Odense
Encyclopedia
The city of Odense (ˈoðˀn̩sə) is the third largest city in Denmark
.
Odense City has a population of 167,615 and is the main city of the island of Funen
. It is the seat of Odense Municipality
with a population of 190,245 and was the seat of Odense County
until 1970, and Funen County
from 1970 until 1 January 2007, when the county became part of Region of Southern Denmark.
Odense (from Odins Vé
, meaning "Odin's shrine", referring to the god Odin
of Denmark's indigenous Norse mythology
), is one of the oldest cities of Denmark and had its 1000th anniversary in 1988. To celebrate this, a forest named "the Thousand Year Forest" (Danish: Tusindårsskoven) was cultivated. The shrine of Saint Canute
in Saint Canute's Cathedral
held great attraction for pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages
.
In the 16th century, the town was the meeting-place of several parliaments, and down to 1805 it was the seat of the provincial assembly of Funen
.
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
. Odinstårnet was blown up by a Danish Nazi group in 1944 and has never been rebuilt. However, a miniature model of it now stands in the residential area Odinsparken in the area where the original tower was.
Until the beginning of the Danish industrial revolution, Odense was also the 2nd largest city in modern Denmark, but has in recent times been overtaken by Aarhus
.
Several large industries are located in or near Odense. Denmark's largest shipyard, Odense Steel Shipyard
owned by the A.P. Møller-Mærsk Group
is in the neighbouring town Munkebo
. The biggest sales auction of vegetables, fruits and flowers (GASA
) in Denmark is situated here. The Albani Brewery
brews the local Odense Pilsner
amongst others.
The commercial national television company TV 2
is based in Odense.
In the south-eastern part of Odense the Rosengårdcentret shopping mall is located. The mall dates from 1971 and is one of the largest in Denmark with 100,000 m2 of commercially used area and 153 stores.
Odense is the commercial hub of Funen, its retail businesses serve the surrounding cities. The city center houses a shopping district with diverse stores.
The city's central location in Denmark makes it one of the national convention and congress centers.
is located in Odense. A branch of University College Lillebaelt
can also be found in Odense. Odense is home to 8 Gymnasium
s (Grammar schools), a business school
, a vocational school
, 21 state grade schools as well as a number of private school
s.
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. It is constructed of brick in a pure Gothic style. Originally dating from 1081–1093, it was rebuilt in the 13th century. Under the altar lies Canute (Danish: Knud), the patron saint of Denmark, who had planned to conquer England, then ruled by William of Normandy. Canute was slain in an insurrection at Odense in 1086. Odense is also the see of the bishop
of Funen. The cathedral has the skeleton
s of both the Saint/King and his brother on public display. A large fragment of Byzantine
cloth is displayed next to the two skeletons. The cathedral also boasts one of Denmark's finest altarpieces, a magnificent triptych
by Claus Berg. Kings John and Christian II
are buried in the city.
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
.
Odense Palace was erected by King Frederick IV
, who died there in 1730.
There is a theatre as well as a symphony orchestra, a zoo, and the Funen Village
(Den Fynske Landsby) which is an open-air museum with old houses typical of Funen.
The City Hall has a small scar from a battle between Germans and members of the Danish Resistance on 5 May 1945. The city's coat of arms – located above the main entrance to City Hall – is damaged. On closer inspection, it can be seen that the kneecap of Saint Canute
was penetrated by a bullet.
The 4 most visited attractions in 2007 were:
1. Odense Zoo – 420,254 visitors
2. The Funen Village – 105,040 visitors
3. Danish Railway museum – 97,759 visitors
4. H.C. Andersen's House – 80,622 visitors
Other attractions:
on the Odense River
(Odense Å). A 7.5 metre (25 ft) deep canal, dug from 1796 to 1806, gives access to the town's harbour from the fjord.
By road, Odense connects to Zealand and Jutland by way of the Funish Motorway (Fynske Motorvej), a section of the E20
, and to Svendborg
on the southern part of Funen by way of the Svendborg Motorway (Svendborgmotorvejen), which comprises the Danish route 9. Other, smaller routes connect Odense to the rest of Funen, with direct links to all coastal towns.
