Offering a world of entertainment for all

Even though he was born on April2, it's never too late to celebrate the birthday of Odense's best-known son, Hans Christian Andersen.

From the end of July until mid-August, the fabled storyteller's best known works - including The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor's New Clothes - will be staged at a special festival in his hometown. And throughout the year, visitors can follow a heritage trail that's dotted with statues commemorating Andersen's most famous characters.

Of course, there's much more to Odense - pronounced 'Own-zer' - than fairy tales. The capital of the island of Funen and Denmark's third largest city, its centre is highly picturesque, with cobbled, tree-lined streets flanked by houses which were built up to five centuries ago. The whole of Odense is pedestrian and bike-friendly, and the main attractions all lie within a few minutes' walk or ride of each other.

St Knuds Cathedral is one of the city's icons, rising high above the rest of Odense and a place of pilgrimage for the past 700 years. King Canute the Holy was murdered here in 1086, and his bones are on display in the crypt. The cathedral is considered one of Denmark's finest Gothic buildings, and the altar piece, which was carved by Claus Berg in the 16th century, is amazingly detailed.

A more active glimpse of life in days gone by is showcased at the Funen Village, a complete reconstruction of a 19th-century community with demonstrations of how farming was carried out in a pre-mechanical age. There's plenty of hands-on activities to keep visitors entertained, and photo opportunities with the farm animals. Drop by the clog maker for a truly memorable souvenir.

One of the most entertaining tours in Odense starts at 9pm every evening, when traditionally garbed watchmen make their rounds of the old quarter, starting at Overgade, and winding their way around the streets calling out the hours in rhyme and telling folktales. English is Denmark's second language, widely spoken throughout the country, so there are few problems with translation.

Railway buffs will be in their element in Odense because it is home to the Danish Railways Museum, which contains dozens of old engines, carriages and associated memorabilia, while youngsters get their own model train which they can board and ride around the grounds.