Nicknamed "The Garden of Denmark" by its most famous son, Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the island of Funen is a storybook-like destination ideal for kids of all ages. Located about an hour west of Copenhagen, Funen is full of dynamic attractions and activities that are both educational and fun for kids to do. From majestic castles, lush forests and Viking ships to immersive children’s museums and organic soap factories, there’s plenty for families to experience in this coastal destination.
Interactive exhibits abound at H.C. Andersen House.
Credit: 2024 Jonas LegarthWhat to Do in Odense, Funen's Capital
In Funen’s capital city, Odense, clients can spend half a day at the enchanting H.C. Andersen House, which honors the beloved author’s creative legacy by telling the story of his life and art through interactive, audio-visual universes. With sprawling indoor and outdoor magical rooms (and even underground spaces), the high-tech museum features Fairy Tale Land, which is packed with gorgeous costumes and props visitors are encouraged to wear and use. There’s also a collection of Andersen’s poetic paper cuttings and rooms where his fairy tales are brought to life.
Afterward, encourage clients to look down while wandering Odense’s cobblestone streets — Andersen’s actual footprints lead visitors through the town and to his childhood home, located 15 minutes from the museum on foot. Children under 18 can enter the small half-timbered house for free. In August, a weeklong H.C. Andersen cultural festival draws 500 international street performers and musicians, plus thousands of visitors, to its storied streets.
The Viking Museum Ladby is set on a fjord near Odense.
Credit: 2024 Kulturregion FynJust east of Odense, the Viking Museum Ladby houses Denmark’s oldest royal tomb: the 1,100-year-old remains of a Viking chieftain and his ship. Found in 1935, it’s the country’s only ship grave from the Viking Age, and the adjacent museum offers families a chance to learn about what it was like to live in those times. They can also dress up in authentic Viking clothes and try their hand at activities including woodworking, archery and javelin throwing. There are year-round treasure hunts, too.
At Egeskov Castle, families can stroll suspended tree-top walking paths, find their way through a giant hedge labyrinth and climb epic play structures in the Play Forest and new Giants Playground (Denmark’s tallest climbing net is here, too). Home to Count Michael Ahlefeldt and his family, the castle also features museums showcasing classic cars, camping and outdoor equipment, a vintage grocery shop exhibit, a magnificent dollhouse and a historic display of royal costumes. The castle, which dates back to the early 15th century, plays host to holiday and special events throughout the year, including a Christmas market.
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Families looking for tasty treats will love smorrebrod — Danish open-faced sandwiches with various toppings — along with traditional pastries such as snegl (similar to a cinnamon roll). At Storms Pakus, a colorful street food market located inside a century-old warehouse, families can choose from nearly two dozen types of culinary delights from up-and-coming chefs.
The annual H.C. Andersen Festival draws crowds to Odense every August.
Credit: 2024 Visit OdenseMore to Do Nearby
Visitors won’t want to miss the beautiful, 75-minute ferry crossing through the heart of the South Funen Archipelago Geopark. The ferry deposits riders onto the island of Aero, where the winding cobblestone streets look the same as they did 100 years ago, and rows of tiny beach houses along the harbor make the perfect photo backdrop. Touring the quirky Maritime Museum and the local licorice factory, Hattesens Konfektfabrik, are other must-dos; the latter makes award-winning confections using traditional recipes. Alternatively, visit Aero Ismageri for a scoop of renowned handmade ice cream.
In the nearby village of Bregninge, the sustainable Aero Soap Company’s workshop is open to the public. Little ones can make soap from fragrant scraps while parents pick up sweet-smelling souvenirs, all made from flowers and herbs grown on-site. The factory also operates a cafe and encourages families to wander through its petting zoo, gardens and hedge maze.
Where to Stay in Odense
In Odense, the centrally located Hotel Odeon is an ideal home base, with an on-site restaurant and 234 spacious guestrooms and suites. In Aero, families can spread out in one of three comfy apartments at Pa Torvet Hotel. The historic property, which was once a 19th-century lantern factory and schoolhouse, also has seven rooms and a suite.