Odense's main railway station Odense station
lies on the line between Copenhagen
and Jutland
, the peninsular mainland. International trains connect the town with Sweden and mainland Europe, i.e. Stockholm
. SJ
has a direct X2000
train to Stockholm daily,taking 7 hours to the capital city of Sweden
. Local and regional trains link Odense to the rest of Denmark. A separate passenger railway (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. Today, these regional routes are served by bus
es operated by the public company FynBus, which also operates the town's municipal bus service, connecting the town's suburbs to the city centre.
Accessibility to Odense was greatly increased when the ferry
service between the two main Danish islands, Zealand and Funen
, was replaced by the Great Belt Bridge – opened in 1997 for rail traffic, 1998 for road traffic. When the bridge opened, it was the second longest suspension bridge
in the world. Its construction greatly cut transportation time between Odense and the Danish capital, Copenhagen
. Copenhagen can now be reached by trains from Odense in 1 hour and 15 minutes and Aarhus
in 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Odense is served by Odense Airport
, which operates regular flights only during the summer months.
, FC FYN
, B1909
and B1913
.
The H.C. Andersen Marathon
and Eventyrløbet is held annually in Odense.
of 611 per km2 (2005 figures from Helsingin Seudun Aluesarjat).
The population of Odense city, as at 1 January 1 of each year, according to Danmarks Statistik:
, Lithuania
Klaksvík
, Faroe Islands
, Sisimiut
, Greenland
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
.
Odense City has a population of 167,615 and is the main city of the island of Funen
Funen
Funen , with a size of 2,984 km² , is the third-largest island of Denmark following Zealand and Vendsyssel-Thy, and the 163rd largest island of the world. Funen is located in the central part of the country and has a population of 454,358 inhabitants . The main city is Odense, connected to the...
. It is the seat of Odense Municipality
Odense Municipality
Odense Municipality, is a Danish municipality in Region of Southern Denmark on the island of Funen in central Denmark. The municipality covers an area of , and has a total population of 190,245...
with a population of 190,245 and was the seat of Odense County
Odense County
Odense County is a former province in Denmark, located on the northern half of the island of Funen in central Denmark. Odense County was established in 1806 and abolished in 1970 when it merged with Svendborg County forming the new Funen County....
until 1970, and Funen County
Funen County
Fyns Amt is a former county in central Denmark, comprising the islands of Funen, Langeland, Tåsinge, Ærø, and approximately 90 other islands, of which only 25 are inhabited. The county was formed on 1 April 1970, comprising the former counties of Odense and Svendborg. The county was abolished...
from 1970 until 1 January 2007, when the county became part of Region of Southern Denmark.
History
- For the Catholic ecclesiastical history, see Roman Catholic bishopric of OdenseRoman Catholic bishopric of OdenseThe former Roman Catholic bishopric of Odense was a bishopric on the Danish islands that included the islands of Funen , Langeland, Tåsinge, Lolland, Falster, Als and Ærø. The diocese was disputed as suffragan between the archdioceses of Hamburg-Bremen and Canterbury...
Odense (from Odins Vé
Vé (shrine)
In Germanic paganism, a vé or wēoh is a type of shrine or sacred enclosure. The term appears in skaldic poetry and in place names in Scandinavia , often in connection with a Norse deity or a geographic feature. The name of the Norse god Vé, refers to the practice...
, meaning "Odin's shrine", referring to the god Odin
Odin
Odin is a major god in Norse mythology and the ruler of Asgard. Homologous with the Anglo-Saxon "Wōden" and the Old High German "Wotan", the name is descended from Proto-Germanic "*Wodanaz" or "*Wōđanaz"....
of Denmark's indigenous Norse mythology
Norse mythology
Norse mythology, a subset of Germanic mythology, is the overall term for the myths, legends and beliefs about supernatural beings of Norse pagans. It flourished prior to the Christianization of Scandinavia, during the Early Middle Ages, and passed into Nordic folklore, with some aspects surviving...
