Odense, Denmark.....The Land of Fairy -Tales and Happy People!

The trip to Odense was a long one; jet lag, time change, a crowded train, and missed meals.  At 16:00 on a Saturday the fairy-tale began. My friend and I arrived at the Odense train station from Malmo, Sweden with our luggage and no room reservations. Thank goodness for WI FI. We sat in a cafe at the train station with a cup of cappuccino and checked the lodging options on our phones. One hotel espeically caught our eyes, the quaint"Hotel Windsor" just a short walk from the train station.

A Danish couple guided us to the"Hotel Windsor."We got a comfortable room overlooking a quiet street. While my friend Frank was taking a short nap I went downstairs to the cozy dining room and enjoyed the complimentary snacks of carrots, celery, coconut cake and authentic danish pastries (wienerbrod). After a long journey it felt so wonderful to be in a friendly hotel that felt like a home away from home. We were in the land of Hans Christian Andersen. For it was in Odense that Hans Christian Andersen was born and spent his childhood.

                                       Danish pastries are the best in the world!

Our three days in beautiful Odense on the island of Funen were like the pages of a happy fairy-tale filled with treasures, surprises, and interesting people. We walked the cobblestone streets, visited the Hans Christian Andersen home and museum, spent time at the Odense Zoo, mingled with locals in the quaint shops and at remarkable cafes and restaurants. We rode the local train through small villages and spent time by the sea. We wrote poetry, listened to music, and made friends. Oh how we loved Odense. In the three days we were there all our troubles and worries melted away and we left Odense happy and hopeful.

                                           Irresistable Danish chocolates!

                                                       Sitting in the library at "Hotel Windsor"

HYGGE is what the Danish practice and that's why they're considered some of the happiest people in the world. What is HYGGE? It's a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being and regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture. Denmark is filled with delightful and idyllic cities, towns, and villages but ODENSE has a way of captivating its visitors. Afterall it's where Hans Christian Andersen is from.

Where to Stay:

                                                 Milling, Hotel Windsor is a classic hotel

Astruplund-Bed and Breakfast; restored old farmhouse, big garden, near the woods with a relaxed atmosphere.

Milling, Hotel WIndsor; lovely hotel that's close to everything, bountiful breakfast buffet, 24 hour complmentary beverage machine, and tidy rooms.

Radisson Blu H.C. Andersen's Hotel; stylish 4 star hotel, free tea and coffee in the lobby and just steps away from Hans Christian Andersen Museum.


Where to Eat:

                                          Arkaden Food Market


Arkaden Food Market;ultimate place to get international food from 22 different stalls Experience foods from around the world in a state of the art setting.  Staff offer samples of certain dishes to try before ordering.

Klosterkroen; come here for classic and tradtional Danish cuisine.

Mmoks; traditional Nordic food with one of a kind dishes. Food is meant for sharing to try the different unique dishes. Extensive wine list available.

Under Lindetraeet; Situated in a building constructed in 1771 that takes you back in time. Staff is hospitable and the food marvelous. Lovely outdoor seating overlooking Hans Christian Andersen house.

Where to Shop:

There are countless quaint shops that beckon but my favorite is MAGASIN. It's one of Denmark's oldest department stores and everything you can imagine is under one roof. It's actually a British born retailer. Excellent service and a dream place to shop. I got a wonderful discount on a pair of toasty warm boots since I was an international traveler.

ODENSE is Denmark's third largest city but it doesn't feel big or intimidating. It's ideal to bicycle and walk through. In fact the Danish ride their bicycles more than they drive a vehicle. Walking is my favorite though because it gives you moments to be still and really take in all the treasures. Hans Christian Andersen is one of the most beloved writers in the world and one can feel his presence throughout Odense. Within close proximity to Odense is the mesmerizing sea and the vibrant city of Copenhagen. Live a fairy-tale in ODENSE,DENMARK and see why Denmark has some of the happiest people on earth.

                                              Unwind in Odense and take in the storybook setting!