Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense

About the museum

The village began in 1973 as a school project: young people from the Næsby-Pårup Ungdomsskole rebuilt an Iron Age house whose model had been uncovered during excavations at Lundsgård near Agedrup in 1937–44. After completion in 1975, school classes soon came regularly, and the site was expanded step by step using old techniques and excavation reports.

On May 4, 1978, a major fire destroyed large parts of the village. The reconstruction drew on newer excavation results; by 1979 four new houses stood, and for the first time permanent educators were hired for school teaching. From 1983 the Odense Produktionsskole looked after the site, from 1989 the Næsby-Tarup Ungdomsskole, later UngVest.

When municipal austerity plans endangered the village around 2015, volunteers and former employees founded a rescue initiative. Since May 1, 2017, the association Odins Odense has run the site independently, supported by many volunteers.

Today the village, in the river landscape of the Stavids Å about five kilometers from the center of Odense, comprises reconstructed dwellings, a smithy, outbuildings, barns, and fences. A group of volunteers keeps old Nordic sheep breeds, which provide lambs in spring. Markets, festivals, and holiday activities take place throughout the year.

Highlights

• Reconstructed Iron Age houses based on excavation findings from Funen
• Smithy, barns, and the chieftain's longhouse with open hearth
• Old Nordic sheep breeds such as Gutefår and Spælsau
• On peak-season days, volunteers demonstrate old crafts
• Seasonal events such as the Iron Age market, Skjaldefestival, and Valhalloween

Founded

1973

Operated by

Foreningen Odins Odense

Director

Michel Jakobsen (administrativer Leiter)

Admission & discounts

Seasonal prices: peak season adults DKK 80, children 6–14 years DKK 40; off-season adults DKK 60, children DKK 30; children under 6 free. Other prices may apply for events. Association members have free admission year-round (reduced for some events).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

One of the two modern restrooms is accessible and has a baby changing table. Dogs are allowed on a leash; waste bags are provided.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children can go on a rune hunt and freely use Iron Age games; an activity basket with a millstone, games, and craft materials can be rented in the shop. Children's birthday parties for 5- to 14-year-olds from DKK 150 per child. In summer there are stays as an "Iron Age family" with overnight accommodation in your own tent or shelter.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The shop at the entrance serves as the ticket desk and sells coffee, tea, ice cream, mead, books, pelts, jewelry, and handmade souvenirs by the volunteers. You may bring your own food; meals are available only at special events. Outdoor drinking water tap.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Children's birthday parties, bachelor parties, and company events (2½–3 hours with games, combat training, and communal cooking in the longhouse, from DKK 350 per person plus VAT, minimum 8 people). A barn with tables and benches is available to groups for eating.

Plan your visit