), is one of the oldest cities of Denmark and had its 1000th anniversary in 1988. To celebrate this, a forest named "the Thousand Year Forest" (Danish: Tusindårsskoven) was cultivated. The shrine of Saint Canute
Canute IV of Denmark
Canute IV, later known as Canute the Holy or Canute the Saint , was King of Denmark from 1080 until 1086. Canute was an ambitious king who sought to strengthen the Danish monarchy, devotedly supported the Roman Catholic Church, and had designs on the English throne. Slain by rebels in 1086, he was...
in Saint Canute's Cathedral
Saint Canute's Cathedral
St. Canute's Cathedral , also known as Odense Cathedral, is named after the Danish king Canute the Saint , otherwise Canute IV. It is a fine example of Brick Gothic architecture. The church's most visited section is the crypt where the remains of Canute and his brother Benedict are on display.-...
held great attraction for pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
.
In the 16th century, the town was the meeting-place of several parliaments, and down to 1805 it was the seat of the provincial assembly of Funen
Funen
Funen , with a size of 2,984 km² , is the third-largest island of Denmark following Zealand and Vendsyssel-Thy, and the 163rd largest island of the world. Funen is located in the central part of the country and has a population of 454,358 inhabitants . The main city is Odense, connected to the...
.
Odense's most famous landmark was Odinstårnet
Odinstårnet
Odinstårnet was an observation tower located on Bolbro Bakke in Odense, Denmark. The tower, 177 metres tall, was built in 1934-35 using spare materials from the construction of the first Little Belt Bridge and opened on 29 May 1935. It was the second tallest tower in Europe, surpassed only by...
(The Odin Tower) constructed in 1935, as the second-tallest tower in Europe, only surpassed by the Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a puddle iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Built in 1889, it has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world...
. Odinstårnet was blown up by a Danish Nazi group in 1944 and has never been rebuilt. However, a miniature model of it now stands in the residential area Odinsparken in the area where the original tower was.
Until the beginning of the Danish industrial revolution, Odense was also the 2nd largest city in modern Denmark, but has in recent times been overtaken by Aarhus
Aarhus
Aarhus or Århus is the second-largest city in Denmark. The principal port of Denmark, Aarhus is on the east side of the peninsula of Jutland in the geographical center of Denmark...
.
Business
Odense Steel Shipyard
Odense Steel Shipyard located in Odense, Denmark was constructed in 1918–1919 by the A.P. Møller company and will be closed sometime in 2012. A new yard with bigger and better facilities was constructed 1957–1959 on a new site located in Munkebo a few kilometres outside of Odense proper...
owned by the A.P. Møller-Mærsk Group
A.P. Moller-Maersk Group
A.P. Moller – Maersk Group , also known as Maersk , is a Danish business conglomerate. A.P. Moller – Maersk Group has activities in a variety of business sectors, primarily within the transportation and energy sectors. It is the largest container ship operator and supply vessel operator in the...
is in the neighbouring town Munkebo
Munkebo
Munkebo is a town in central Denmark, located in Kerteminde municipality, Region of Southern Denmark on the island of Funen.It was also the site of the municipal council of the abolished Munkebo municipality....
. The biggest sales auction of vegetables, fruits and flowers (GASA
Gasa
Gasa may refer to:* Gasa District, Bhutan and the district capital town of Gasa, Bhutan* Gasa Medina, Misamis Oriental, Philippines* Gasa Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines*Gasa , a form of Korean classical poetry...
) in Denmark is situated here. The Albani Brewery
Albani Brewery
Albani Bryggerierne A/S is a brewery located in Odense, Denmark, and the vast majority of its customers live on the island of Funen. The brewery was founded by MPharm Theodor Schiøtz in 1859...
brews the local Odense Pilsner
Pilsener
Pilsner is a type of pale lager. It takes its name from the city of Pilsen , Bohemia, in today's Czech Republic, where it has been developed since 1842, when a bottom-fermented beer was first produced. The original Pilsner Urquell beer is produced there today.-Origin:Until the mid-1840s, most ...
amongst others.
The commercial national television company TV 2
TV 2 (Denmark)
TV 2 is a publicly owned television station in Denmark based in Odense. The station began broadcasting on 1 October 1988, thereby ending the television monopoly previously exercised by the Danmarks Radio ....
is based in Odense.
