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In the mirror, I appear to be wearing huge golden pantaloons, visible just for my eyes. Youngsters play in a water feature acting as sea nymphs, meanwhile adjacent rests a speaking vegetable in a display case, alongside a imposing mound of mattresses. It embodies the domain of the beloved author (1805-1875), among the 1800s most beloved storytellers. I'm visiting the city of Odense, located on Funen in the southern part of the Danish kingdom, to investigate Andersen’s timeless impact in his native city 150 years after his death, and to find a handful of magical stories of my own.

The Cultural Center: HC Andersens Hus

Andersen's House is the city’s exhibition space honoring the writer, including his first home. An expert states that in earlier iterations of the museum there was scant attention on his fairytales. Andersen's biography was explored, but The Ugly Duckling were absent. For visitors who travel to the city in search of narrative enchantment, it was somewhat disappointing.

The renovation of Odense city centre, diverting a primary street, provided the opportunity to rethink how the renowned native could be honored. An international design contest granted Japanese firm the renowned designers the commission, with the museum's fresh perspective at the core of the structure. The unique wooden museum with connected curving spaces opened to much acclaim in 2021. “We’ve tried to build a place where we move beyond simply describing the writer, but we speak in the manner of Andersen: with wit, sarcasm and perspective,” explains the curator. The outdoor spaces follow this philosophy: “This is a landscape for explorers and for colossal creatures, it’s designed to make you feel small,” he explains, a challenge achieved by strategic landscaping, manipulating verticality, size and multiple meandering routes in a deceptively small space.

Andersen's Impact

Andersen wrote multiple memoirs and frequently provided conflicting accounts. HC Andersens Hus takes this approach seriously; frequently the opinions of his friends or fragments of correspondence are presented to politely doubt the author’s own version of events. “Andersen is the guide, but he's untrustworthy,” notes the curator. The result is a fascinating whirlwind tour of Andersen’s life and creations, mental approaches and favorite narratives. It’s thought-provoking and fun, for mature visitors and children, with a additional lower-level imaginary world, Ville Vau, for the youngest visitors.

Discovering the City

In the real world, the compact town of the municipality is picturesque, with historic pathways and traditional Danish homes colored in bright colours. The writer's influence is all around: the road indicators show the writer with his signature formal headwear, metal shoe prints provide a free Andersen walking tour, and there’s a outdoor exhibition too. Annually in August this focus reaches its height with the annual HC Andersen festival, which honors the author’s legacy through visual arts, dance, stage shows and music.

This year, the multi-day celebration had 500 shows, the majority were free. As I explore the city, I encounter painted stilt-walkers, fantastical beings and an author double telling stories. I experience contemporary performances and observe an amazing late-night performance featuring graceful performers lowering from the municipal structure and suspended from a construction equipment. Still to come during the season are talks, hands-on activities and, broadening the oral history further than the writer, the city’s regular Magic Days festival.

Every excellent magical places require a fortress, and Fyn contains over a hundred manors and estates around the area

Cycling and Exploration

Similar to other Danish regions, bicycles are the ideal method to travel around in this town and a “bike path” winds through the downtown area. From my accommodation, I cycle to the free port-side aquatic facility, then beyond the city for a circuit around Stige Island, a small island joined by a bridge to the larger island. City residents relax with food here following their day, or appreciate a quiet hour fishing, aquatic activities or swimming.

Returning to Odense, I visit a local eatery, where the food selection is derived from author-inspired concepts and stories. The literary work Denmark, My Native Land is highlighted when I visit, and manager the restaurateur recites passages, translated into English, as he introduces the meal. This is a practice commonplace in my visit, the local residents appreciate narratives and it appears narrating is continuously on the menu here.

Castle Explorations

Each wonderful magical places deserve a fortress, and the island features 123 castles and manor houses around the area. Taking day trips from town, I tour Egeskov Castle, the continent's best-preserved moated palace. Although large sections are available for tours, the castle is also the private residence of the noble family and his spouse, the royal resident. I ponder if she might sense a small legume through a mound of {mattresses