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In the mirror, I appear to be wearing oversized golden pantaloons, perceptible just for my eyes. Youngsters relax in a water feature pretending to be mermaids, meanwhile adjacent sits a talking pea in a display case, alongside a towering stack of mattresses. It represents the domain of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), among the 1800s most beloved storytellers. I’m in the city of Odense, on the island of Fyn in the south of this Nordic country, to discover Andersen’s timeless impact in his home town many decades after his passing, and to discover a handful of fairytales of my own.

The Cultural Center: HC Andersens Hus

HC Andersens Hus is the local museum honoring the writer, featuring his childhood house. A curator notes that in previous versions of the museum there was little focus on his fairytales. The writer’s life was explored, but Thumbelina were missing. For tourists who come to the city in search of storytelling magic, it was somewhat disappointing.

The redevelopment of downtown Odense, redirecting a primary street, made it possible to reimagine how the renowned native could be commemorated. An international design contest awarded the Japanese company the renowned designers the contract, with the innovative curatorial vision at the heart of the layout. The distinctive wood-paneled museum with connected curving spaces debuted to much acclaim in 2021. “Our goal was to design an environment where we move beyond simply describing Andersen, but we talk like him: with wit, irony and outlook,” says the representative. The outdoor spaces follow this philosophy: “This is a landscape for explorers and for giants, it’s designed to create a feeling of diminutiveness,” he notes, a challenge accomplished by thoughtful gardening, playing with elevation, scale and multiple meandering routes in a surprisingly compact space.

The Writer's Legacy

Andersen wrote two and a half autobiographies and frequently changed his story. The exhibition takes this approach fully; typically the opinions of his acquaintances or snippets of correspondence are presented to politely doubt the writer's personal account of events. “Andersen is the narrator, but he's untrustworthy,” says the expert. The outcome is a engaging swift exploration of the author's biography and creations, mental approaches and best-loved narratives. This is thought-provoking and fun, for grown-ups and kids, with a bonus basement imaginary world, the fictional village, for the children.

Exploring Odense

Back in the real world, the modest urban center of this Danish city is picturesque, with historic pathways and old wooden houses painted in vibrant hues. The Andersen legacy is all around: the traffic lights display the author with his iconic top hat, bronze footmarks give a no-cost pedestrian route, and there’s a outdoor exhibition too. Each summer this focus culminates with the regular storytelling event, which celebrates the author’s legacy through art, movement, drama and musical performances.

During my visit, the multi-day festival had numerous performances, most of which were without charge. While visiting the city, I meet colorful performers on stilts, ghoulish monsters and an Andersen lookalike telling stories. I listen to feminist spoken-word pieces and observe an incredible evening show with acrobatic dancers descending from the municipal structure and suspended from a mechanical arm. Upcoming events during the season are lectures, hands-on activities and, expanding the oral history beyond Andersen, the city’s yearly wonder event.

All good magical places deserve a palace, and the island contains numerous historic homes and stately homes across the island

Pedaling Through History

Like most of Denmark, bikes are the best way to navigate in this town and a “cycling highway” curves through the urban core. Starting at my accommodation, I pedal to the free waterside bathing area, then into the countryside for a route around Stige Ø, a compact territory joined by a bridge to the mainland. Local inhabitants have outdoor meals here in the evening, or take pleasure in a tranquil moment fishing, paddleboarding or bathing.

Back in the city, I dine at the themed restaurant, where the menu is inspired by Andersen themes and narratives. The verse the national ode is highlighted at the restaurant, and manager the restaurateur recites passages, presented in English, as he introduces the meal. Such encounters frequent in my time in Odense, the fynbo enjoy storytelling and it appears narrating is constantly available here.

Castle Explorations

Every excellent enchanted locations require a castle, and Fyn contains 123 castles and manor houses around the area. Traveling briefly from town, I tour the historic fortress, the continent's most intact historic fortress. Despite parts are available for tours, the castle is also the family home of Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille and his partner, the princess. I ponder if she would notice a small legume through a stack of {mattresses