In the south-eastern part of Odense the Rosengårdcentret shopping mall is located. The mall dates from 1971 and is one of the largest in Denmark with 100,000 m2 of commercially used area and 153 stores.
Odense is the commercial hub of Funen, its retail businesses serve the surrounding cities. The city center houses a shopping district with diverse stores.
The city's central location in Denmark makes it one of the national convention and congress centers.
Education
The main campus of the University of Southern DenmarkUniversity of Southern Denmark
The University of Southern Denmark, with campuses located in the southwestern part of Denmark - i.e. Funen, Southern Jutland and Sealand - is a research and educational institution with deep regional roots and an international outlook. Reaching even further south, the university offers a number of...
is located in Odense. A branch of University College Lillebaelt
University College Lillebaelt
University College Lillebaelt is one of eight new regional organizations of different study sites in Denmark offering bachelor courses of all kinds in the southwest part of Denmark...
can also be found in Odense. Odense is home to 8 Gymnasium
Gymnasium (Denmark)
The Danish Gymnasium offers a 3-year general academically-oriented upper secondary programme which builds on the 9th-10th form of the Folkeskole and leads to the upper secondary school exit examination...
s (Grammar schools), a business school
Business school
A business school is a university-level institution that confers degrees in Business Administration. It teaches topics such as accounting, administration, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, marketing, organizational behavior, public relations, strategy, human resource...
, a vocational school
Vocational school
A vocational school , providing vocational education, is a school in which students are taught the skills needed to perform a particular job...
, 21 state grade schools as well as a number of private school
Private school
Private schools, also known as independent schools or nonstate schools, are not administered by local, state or national governments; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students' tuition, rather than relying on mandatory...
s.
Tourist attractions
Saint Canute's CathedralSaint Canute's Cathedral
St. Canute's Cathedral , also known as Odense Cathedral, is named after the Danish king Canute the Saint , otherwise Canute IV. It is a fine example of Brick Gothic architecture. The church's most visited section is the crypt where the remains of Canute and his brother Benedict are on display.-...
was formerly connected with the great Benedictine
Benedictine
Benedictine refers to the spirituality and consecrated life in accordance with the Rule of St Benedict, written by Benedict of Nursia in the sixth century for the cenobitic communities he founded in central Italy. The most notable of these is Monte Cassino, the first monastery founded by Benedict...
monastery of the same name, and is one of the largest and finest buildings of its kind in Denmark. It is constructed of brick in a pure Gothic style. Originally dating from 1081–1093, it was rebuilt in the 13th century. Under the altar lies Canute (Danish: Knud), the patron saint of Denmark, who had planned to conquer England, then ruled by William of Normandy. Canute was slain in an insurrection at Odense in 1086. Odense is also the see of the bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of Funen. The cathedral has the skeleton
Skeleton
The skeleton is the body part that forms the supporting structure of an organism. There are two different skeletal types: the exoskeleton, which is the stable outer shell of an organism, and the endoskeleton, which forms the support structure inside the body.In a figurative sense, skeleton can...
s of both the Saint/King and his brother on public display. A large fragment of Byzantine
Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire during the periods of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, centred on the capital of Constantinople. Known simply as the Roman Empire or Romania to its inhabitants and neighbours, the Empire was the direct continuation of the Ancient Roman State...
cloth is displayed next to the two skeletons. The cathedral also boasts one of Denmark's finest altarpieces, a magnificent triptych
Triptych
A triptych , from tri-= "three" + ptysso= "to fold") is a work of art which is divided into three sections, or three carved panels which are hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open. It is therefore a type of polyptych, the term for all multi-panel works...
by Claus Berg. Kings John and Christian II
Christian II of Denmark
Christian II was King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden , during the Kalmar Union.-Background:...
are buried in the city.
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
Lübeck
The Hanseatic City of Lübeck is the second-largest city in Schleswig-Holstein, in northern Germany, and one of the major ports of Germany. It was for several centuries the "capital" of the Hanseatic League and, because of its Brick Gothic architectural heritage, is listed by UNESCO as a World...
.
Odense Palace was erected by King Frederick IV
Frederick IV of Denmark
Frederick IV was the king of Denmark and Norway from 1699 until his death. Frederick was the son of King Christian V of Denmark and Norway and Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel .-Foreign affairs:...
