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Reflected back at me, I can see myself in huge golden pantaloons, visible only to me. Children sit in a water feature acting as ocean creatures, meanwhile in the next room rests a chatting legume in a display case, alongside a imposing pile of bedding. It embodies the domain of the beloved author (1805-1875), a leading 19th century’s most beloved storytellers. I’m in the city of Odense, located on the island of Fyn in the southern region of the Danish kingdom, to investigate Andersen’s lasting influence in his home town a century and a half after his demise, and to find a couple of enchanted tales of my own.

The Cultural Center: HC Andersens Hus

Andersen's House is the local cultural center celebrating the storyteller, incorporating his first home. An expert explains that in previous versions of the museum there was little focus on Andersen’s stories. The writer’s life was explored, but The Ugly Duckling were absent. For visitors who visit Odense seeking storytelling magic, it was not quite enough.

The renovation of the city center, redirecting a primary street, made it possible to reconsider how the city’s most famous son could be honored. A prestigious architectural challenge awarded the Japanese company Kengo Kuma and Associates the project, with the museum's fresh perspective at the core of the structure. The unique wooden museum with connected curving spaces debuted to great fanfare in 2021. “We’ve tried to create a space where we move beyond simply describing the author, but we communicate similarly to the storyteller: with comedy, satire and outlook,” says the expert. The landscape design take this approach: “This is a landscape for wanderers and for large beings, it's planned to create a feeling of diminutiveness,” he notes, an objective accomplished by strategic landscaping, playing with height, scale and numerous twisting trails in a deceptively small space.

The Author's Influence

He authored several memoirs and regularly changed his story. HC Andersens Hus adopts this philosophy fully; typically the opinions of his acquaintances or snippets of written messages are displayed to gently question the writer's personal account of events. “Andersen is the storyteller, but his account isn't always accurate,” says the expert. The outcome is a fascinating whirlwind tour of Andersen’s life and creations, thinking patterns and best-loved tales. It is thought-provoking and whimsical, for grown-ups and children, with a additional underground make-believe land, the fictional village, for the children.

Discovering the City

Returning to the actual city, the small city of Odense is charming, with historic pathways and old wooden houses finished in vibrant hues. The author's presence is everywhere: the street signals show the author with his distinctive characteristic hat, bronze footmarks provide a no-cost Andersen walking tour, and there’s a outdoor exhibition too. Every August this dedication reaches its height with the regular Andersen celebration, which marks the his influence through art, performance, drama and music.

Recently, the multi-day event had hundreds of events, the majority were without charge. During my time in this place, I encounter artistic acrobats, ghoulish monsters and an writer impersonator sharing tales. I experience empowering poetry and see an remarkable late-night performance including acrobatic dancers lowering from the municipal structure and dangling from a mechanical arm. Future activities during the season are talks, creative sessions for all ages and, broadening the oral history past the author, the city’s annual enchantment celebration.

All good enchanted locations require a palace, and Fyn boasts over a hundred manors and manor houses across the island

Biking Adventures

Similar to much of the country, bicycles are the perfect means to travel around in Odense and a “bike path” curves through the urban core. Departing from Hotel Odeon, I cycle to the complimentary port-side aquatic facility, then out of town for a route around Stige Island, a tiny landmass linked by a road to the primary land. Town dwellers relax with food here after work, or take pleasure in a tranquil moment catching fish, aquatic activities or swimming.

Returning to Odense, I dine at the themed restaurant, where the culinary offerings is based on Andersen themes and narratives. The poem the national ode is highlighted at the restaurant, and manager the host reads extracts, presented in English, as he presents each course. This is a practice commonplace in my days in the city, the fynbo enjoy storytelling and it feels as though storytelling is continuously on the menu here.

Historic Estate Tours

Each wonderful magical places deserve a castle, and this region contains numerous historic homes and manor houses across the island. Taking day trips from the city, I visit the historic fortress, the continent's best-preserved historic fortress. While much of it are accessible to the public, Egeskov is also the private residence of Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille and his partner, the princess. I wonder if she can feel a pea through a pile of {mattresses