Odense is one of Denmark’s oldest cities. Archaeological excavations in the vicinity show proof of settlement for over 4,000 years. The name Odense means “Odin’s sanctuary,” as the area was known as a sanctuary for worshippers of the Nordic god, Odin.
“I recently returned from a trip to Denmark, and I had an issue of Canadian Cowboy with me, as I intended to take photos along the landmarks of my mom’s native country,” writes subscriber Karina Geleynse. “I only did it in Odense, Denmark — the country’s third-largest city and the main city of the island of Funen, located about 160 km southwest of Copenhagen.”
Odense is also the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s famous author, who has written many fairy tales such as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea, The Tinderbox, Thumbelina and The Emperor’s New Clothes. Andersen was born April 2, 1805, in the little house in the photo. He died at age 70, on August 4, 1875, in Copenhagen.
Tourism is an important source of income for the city, attracting local and international visitors, including former Calgary Stampede Princess (1995), Miss Ponoka Stampede (1998) and Miss Rodeo Canada 1999, Karina [Tees] Geleynse, of Flying G Ranch near Clive, Alta.