38 days in Odense & Bruges Itinerary

The capital of the island of Funen, Odense represents the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, who penned such classics as "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling." Denmark's third-largest city proudly displays its link to the famous writer with museums, sculptures, and public art installations dedicated to Andersen and his stories.

Change things up with these side-trips from Odense: Middelfart (CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art Denmark, Hindsgavl Dyrehave, &more), Nyborg (Holckenhavn Slot, Nyborg Faestning, &more) and Svendborg (Bregninge Kirkebakke, Maritimt Center Danmark, &more). And it doesn't end there: step into the grandiose world of Egeskov Castle, stroll around Fruens Boge, examine the collection at H. C. Andersens House, and brush up on your military savvy at Odense Bunker Museum.

To find where to stay, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Odense online itinerary planner.

Copenhagen to Odense is an approximately 2-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Odense are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to travel to Bruges.

The medieval town of Bruges centers around a canal, and the architecture of its historical district has made it a World Heritage Site.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Bruges: Mesen (Messines Ridge & Messine Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial), Ieper (Ypres) (Last Post, Menin Gate Memorial, &more) and Zandvoorde British Cemetery (in Zandvoorde). There's much more to do: make a trip to The Markt, sample the tasty concoctions at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, steep yourself in history at Historic Centre of Brugge, and explore the activities along Minnewater Lake.

To find maps, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Bruges trip planner.

Fly from Odense to Bruges in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In July, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.