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In the mirror, I seem to have on oversized shimmering pantaloons, seen just for my eyes. Youngsters play in a rock pool pretending to be mermaids, and adjacent rests a speaking vegetable in a exhibition box, beside a imposing stack of bedding. This is the universe of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), a leading nineteenth-century's most beloved writers. I’m in the city of Odense, on the island of the island of Fyn in the south of Denmark, to explore the author's enduring legacy in his native city a century and a half after his death, and to find a couple of enchanted tales of my own.

The Exhibition: The Andersen Museum

HC Andersens Hus is the town's museum dedicated to the writer, including his first home. A curator explains that in earlier iterations of the museum there was scant attention on the author's tales. The writer’s life was examined, but The Ugly Duckling were nowhere to be found. For visitors who travel to this place in search of storytelling magic, it was a little lacking.

The redesign of Odense city centre, rerouting a primary street, created the chance to rethink how the renowned native could be commemorated. An international design contest awarded Japanese firm the renowned designers the contract, with the innovative curatorial vision at the center of the design. The remarkable wood-paneled museum with connected spiral spaces debuted to great fanfare in 2021. “We have attempted to create a space where we avoid discussing Andersen, but we speak in the manner of him: with wit, irony and perspective,” explains the expert. The landscape design embrace this concept: “The outdoor area for strollers and for giants, it's created to give you a sense of smallness,” he notes, a challenge realized by thoughtful gardening, experimenting with height, size and numerous twisting trails in a surprisingly compact space.

Andersen's Impact

Andersen wrote two and a half personal accounts and often contradicted himself. The museum takes this approach fully; typically the views of his companions or fragments of correspondence are shown to politely doubt the writer's personal account of happenings. “Andersen is the guide, but his account isn't always accurate,” explains the expert. The effect is a compelling whirlwind tour of his personal story and art, thought processes and most popular stories. This is provocative and whimsical, for grown-ups and kids, with a extra lower-level imaginary world, Ville Vau, for the children.

Discovering the City

In the actual city, the modest urban center of the municipality is picturesque, with historic pathways and traditional Danish homes finished in bright colours. The author's presence is everywhere: the traffic lights show the storyteller with his distinctive formal headwear, bronze footmarks provide a complimentary Andersen walking tour, and there’s a art walk too. Each summer this dedication peaks with the yearly storytelling event, which honors the writer's impact through creativity, movement, stage shows and melodies.

Recently, the multi-day celebration had numerous performances, the majority were free. While visiting this place, I meet painted stilt-walkers, spooky creatures and an writer impersonator sharing tales. I hear empowering poetry and observe an amazing evening show featuring acrobatic dancers descending from the town hall and hanging from a construction equipment. Future activities during the season are talks, creative sessions for all ages and, extending the storytelling legacy further than the writer, the city’s annual enchantment celebration.

All good enchanted locations need a palace, and Fyn features numerous historic homes and manor houses around the area

Biking Adventures

As in most of Denmark, cycles are the perfect means to travel around in the city and a “bike path” curves through the city centre. Starting at the local hotel, I ride to the public port-side aquatic facility, then beyond the city for a route around Stige Island, a tiny landmass linked by a road to the primary land. Local inhabitants relax with food here following their day, or take pleasure in a peaceful time angling, aquatic activities or swimming.

Back in Odense, I visit a local eatery, where the culinary offerings is inspired by Andersen themes and narratives. The poem the patriotic piece appears during my meal, and proprietor the restaurateur reads extracts, rendered in English, as he presents each course. Such encounters repeated often in my visit, the fynbo enjoy storytelling and it appears sharing tales is constantly available here.

Castle Explorations

All good enchanted locations need a fortress, and this region contains numerous historic homes and estates throughout the region. Traveling briefly from town, I explore Egeskov Palace, Europe’s best-preserved historic fortress. Despite parts are open to visitors, this historic site is also the family home of Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille and his wife, the royal resident. I ponder if she can feel a tiny vegetable through a pile of {mattresses