, who died there in 1730.
There is a theatre as well as a symphony orchestra, a zoo, and the Funen Village
The Funen Village
The Funen Village is a Danish open air museum located in the Fruens Bøge district of Odense. It features 25 buildings from Funish villages, most of which date to the 18th and 19th century....
(Den Fynske Landsby) which is an open-air museum with old houses typical of Funen.
The City Hall has a small scar from a battle between Germans and members of the Danish Resistance on 5 May 1945. The city's coat of arms – located above the main entrance to City Hall – is damaged. On closer inspection, it can be seen that the kneecap of Saint Canute
Canute IV of Denmark
Canute IV, later known as Canute the Holy or Canute the Saint , was King of Denmark from 1080 until 1086. Canute was an ambitious king who sought to strengthen the Danish monarchy, devotedly supported the Roman Catholic Church, and had designs on the English throne. Slain by rebels in 1086, he was...
was penetrated by a bullet.
The 4 most visited attractions in 2007 were:
1. Odense Zoo – 420,254 visitors
2. The Funen Village – 105,040 visitors
3. Danish Railway museum – 97,759 visitors
4. H.C. Andersen's House – 80,622 visitors
Other attractions:
- Odense City MuseumsOdense City MuseumsOdense City Museums is a department in City and Culture administration , which again is a department in Odense municipality administration. It runs and administers all museums in Odense municipality....
- Hans Christian Andersen Museum
- Hans Christian Andersen's House
- The Funen VillageThe Funen VillageThe Funen Village is a Danish open air museum located in the Fruens Bøge district of Odense. It features 25 buildings from Funish villages, most of which date to the 18th and 19th century....
- Odense Theatre
- Odense FjordOdense FjordOdense Fjord is a 13 km long fjord on the northern part of the Danish island of Funen.It covers an area of about 63 km².- Geography :The city of Odense is connected with the fjord through the Odense Canal. The Odense River ends in the fjord at Stige and Seden.The main islands in the fjord are...
- Churches & Cathedrals
- Saint Knud's CathedralSaint Canute's CathedralSt. Canute's Cathedral , also known as Odense Cathedral, is named after the Danish king Canute the Saint , otherwise Canute IV. It is a fine example of Brick Gothic architecture. The church's most visited section is the crypt where the remains of Canute and his brother Benedict are on display.-...
- Saint Albani ChurchSt. Alban's Church, OdenseSt. Alban's Church is the Roman Catholic parish church of Odense, Denmark. It should not be confused with the medieval church of St. Alban's Priory where King Canute IV was murdered in 1086, and which was later replaced with St...
- Vor Frue Church
- Saint Hans ChurchSaint Hans ChurchSaint Hans Church is a church in Odense, DenmarkThe church has a three manual Marcussen organ used by Kevin Bowyer to record the complete organ works of Bach for Nimbus Records....
- Saint Knud's Cathedral
- Odense Zoo
- Odense Central Library
- Odense Sportspark
- University of Southern DenmarkUniversity of Southern DenmarkThe University of Southern Denmark, with campuses located in the southwestern part of Denmark - i.e. Funen, Southern Jutland and Sealand - is a research and educational institution with deep regional roots and an international outlook. Reaching even further south, the university offers a number of...
previously known as Odense UniversityOdense UniversityOdense University, now Syddansk Universitet Odense , has been part of the University of Southern Denmark since 1998 of which it forms the biggest campus. It is the university of Odense, Denmark's third largest city, and the island of Funen. When abbreviated, the university motto becomes FIONIA, the... - Odense Symphony Orchestra
- Odense Music School
- Danish Railway MuseumDanish Railway MuseumThe Danish Railway Museum is the national railway museum of Denmark, located in the city of Odense. Established in 1975, it is situated in a former engine shed adjacent to the city's main railway station...
- NonnebakkenNonnebakkenNonnebakken is a hill in Odense, Denmark. It is the site of one of Denmark's six former Viking ring castles, built during the reign of Sweyn Forkbeard, who had forced his father Harold Bluetooth to leave the country and seek refuge by the Jomsvikings on Wollin around 975...
