {{flagicon|GRL}} [[Upernavik|Upernavik (Avannaata)]], Greenland
{{div col end}}

== See also ==
* [[Tourism in Denmark]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

'''Bibliography'''
* {{cite book |last1=Andersen |first1=Jesper H. |last2=Conley |first2=Daniel J. |date=30 May 2010 |title=Eutrophication in Coastal Ecosystems: Towards better understanding and management strategies |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DuQPkHc0Ah4C&pg=PA81 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-90-481-3385-7 }}
* {{cite book|last1=Bain|first1=Carolyn|last2=Booth|first2=Michael|last3=Parnell|first3=Fran|title=Denmark|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m_gT1lQpZEAC|year=2008|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74104-669-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Booth|first=Michael|title=Time Out Copenhagen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YnHyBkxpLMMC|date=1 January 2003|publisher=Penguin Group USA|isbn=978-0-14-100839-4}}
* {{cite book|last1=Baedeker|first1=Jarrold|last2=Press|first2=Jarrold|title=Baedeker's rail guide to Europe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wqZ8-DZ3qPwC|date=1 May 1990|publisher=Prentice Hall Pr.|isbn=978-0-13-055971-5}}
* {{cite book |author=Griffes |title=Baltic Sea (Southern Part) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QOl8ye28oAwC&pg=PA60 |publisher=ProStar Publications |isbn=978-1-57785-762-4 }}
* {{cite book |last=Harding |first=Paul |year=2009 |title=Scandinavian Europe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fULqNyVRakkC&pg=PA73 |publisher=Lonely Planet |isbn=978-1-74104-928-2 }}
* {{cite book |last=Larson |first=Laurence Marcellus |year=2014 |title=Canute the Great The Rise of Danish Imperialism during the Viking Age |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hytnAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT136 |publisher=Bookpubber }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{cite book |last=Lauridsen |first=John T. |year=2007 |title=Over stregen – under besættelsen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mh4wi5I5G_0C&pg=RA1-PT110 |publisher=Gyldendal A/S |language=da |isbn=978-87-02-05199-5 }}
* {{cite book |last=Renouf |first=Norman |year=2003 |title=Copenhagen and the Best of Denmark Alive! |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oABD-Tf4y8oC&pg=PT58 |publisher=Hunter Publishing |isbn=978-1-58843-355-8 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Thestrup |first1=Poul |last2=Andersen |first2=Dorrit |last3=Oxenvad |first3=Niels |year=1986 |title=Odense bys historie. Mod bedre tider. Odense 1789–1868 |trans-title=History of the city of Odense. Towards better times. Odense 1789–1868 |language=da |publisher=Odense Universitetsforlag |isbn=978-87-7492-610-8 }}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
{{Sister project links|Odense|voy=Odense}}
* [http://www.odense.dk The City of Odense] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023060713/http://www.odense.dk/ |date=23 October 2015 }}
* [http://www.fynbus.dk FynBus – Municipal and regional bus operator]
* {{Wikivoyage inline}}

{{Odense}}
{{Funen}}
{{Municipal seats of Denmark}}
{{30 most populous cities of Denmark}}
{{50 most populous urban settlements of Scandinavia}}
{{Hans Christian Andersen}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Odense| ]]
[[Category:Municipal seats of the Region of Southern Denmark]]
[[Category:Municipal seats of Denmark]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in the Region of Southern Denmark]]
[[Category:Viking Age populated places]]
[[Category:Hans Christian Andersen]]
[[Category:Populated places in Funen]]