Where to Stay in Odense: Best Hotels in Denmark's Fairy-Tale City

Odense is one of those Danish cities that tends to get overlooked in favor of Copenhagen, and we think that is a genuine mistake. It is compact, easy to navigate and the Old Town has a warmth the capital lost somewhere along the way. Hans Christian Andersen was born here and you feel it in the streets in the best possible way. Where you stay comes down to three areas: the city center and Old Town, the station area and the quieter streets a short walk out.

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The good news is that Odense is small enough that wherever you stay, you are never far from the main sights. The city center is the obvious base but the station area works well too, especially if you are arriving by train from Copenhagen or heading on to Aarhus. These are the hotels we would book, and you can listen to our Odense podcast episode for more on why this city is worth your time.

Quick Picks: Best Hotels in Odense

  1. Hotel Odeon, our top pick, contemporary design steps from H.C. Andersen's House
  2. First Hotel Grand Odense, the grand historic option, on our list for that weekend brunch
  3. Comwell H.C. Andersen, best for families, polished and reliable near the station
  4. Milling Hotel Plaza, best value four-star, free afternoon coffee and cake included
  5. CABINN Odense, best budget pick beside the station

Best Area for a First Visit: The City Center and Old Town

Hotel Odeon near H.C. Andersen's House in Odense

The most atmospheric part of Odense, with H.C. Andersen's House, the Cathedral, Kongensgade and the main pedestrian streets all within easy walking distance. Best for first-time visitors who want to feel in the heart of the city.

Hotels in the City Center

  1. Hotel Odeon ($$$$): A contemporary design hotel right in the heart of Odense, steps from H.C. Andersen's House. The rooms are spacious by Danish city standards, the restaurant is genuinely good and the lobby has the kind of easy atmosphere that makes it worth arriving early. Our top pick for a first visit.
  2. First Hotel Grand Odense ($$$$): A grand historic building on Kongensgade with newly renovated interiors that balance period character with modern comfort. The weekend brunch has become something of a local institution and it is on our list for next time for that reason alone.
  3. City Hotel Nattergalen ($$-$$$): A well-located city center hotel with a straightforward offer: good position, fair price, everything you need. A reliable choice for a short stay without the price tag of the larger design hotels.

Best Area for Connections: Near Odense Station

Practical and well-connected, with easy trains to Copenhagen, Aarhus and the rest of Funen, and the city center a short walk away.

Hotels Near Odense Station

  1. Comwell H.C. Andersen Odense ($$$$): A polished four-star with stylish Scandinavian interiors, a cozy bar and well-appointed rooms between the station and the Old Town. Consistent service and a solid breakfast, the kind of reliability you want when traveling with family or on a short city break.
  2. Milling Hotel Plaza ($$-$$$): A classic Danish hotel directly opposite the station with a strong breakfast and that rare, much-appreciated feature: free coffee and cake in the afternoon. Consistently well-reviewed and good value for a four-star stay.
  3. CABINN Odense ($-$$): Directly beside the station, simple and functional, with compact rooms and some of the lowest prices in the city. Early trains and late arrivals are easy. A solid budget option with no surprises.

Best Area for Character and Value: A Short Walk from the Center

Quieter residential streets ten to fifteen minutes on foot from the main sights, with more character and better value than the standard city center hotels.

Boutique and Budget Stays

  1. Hotel Knudsens Gaard ($$-$$$): A restored historic courtyard building about ten minutes on foot from the Old Town, with rooms that have a warmth and individuality you do not always find in city hotels. The courtyard setting keeps things peaceful.
  2. Milling Hotel Mini 11 ($-$$): The smaller, more affordable sister to the Milling Plaza, centrally located with breakfast access at the main hotel. Clean, friendly and practical for solo travelers or couples.
  3. Amalie Bed and Breakfast ($-$$): A quiet, family-run B&B in a residential neighborhood about ten minutes from the center. Friendly hosts and a homely atmosphere, well-reviewed for warmth and hospitality. For travelers who prefer something more personal than a hotel.

What to Know Before You Book in Odense

Odense is smaller than Copenhagen but it punches well above its weight, and it books up faster than you would expect. Reserve early for summer and around Danish school holidays, when the city fills quickly.

Odense is about 1.5 hours from Copenhagen by direct train, which makes it an easy stop on a wider Denmark itinerary. We paired it with Aarhus and Copenhagen and the train connections made it painless. For H.C. Andersen's House, Funen Village and the rest, see our Odense travel guide and our guide to where to eat in Odense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Odense

What is Odense known for?

Odense is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and is often called Denmark's fairy-tale city. The Old Town, H.C. Andersen's House, the Gothic Cathedral and the charming cobbled streets all make it one of the most atmospheric cities in Denmark. It is also home to Funen Village, an open-air museum, and a strong food and culture scene.

How far is Odense from Copenhagen?

Odense is about 1.5 hours from Copenhagen by direct train, making it an easy day trip or a natural stop on a wider Denmark itinerary. The train runs frequently throughout the day and the journey is straightforward. Many visitors combine Odense with Copenhagen and Aarhus on a single trip.

Is Odense worth visiting?

Absolutely. Odense tends to get overlooked in favor of Copenhagen but it is one of our favorite Danish cities. It is compact and walkable, the Old Town is genuinely lovely and the whole city has an unhurried, charming feel that is harder to find in the capital. Two days is enough to see the highlights and it works well as part of a wider Denmark trip.

How many days do you need in Odense?

One to two days is enough to see the main sights, including H.C. Andersen's House, the Cathedral and the Old Town. Add an extra day if you want to visit Funen Village or explore the city more slowly. Odense also makes a good base for day trips to the surrounding Funen countryside and coastal villages.

What is the best area to stay in Odense?

The city center is the best base for most visitors, with H.C. Andersen's House, the Cathedral and the main pedestrian streets all within easy walking distance. Staying near Odense Station is a practical choice if you are arriving by train or planning onward travel. The city is compact enough that no area leaves you far from the main sights.

Our Takeaway on Where to Stay in Odense

For a first visit, stay in the city center and let H.C. Andersen's Odense be outside your door, with the Odeon as our top pick and the First Hotel Grand for something grander. If you are arriving by rail or moving on to Aarhus or Copenhagen, the station area makes everything easy. And if you want more character for less, the streets a short walk out hide some of the best value in the city.

Odense has a relaxed, unhurried feel that makes it easy to actually enjoy a place. Use the links above to check current rates and availability for every hotel in this guide.

More from The GetAwayZ on Denmark and Scandinavia

Erin is an American expat living in the Netherlands with her son Dylan. She co-hosts the getAwayZ podcast with her friend Lisa and has been traveling Europe for years, covering everything from dog-friendly city breaks to ferry routes and hidden coastal towns. She writes about travel from the perspective of someone who actually lives here.