- Teater MomentumTeater MomentumTeater Momentum is a small theatre in Odense, Denmark.Its location is at Ny Vestergade 18. The theatre itself was established in 2005 and it only features shows which are under the branch of modern drama. Teater Momentum receives public funding from the municipality of Odense and the Ministry of...
Transport
The city lies close to Odense FjordOdense Fjord
Odense Fjord is a 13 km long fjord on the northern part of the Danish island of Funen.It covers an area of about 63 km².- Geography :The city of Odense is connected with the fjord through the Odense Canal. The Odense River ends in the fjord at Stige and Seden.The main islands in the fjord are...
on the Odense River
Odense River
The Odense River is a river located on the island of Funen, in central Denmark. It is about 60 kilometers long and is named after the Funish capital, Odense, which it passes through. Boats can be rented by the river, offering a scenic ride to Fruens Bøge...
(Odense Å). A 7.5 metre (25 ft) deep canal, dug from 1796 to 1806, gives access to the town's harbour from the fjord.
By road, Odense connects to Zealand and Jutland by way of the Funish Motorway (Fynske Motorvej), a section of the E20
European route E20
The European route E 20 is part of the United Nations International E-road network.It runs roughly west-east through Ireland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and finally Russia. The length is . The road is not continuous, at three points, a sea crossing is required. ...
, and to Svendborg
Svendborg
Svendborg is a town on the island of Funen in south-central Denmark. The town is in Svendborg municipality . Svendborg is the second-largest city on Funen and has a population of 27,009 ....
on the southern part of Funen by way of the Svendborg Motorway (Svendborgmotorvejen), which comprises the Danish route 9. Other, smaller routes connect Odense to the rest of Funen, with direct links to all coastal towns.
Odense's main railway station Odense station
Odense station
Odense Station is the main railway station of the city of Odense, Denmark. Situated as a major station on the Copenhagen–Fredericia/Taulov line, it is also a terminus for Svendborgbanen....
lies on the line between Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region...
and Jutland
Jutland
Jutland , historically also called Cimbria, is the name of the peninsula that juts out in Northern Europe toward the rest of Scandinavia, forming the mainland part of Denmark. It has the North Sea to its west, Kattegat and Skagerrak to its north, the Baltic Sea to its east, and the Danish–German...
, the peninsular mainland. International trains connect the town with Sweden and mainland Europe, i.e. Stockholm
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
. SJ
Statens Järnvägar
The Swedish State Railways or SJ, originally the Royal Railway Board , is a former government agency responsible for operating the state railways in Sweden....
has a direct X2000
X 2000
X 2000 is the brand name of Sweden's tilting 200 km/h high-speed train class X2, which was constructed by Kalmar Verkstad in Kalmar, Sweden and operated by SJ. It was launched in 1990 as a first-class only train with a meal included in the ticket price, and free use of the train's fax machine...
train to Stockholm daily,taking 7 hours to the capital city of Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
. Local and regional trains link Odense to the rest of Denmark. A separate passenger railway (Svendborgbanen
Svendborgbanen
Svendborgbanen is the Danish railway line between Odense and Svendborg. The line was opened on 12 July 1876.- External links :* from Banedanmark...
) 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. Today, these regional routes are served by bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
es operated by the public company FynBus, which also operates the town's municipal bus service, connecting the town's suburbs to the city centre.
Accessibility to Odense was greatly increased when the ferry
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
service between the two main Danish islands, Zealand and Funen
Funen
Funen , with a size of 2,984 km² , is the third-largest island of Denmark following Zealand and Vendsyssel-Thy, and the 163rd largest island of the world. Funen is located in the central part of the country and has a population of 454,358 inhabitants . The main city is Odense, connected to the...
, was replaced by the Great Belt Bridge – opened in 1997 for rail traffic, 1998 for road traffic. When the bridge opened, it was the second longest suspension bridge
Suspension bridge
A suspension bridge is a type of bridge in which the deck is hung below suspension cables on vertical suspenders. Outside Tibet and Bhutan, where the first examples of this type of bridge were built in the 15th century, this type of bridge dates from the early 19th century...
in the world. Its construction greatly cut transportation time between Odense and the Danish capital, Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region...
