Feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale visiting the enchanting city of Odense. It’s appropriate that this city feels like a fairytale, as it’s also the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson, author of The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Snow Queen. With a private driver guide, you’ll explore this charming city and journey into the legacy of Hans Christian Andersen.

Odense Private Tour Itinerary

Scenic view of the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark, spanning the blue waters with a lush green coastline under a clear sky.
Great Belt Bridge, Denmark

Your friendly private driver-guide will meet you at your Aarhus accommodation to kick off your day trip to Odense. Take the scenic journey westward across the Great Belt Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Your guide will set the scene, telling you about the rise of Hans Christian Andersen to a literary legend.

Arrive in Odense

As you arrive in Odense, your guide will take you on a brief orientation tour so you can get to know the city. See famous landmarks, including the Cathedral Quarter, Munke Mose Parklands, and the Odense River. As you get to know your surroundings, your guide will tell you about the city’s history, from Viking roots to modern day.

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Traditional yellow building at HC Andersen Museum in Odense, Denmark, showcasing classic Danish architecture with a tiled red roof and cobbled street.
H.C. Andersen Museum, Odense, Denmark

Your journey into the legendary author’s life starts at the Hands Christian Andersen Museum. You can step into the childhood home of Andersen, that’s still preserved with furnishings from that period. Walk in his footsteps around his childhood home and get a sense of what his early life was like before he became a literary legend.

The museum features interactive exhibits, soundscapes, and creative displays that help reflect his storytelling world. See original manuscripts, personal belongings of Andersen, and rare editions of his fairy tale books. The museum is a surreal experience and will make you feel like a character in one of his stories.

Guided Tour of Odense Old Town

Colorful medieval street in the old town of Odense, Denmark, showcasing traditional Scandinavian architecture and cobblestone pathway.
Odense, Denmark

Your guide will take you through the old town of Odense, where HC Andersen spent his early years. Walk through the cobbled streets, and feel free to visit any boutique shops or cozy cafes that catch your eye. Your guide will show you notable landmarks, including:

  • Andersen’s sculptures scattered across the town.
  • Step inside Skt. Knud’s Cathedral, a striking Gothic church where Andersen received his confirmation
  • Walk through the picturesque Nedergade and Sortebrødre Torv quarters. The quarters are filled with half-timbered houses and artistic charm.

Danish Railway Museum

For the final attraction of the day, visit the Danish Railway Museum. This museum offers a nostalgic journey through Denmark’s transport history, displaying vintage trains and royal carriages. See interactive exhibits helping you see how transport in Denmark has evolved over the years. Your private guide will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the various exhibits on display.

Return to Aarhus

Colorful urban scene in Aarhus, Denmark showcasing a mix of traditional and modern architecture along a city water canal, highlighted by a prominent church spire and vibrant yellow building.
Aarhus, Denmark

Enjoy the scenic drive back to Aarhus, driving through the peaceful countryside. Hear some final stories from your private guide about Danish culture and Hans Christian Andersen. Your guide will then drop you back to your Aarhus hotel or your chosen location.