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Looking at my reflection, I appear to be wearing enormous shimmering pantaloons, visible just for my eyes. Kids relax in a rock pool acting as mermaids, meanwhile in the next room sits a speaking vegetable in a exhibition box, beside a imposing pile of cushions. It embodies the domain of the beloved author (1805-1875), among the 1800s highly cherished writers. I'm visiting Odense, situated in the island of Fyn in the southern part of Denmark, to explore the author's lasting influence in his home town a century and a half after his death, and to experience a handful of magical stories of my own.

The Exhibition: HC Andersens Hus

Andersen's House is the local cultural center dedicated to the writer, incorporating his childhood house. An expert states that in previous versions of the museum there was scant attention on Andersen’s stories. Andersen's biography was examined, but The Little Mermaid were absent. For visitors who travel to the city seeking storytelling magic, it was somewhat disappointing.

The redevelopment of downtown Odense, redirecting a major road, made it possible to reimagine how the local celebrity could be commemorated. An international design contest awarded Japanese firm the Kengo Kuma team the contract, with the museum's fresh perspective at the heart of the structure. The distinctive wooden museum with interwoven curving spaces debuted to much acclaim in 2021. “We have attempted to design an environment where we don’t talk about Andersen, but we talk like the storyteller: with comedy, satire and viewpoint,” says the expert. Even the gardens take this approach: “The outdoor area for strollers and for large beings, it’s designed to make you feel small,” he says, an objective realized by strategic landscaping, playing with verticality, proportion and numerous twisting trails in a deceptively small space.

The Author's Influence

He authored multiple memoirs and frequently changed his story. The exhibition embraces this concept fully; typically the opinions of his friends or excerpts of correspondence are presented to subtly challenge the writer's personal account of happenings. “The author is the narrator, but his account isn't always accurate,” explains the representative. The outcome is a engaging whirlwind tour of his personal story and creations, thinking patterns and favorite narratives. It’s thought-provoking and playful, for grown-ups and kids, with a extra basement imaginary world, Ville Vau, for the youngest visitors.

Discovering the City

In the actual city, the small city of this Danish city is delightful, with stone-paved roads and historic timber buildings colored in cheerful shades. The writer's influence is everywhere: the traffic lights show the storyteller with his distinctive formal headwear, bronze footmarks provide a no-cost Andersen walking tour, and there’s a outdoor exhibition too. Every August this commitment peaks with the regular Andersen celebration, which honors the author’s legacy through creativity, dance, theatre and music.

This year, the week-long celebration had 500 shows, most of which were without charge. While visiting the city, I meet painted stilt-walkers, spooky creatures and an Andersen lookalike telling stories. I listen to contemporary performances and observe an incredible evening show with graceful performers coming down from the municipal structure and hanging from a crane. Still to come this year are lectures, hands-on activities and, extending the storytelling legacy past the author, the city’s annual Magic Days festival.

All good magical places need a fortress, and the island contains numerous historic homes and stately homes throughout the region

Pedaling Through History

Similar to much of the country, bicycles are the perfect means to get about in the city and a “cycling highway” winds through the city centre. From Hotel Odeon, I pedal to the free port-side aquatic facility, then into the countryside for a circuit around Stige Ø, a compact territory joined by a bridge to the larger island. City residents have outdoor meals here in the evening, or take pleasure in a peaceful time angling, water sports or swimming.

Returning to town, I visit Restaurant Under Lindetræet, where the menu is inspired by Andersen themes and tales. The poem the national ode is featured when I visit, and manager the restaurateur recites passages, presented in English, as he introduces the meal. It’s an experience frequent in my days in the city, the fynbo love a yarn and it appears narrating is always offered here.

Historic Estate Tours

Each wonderful magical places deserve a fortress, and Fyn boasts 123 castles and manor houses across the island. Going on excursions from the city, I explore Egeskov Palace, the continent's most intact moated palace. Despite parts are available for tours, Egeskov is also the private residence of Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille and his spouse, the princess. I wonder if she can feel a tiny vegetable through a pile of {mattresses