. Copenhagen can now be reached by trains from Odense in 1 hour and 15 minutes and Aarhus
Aarhus
Aarhus or Århus is the second-largest city in Denmark. The principal port of Denmark, Aarhus is on the east side of the peninsula of Jutland in the geographical center of Denmark...
in 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Odense is served by Odense Airport
Odense Airport
Odense Airport is a small airport servicing the Danish city of Odense. It is located in the village of Beldringe, north-northwest of the city. The airstrip was constructed for military purposes in the early 1940s during the German occupation of Denmark....
, which operates regular flights only during the summer months.
Sports
Odense is the home of a number of football clubs. The most important are OBOdense BK
Odense Boldklub is a Danish professional football club based in the town of Odense. The club has won three Danish championships and five Danish Cup trophies. OB play in the Danish Superliga and their home field is TRE-FOR Park in Odense on Funen...
, FC FYN
FC FYN
FC Fyn is a Danish football club from Odense on Funen. Its first appearance was in the 2006-07 season.FC Fyn plays their home matches at Odense Atletikstadion, which is the current home ground of B 1909 and B 1913. The first manager was former Zambia national coach Roald Poulsen...
, B1909
Boldklubben 1909
Boldklubben 1909, known as B 1909, is a Danish association football club currently playing in the Denmark Series Pool 2. They play at Gillested Park in Odense on Funen, which has a capacity of 6,000...
and B1913
Boldklubben 1913
Boldklubben 1913 is a Danish football club currently playing in Danmarksserien. They play at Odense Atletik Stadion in Odense on Funen, which has a capacity of 8,000....
.
The H.C. Andersen Marathon
H.C. Andersen Marathon
The H. C. Andersen Marathon is a marathon in Odense, Denmark, which was established in 2000. From 2006 onwards, the event has included a half marathon for women, and from 2009 onwards a half marathon for men.-Course:...
and Eventyrløbet is held annually in Odense.
Notable residents
- Hans Christian AndersenHans Christian AndersenHans Christian Andersen was a Danish author, fairy tale writer, and poet noted for his children's stories. These include "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "The Snow Queen," "The Little Mermaid," "Thumbelina," "The Little Match Girl," and "The Ugly Duckling."...
, author and poet - Carl NielsenCarl NielsenCarl August Nielsen , , widely recognised as Denmark's greatest composer, was also a conductor and a violinist. Brought up by poor but musically talented parents on the island of Funen, he demonstrated his musical abilities at an early age...
, classical composer, born near Odense - King Canute IVCanute IV of DenmarkCanute IV, later known as Canute the Holy or Canute the Saint , was King of Denmark from 1080 until 1086. Canute was an ambitious king who sought to strengthen the Danish monarchy, devotedly supported the Roman Catholic Church, and had designs on the English throne. Slain by rebels in 1086, he was...
(ca. 1043 – July 17, 1086), also known as Canute the Saint and Canute the Holy - Carl Frederik TietgenCarl Frederik TietgenCarl Frederik Tietgen was a Danish financier and industrialist. The founder of numerous prominent Danish companies, many of which are still in operation today, he played an important role in the industrialisation of Denmark...
, Industrialist, banker, and philanthropistPhilanthropistA philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes... - Thomas B. ThrigeThomas B. ThrigeThomas Barfoed Thrige was a Danish entrepreneur, industrialist and businessman. In 1894, he started the company Thomas B. Thrige, a manufacturer of electric motors, now known as T-T Electric .He and his wife formed the Thomas B. Thrige Foundation in 1934 to ensure the continuation of his business...
, Inventor and industrialist - Anja AndersenAnja AndersenAnja Andersen is a former female handball player and currently coach.-Career:Anja Andersen is known for both her skills as an offensive player, her strong temper and courage to make dramatic scenes and daring tricks during a match. She was an important part of the renaissance in Danish handball...
, HandballTeam handballHandball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team...
player - Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, born and raised in Odense
- Caroline WozniackiCaroline WozniackiCaroline Wozniacki is a Danish professional tennis player. She is the current world no. 1 on the WTA Tour. As of 7 November 2011, she has held this position for 56 weeks...
