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In the mirror, I seem to have on oversized shimmering pantaloons, perceptible just for my eyes. Youngsters relax in a stone basin acting as sea nymphs, meanwhile nearby rests a talking pea in a showcase, alongside a tall mound of mattresses. It represents the world of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), among the nineteenth-century's highly cherished writers. I'm visiting this Danish town, on the island of the island of Fyn in the southern part of the Danish kingdom, to explore the writer's timeless impact in his native city many decades after his passing, and to find a few enchanted tales of my own.

The Museum: The Andersen Museum

HC Andersens Hus is the town's exhibition space celebrating the writer, including his childhood house. An expert states that in past designs of the museum there was scant attention on Andersen’s stories. His personal history was studied, but The Little Mermaid were missing. For guests who travel to the city in search of storytelling magic, it was a little lacking.

The renovation of downtown Odense, redirecting a primary street, made it possible to rethink how the renowned native could be honored. A major architecture competition granted the architects from Japan Kengo Kuma and Associates the commission, with the innovative curatorial vision at the center of the structure. The distinctive wooden museum with connected spiralling spaces opened to great fanfare in 2021. “We’ve tried to create a space where we move beyond simply describing Andersen, but we speak in the manner of him: with wit, irony and perspective,” notes the expert. The outdoor spaces take this approach: “It’s a garden for strollers and for colossal creatures, it's created to give you a sense of smallness,” he says, a challenge achieved by strategic landscaping, manipulating height, scale and multiple meandering routes in a deceptively small space.

Andersen's Impact

The author penned several autobiographies and regularly provided conflicting accounts. The exhibition takes this approach fully; frequently the opinions of his friends or snippets of correspondence are shown to gently question the writer's personal account of events. “The writer is the narrator, but he’s not reliable,” explains the expert. The effect is a engaging rapid journey of the author's biography and work, thinking patterns and best-loved narratives. It’s thought-provoking and fun, for grown-ups and youngsters, with a additional basement imaginary world, Ville Vau, for the smallest guests.

Discovering the City

Back in the physical town, the small city of Odense is delightful, with cobbled streets and old wooden houses colored in vibrant hues. The Andersen legacy is all around: the traffic lights show the author with his iconic formal headwear, metal shoe prints provide a no-cost pedestrian route, and there’s a art walk too. Each summer this commitment culminates with the yearly HC Andersen festival, which honors the writer's impact through creativity, movement, stage shows and melodies.

During my visit, the multi-day event had 500 shows, many were free. As I explore Odense, I come across painted stilt-walkers, fantastical beings and an Andersen lookalike narrating adventures. I listen to empowering poetry and observe an amazing nocturnal display including athletic artists coming down from the town hall and suspended from a construction equipment. Still to come in the coming months are lectures, hands-on activities and, expanding the storytelling legacy further than the writer, the city’s regular enchantment celebration.

Every excellent fairytale destinations require a castle, and this region features over a hundred manors and estates around the area

Biking Adventures

Like other Danish regions, cycles are the ideal method to get about in this town and a “cycling highway” meanders through the city centre. From Hotel Odeon, I ride to the free port-side aquatic facility, then out of town for a loop around the nearby islet, a tiny landmass connected by causeway to the mainland. City residents relax with food here following their day, or appreciate a peaceful time fishing, water sports or bathing.

Back in Odense, I dine at the themed restaurant, where the menu is derived from Andersen themes and stories. The verse the national ode is highlighted when I visit, and manager the restaurateur recites passages, rendered in English, as he presents each course. It’s an experience repeated often in my time in Odense, the island inhabitants appreciate narratives and it appears storytelling is always offered here.

Historic Estate Tours

Every excellent magical places require a castle, and the island boasts over a hundred manors and estates across the island. Taking day trips from Odense, I tour Egeskov Palace, the region's finely maintained historic fortress. Despite parts are accessible to the public, this historic site is also the family home of the noble family and his partner, Princess Alexandra zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. I contemplate if she might sense a small legume through a stack of {mattresses