Odense Off The Beaten Path

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This altarpiece was finished just before The Reformation in 1521 and was made by one Claus Berg, commissioned by the then reigning queen. In 1881 it came to St. Knud's church and is covered in 23 krt. gold leaf.
It is a showcase of medieval theological composition with of course a Catholic origin. Christ on the cross, Mary and the infant, teh Tree of Life from where more biblical scenes are depicted. Also the figures of two Danish kings and their queens.

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First thing that strikes you inside the church is the high, white interior. The Bishop of Odense began converting the church (the original one was burned down in 1247) to its present day Gothic splendour.
The second thing that strikes you is the raised altar, unusual for its significant height.

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One of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture in Denmark must be St. Knud's Church. Saint Knud was a king of Denmark who was killed in 1086 AC. ANd was canonized already in 1101 AC. His remains are still in the church's crypt.
This and the following tips will each contain several photos.
To be honest, it didn't look very remarkable on the outside. Just a church, built out of red bricks.
Opening hours are 10-16 hrs on weekdays and 12-16 hrs Sundays.
Entrance is free.

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About 13 km west from the Center of Odense you will find Langesø forest. This is one of the only forests on Fyn and it includes a nice lake, a small Manor still inhabited by a count and different seasondependent activities.
In the spring and summer you can play golf i at a small golf course on the south side of the lake. In the fall you will see a lot of people walking the forest and collection eatable mushrooms. Finally when its chrismastime there biggest chrismastree sale on Fyn is held in front of the count's manor.

If you want to hitchhike out of Odense in the Direction of Middelfart or Jutland you can take the bus number 51 in direction Bolbro.
Take the bus to the end station and go 50 meters down the main road to the city sign. From here you will have a good chance as most of the people going from Odense in western direction will pass here. Also it is possible for the cars to park easily by the road at this place.

Kerteminde is a town bult over both side of a fjord. It has a marina where sailing boats from different parts of Europe come and stay for few days or so. There is a herbor where you can rents boats for sailing. The largest fish-herbour of fyn is also located here.

If you are in Odense around mid-July, you'll get the chance to go to the 'event' named 'Dyrskue' which is a kind of 'festival' for farmers and people interested in all kind of farm-animals and maschines.
There will be the newest maschines on the market, cars, amusements, horses, bulls, pigs, rabbits, chickens, small market places, beer, icecream and so on... Worth a visit even though you are not actually a farmer – especially if the weather is good!
In 2004 it was held in the weekend of July 11 to July 13, but check up on it with the Tourist Office. The event takes place on 'Dyrskuepladsen' in the western end of Odense – really close to the Odense Zoo.

Not far away from the center of the city you'll find a great and idylic place to relax in Odense.
This area is known as 'Skovsoen' (the forest lake) or Fruens Boege (the name of the meadow).

The lake (which is more like a big pond) and the meadow is parted by a small road and surrounded by a forest that offers two good restaurants - 'Karslund' and 'Restaurant Skoven'.
In very cold winters it's possible to go skating on the lake/pond and you are always welcome to feed the ducks, swans and other birds here.

The forest is actually a neighbour to Odense Zoo, so you can actually see Zebras walking around from the forest sometimes - there is a fence between of course.

Many people use the forest to take a walk, a run or a trip on their bike and during the summer there are outdoor-concerts, outdoor-movies and other things going on at the meadow. The two kiosks in the area are 'famous' for their icecream that is very popular in the summer.

The small river Odense A (with a dot above the A) also runs through the forest and it's possible to go fishing here, but it requires a specific 'fishing-card'. Ask at the tourist information in the center city!