, tennis player - Peter EastgatePeter EastgatePeter Eastgate is a poker player from Denmark, best known as the winner of the Main Event at the 2008 World Series of Poker. At the time, he became the youngest player ever to win the event. He was consequently surpassed by Joe Cada in 2009.-Early life:Eastgate was raised in Dalum, a suburb of...
, winner of the Main Event at the 20082008 World Series of PokerThe 2008 World Series of Poker was the 39th annual World Series of Poker . Held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino, the series began on May 30, 2008, and featured 55 poker championships in several variants. All events but the $10,000 World Championship No Limit Texas hold...
World Series of PokerWorld Series of PokerThe World Series of Poker is a world-renowned series of poker tournaments held annually in Las Vegas and, since 2005, sponsored by Harrah's Entertainment... - Abraham KurlandAbraham KurlandAbraham Kurland was a Danish wrestler.Kurland was Jewish, and was born in Odense, Syddanmark, Denmark. He was affiliated with the Hakoah Jewish Sports club, København/Bagsværd, København....
, Olympic medalist in wrestling - Kim LarsenKim Larsenthumb|250px|Kim Larsen, Nibe Festival 2009.Kim Melius Flyvholm Larsen is a Danish rock musician.Inspired by The Beatles and rock and roll, Larsen began as a songwriter and guitarist...
, musician
Population
The land area of Odense is 304 km2, with a population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
of 611 per km2 (2005 figures from Helsingin Seudun Aluesarjat).
The population of Odense city, as at 1 January 1 of each year, according to Danmarks Statistik:
| Year | Population | Year | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | 138,348 | 1999 | 144,940 |
| 1981 | 136,646 | 2000 | 145,062 |
| 1986 | 137,286 | 2001 | 144,849 |
| 1989 | 138,339 | 2002 | 144,636 |
| 1990 | 138,986 | 2003 | 145,374 |
| 1992 | 140,886 | 2004 | 145,554 |
| 1994 | 143,029 | 2006 | 152,060 |
| 1996 | 144,518 | 2007 | 158,453 |
| 1997 | 145,354 | 2008 | 158,163 |
| 1998 | 145,296 | 2009 | 158,678 |
Twin cities
KaunasKaunas
Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the center of a powiat in Trakai Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. During Russian Empire occupation...
, Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
Klaksvík
Klaksvík
Klaksvík is the second largest town of the Faroe Islands.The town is located on Borðoy, which is one of the northernmost islands ....
, Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are an island group situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Denmark proper and Greenland...
, Sisimiut
Sisimiut
Sisimiut is a town in central-western Greenland, located on the coast of Davis Strait, approximately north of Nuuk. It is the administrative center of the Qeqqata Municipality and the second-largest town in Greenland, with a population of 5,460 people as of 2010. The site of the present-day town...
, Greenland
Greenland
Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Though physiographically a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe for...
- For a full list of twin cities, see Odense MunicipalityOdense MunicipalityOdense Municipality, is a Danish municipality in Region of Southern Denmark on the island of Funen in central Denmark. The municipality covers an area of , and has a total population of 190,245...
See also
- Odense municipalityOdense MunicipalityOdense Municipality, is a Danish municipality in Region of Southern Denmark on the island of Funen in central Denmark. The municipality covers an area of , and has a total population of 190,245...
- Odense AirportOdense AirportOdense Airport is a small airport servicing the Danish city of Odense. It is located in the village of Beldringe, north-northwest of the city. The airstrip was constructed for military purposes in the early 1940s during the German occupation of Denmark....
- Roman Catholic bishopric of OdenseRoman Catholic bishopric of OdenseThe former Roman Catholic bishopric of Odense was a bishopric on the Danish islands that included the islands of Funen , Langeland, Tåsinge, Lolland, Falster, Als and Ærø. The diocese was disputed as suffragan between the archdioceses of Hamburg-Bremen and Canterbury...
- Tourism in DenmarkTourism in DenmarkTourists in Denmark consist mainly of people from neighboring countries, especially Germany, followed by Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands. With 4.7 million visitor arrivals in 2007, Denmark ranked 43rd in the UNWTO's World Tourism rankings...