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Looking at my reflection, I seem to have on oversized golden pantaloons, perceptible exclusively in my view. Kids sit in a rock pool pretending to be mermaids, and adjacent resides a chatting legume in a display case, beside a tall pile of bedding. It embodies the world of H.C. Andersen (1805-1875), a leading 1800s widely adored writers. I'm visiting Odense, situated in the island of Fyn in the south of this Nordic country, to explore the writer's timeless impact in his home town 150 years after his passing, and to find a couple of fairytales of my own.

The Cultural Center: HC Andersens Hus

Andersen's House is the town's exhibition space honoring the storyteller, featuring his childhood house. A curator explains that in previous versions of the museum there was scant attention on Andersen’s stories. The writer’s life was studied, but The Ugly Duckling were absent. For guests who come to this place seeking narrative enchantment, it was a little lacking.

The redesign of Odense city centre, diverting a primary street, made it possible to reconsider how the local celebrity could be commemorated. A major architecture competition granted the Japanese company the renowned designers the project, with the curators’ new approach at the center of the layout. The remarkable wooden museum with connected curving spaces debuted to great fanfare in 2021. “We have attempted to design an environment where we avoid discussing the author, but we speak in the manner of him: with comedy, irony and viewpoint,” notes the representative. Even the gardens take this approach: “The outdoor area for strollers and for giants, it's created to make you feel small,” he explains, a goal achieved by thoughtful gardening, playing with elevation, proportion and many winding paths in a surprisingly compact space.

The Writer's Legacy

He authored multiple autobiographies and regularly changed his story. HC Andersens Hus adopts this philosophy fully; often the opinions of his acquaintances or excerpts of written messages are presented to politely doubt the writer's personal account of happenings. “The writer is the guide, but he's untrustworthy,” notes the expert. The effect is a fascinating swift exploration of the author's biography and art, thinking patterns and favorite tales. This is thought-provoking and fun, for adults and kids, with a extra underground fantasy realm, the pretend town, for the youngest visitors.

Discovering the City

Returning to the real world, the modest urban center of the municipality is delightful, with historic pathways and traditional Danish homes colored in cheerful shades. The Andersen legacy is all around: the street signals show the author with his signature characteristic hat, brass footprints offer a free guided stroll, and there’s a art walk too. Every August this commitment culminates with the regular storytelling event, which marks the author’s legacy through visual arts, performance, drama and melodies.

During my visit, the week-long event had numerous performances, the majority were without charge. As I explore the city, I come across artistic acrobats, spooky creatures and an Andersen lookalike telling stories. I listen to feminist spoken-word pieces and see an incredible nocturnal display including acrobatic dancers descending from the municipal structure and suspended from a crane. Still to come in the coming months are talks, family art workshops and, broadening the oral history further than the writer, the city’s annual wonder event.

Each wonderful enchanted locations require a palace, and this region features numerous historic homes and stately homes around the area

Pedaling Through History

As in much of the country, bicycles are the best way to get about in Odense and a “cycling highway” winds through the city centre. Starting at the local hotel, I pedal to the public harbour-side swimming pool, then out of town for a loop around Stige Ø, a compact territory joined by a bridge to the mainland. City residents relax with food here in the evening, or enjoy a quiet hour catching fish, aquatic activities or bathing.

In the city, I dine at a local eatery, where the food selection is inspired by Andersen themes and stories. The poem the national ode is highlighted when I visit, and manager the host recites passages, presented in English, as he introduces the meal. This is a practice commonplace in my visit, the island inhabitants love a yarn and it feels as though sharing tales is continuously offered here.

Manor House Visits

Every excellent magical places deserve a castle, and this region boasts numerous historic homes and stately homes across the island. Going on excursions from the city, I explore the historic fortress, Europe’s most intact Renaissance water castle. Despite parts are accessible to the public, the castle is also the family home of the noble family and his wife, the royal resident. I ponder if she might sense a small legume through a stack of {mattresses