Discover Otterup: History, Routes and Nature

Otterup combines a multifaceted local history with varied routes and peaceful experiences in nature. In the town centre, the Midgårdsormen sculpture commemorates Thor fighting a serpent. Its nine humps symbolise the nine parishes that together formed the former municipality of Otterup. Those planning a trip can combine historical discoveries, walks and excursions through the landscapes of northern Funen here.

Weapon History and Historic Sites

An important point of interest is the Otterup HistoryCenter. It is located in the old rifle factory, in the rooms on the first floor where assembly used to take place. The centre offers guided tours and lectures about the history and production of Schultz & Larsen, the Otterup Geværfabrik and A/S Dansk Ammunitionsfabrik. The Otterup Geværfabrik was founded in 1889 by marksman Hans Schultz. Every visitor, regardless of age, needs an admission ticket to access its halls.

The Otterup Museum also focuses on the town's past. Historic rooms, stories about people and crafts, and accounts of everyday life convey how people used to live in Otterup. There is also a unique Viking settlement, or Viking dwelling, where the Otterup Viking lived. West of Otterup lies Galgedil, a Viking cemetery from the 9th century where Vikings buried their dead.

Otterup Church adds notable furnishings to the historical picture. It was originally built in 1150 and expanded in the Middle Ages; the old walls were demolished to rebuild a larger church. Inside are a Romanesque baptismal font of the central Funen type with rich vine ornamentation, as well as a richly carved wooden pulpit and a pulpit canopy from 1616. Both bear the coats of arms of Johan Nielsen Friis and his wife, Karen Krabbe. Frelserens Hospital was inaugurated on 11 October 1722.

Routes Between Forest, Marshland and Coastal Landscapes

Otterup offers several options with different characteristics for active days. You can walk, run or cycle along all four signposted Clover Routes. The routes are marked with signs and a small cloverleaf. The Kærlighedsstien follows the course of a former beet railway and runs as a walking route between the former station and the former Nislevgaard estate. In this way, the route combines exercise with an insight into the town's former transport and cultural landscape.

In Otterup Byskov, a two-kilometre-long route runs through the forest and around the marsh beneath tall beech trees. The route is suitable for a shorter nature break, while the 30-kilometre Glavendrup Route covers considerably more ground. It passes through Otterup and then returns to Otterup. Another option is the Hasmark Route: it passes through northern Funen landscapes, along Odense Fjord, past Hasmark Strand and the Kattegat coast, and back to Otterup along old paths.

At Otterup Andedam, you can observe the area's diverse birdlife. Black swans, ducks and other feathered inhabitants shape the atmosphere by the water. There are also enclosures with silkie chickens, peacocks and various pheasants. This means you can choose between cultural and historical visits, longer routes and a quieter observation break.

Otterup as a Starting Point for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Otterup, it is worth using your own plans for the day as a guide: culture enthusiasts can focus on the HistoryCenter, museum, church and historic sites, while walks and cycling routes offer different focal points. For trips to Odense, bus route 200A connects Otterup with the city; the journey takes around 20 minutes. You can also include other destinations in your plans: Jørgensø, Bårdesø, Søndersø, Gyngstrup, Skåstrup, Veflinge, Bogense and Skamby.

For the overarching travel overview: Nordfyns.