Odense - Denmark (13-16 June)

Our two hour train journey from Esbjerg to Odense was very relaxing.  The historic city of Odense is the third largest in Denmark.  The Danish trains are very comfortable, fast and always on time with free internet.  Our rail pass entitled us to travel first class so we were provided with coffee and snacks and had access to the station first class lounge, similar to the airline lounges.  We arrived at 5.10 pm and it was a short walk to the Hotel Ansgar where we caught up with my Innisfail friends, Joy and George Type and Narelle and Noel Kitto.  The hotel was very comfortable and in a good location, close to the town centre and train station. My Innisfail friends had hired a car and driven from Copenhagen to Odense.

Joy, Phil, George, Noel & Narelle

The next day, being a little overcast and cool, we decided to head out into the Danish countryside.  Joy picked out the lovely little seaside town of Kerteminde about 30 km north of Odense to visit.  We stopped along the way to look at a lovely old church which was built in the 1500’s.  The Danish are very proud of their historic Lutheran churches and their graveyards are beautifully maintained.  

Church on the way to Kerteminde

Danish Graveyard

Kerteminde Harbour

After a stroll around the town, and  a little shopping we found an old pub on the waterfront for a traditional Danish lunch of meat balls, fish cakes and potato salad washed down with a couple of excellent Danish beers.  We headed back to Odense around mid-afternoon and did a self- guided walking tour of the city, which took in Hans Christian Andersen’s house in the historic old town.  For dinner we found the cosy little sports pub, about a 10 minute walk from our hotel.  Here we were treated to traditional Danish food.  Another great day in Denmark.

Outside Hans Christian Andersen's House

The following day we had planned to travel to the island of Aero only to discover when we arrived at the Svendborg ferry terminal that the ferry was being repaired.  Not all was lost and we headed to the nearby Langeland Island, which was connected to the mainland by a bridge.  

Lunch on the island of Langeland

In the evening we caught up some more Danish friends, Karin and Nis.  Phil met Nis when he was involved with the Dalum (Odense) Agricultural College.  We had also stayed with Karin and Nis at their house in Tommerup, just outside of Odense.  We all returned to the sports pub for a final delicious Danish meal.

Dinner with Karin and Nis at the Sports Bar Pub