Den Gamle Kro A/S

Imagine a place where the history and traditions of old Europe come to life — this is exactly the impression made by Den Gamle Kro. This iconic restaurant in the heart of Odense occupies a magnificent half-timbered building dating back to 1683. For many tourists visiting the city, this establishment has become as essential a stop as the museums for which Denmark is famous.

Den Gamle Kro. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The restaurant combines two historic wings and a charming courtyard, preserving an authentic atmosphere of the past. It serves classic Danish cuisine with modern touches, focusing on local ingredients and time-tested recipes. The interior, adorned with antique decor, creates a sense of coziness that the Danes call by the famous word hygge.

Thanks to its long history and impeccable reputation, Den Gamle Kro is considered a true gastronomic symbol of the region. It is the perfect place to try authentic smørrebrød or meat delicacies from its own shop, while enjoying the spirit of antiquity in the city's most iconic district.

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The main reason to visit Den Gamle Kro is for a full immersion into Danish culinary tradition. Start your acquaintance with the menu with the classic smørrebrød — open-faced sandwiches with a wide choice of toppings, prepared here with exceptional skill. Guests are also recommended to try the hearty meat dishes and delicate seafood, which are perfectly complemented by local craft beer or a carefully selected wine list.

Be sure to walk through the building itself to admire its architectural details. Of particular note is the Munkekælderen (Monk's Cellar), where fragments of ancient vaults have been preserved, and the cozy inner courtyard, which is ideal for relaxing during the warmer months. If you want to take a piece of the flavor home with you, stop by the restaurant's butcher shop, which sells high-quality, house-made delicacies.

The atmosphere is suitable for both quiet family lunches and large-scale celebrations in the banquet hall. On weekdays, lunch is usually a bit quieter, allowing for quicker service, but for an evening visit on weekends, it's better to arrange a table reservation in advance to guarantee a spot in this historic setting.

Finding this historic corner is easy, as it is located in the very heart of the old town. If you are near the Hans Christian Andersen House or the City Hall, the walk to the restaurant will take only a few minutes. From the central railway station (Odense Station), you can reach the entrance on foot in about 10–15 minutes, enjoying the picturesque streets along the way.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses stop nearby on Overgade. Travelers arriving by car should keep in mind that the restaurant is located in a busy historic area, so it is recommended to leave your car in one of the central parking lots or use a taxi to avoid spending time searching for a spot.

The building that houses the restaurant today officially dates back to 1683, though city archives hint at an even older origin for the site. It is believed that an old farm was originally located here. Over the centuries, the house's walls have seen a lot: at various times, it served as a bakery, a shoemaker's workshop, a greengrocer's shop, and a bustling tavern.

The modern chapter of the establishment's history began in 1937. Tobacco manufacturer Erik Stokkebye bought the premises of a former confectionery and carefully restored it, opening a restaurant named Den Gamle Kro. Since then, several owners have come and gone, but each has strived to preserve the unique spirit of Danish heritage, combining a historic appearance with high standards of hospitality.

One of the most exciting finds was the archaeological discoveries made in the 1960s. During work to expand the basement, the remains of an ancient building with barrel vaults and a stone plinth were discovered. Today, this area is known as Munkekælderen (the Monk's Cellar), and it serves as a living reminder of the centuries-old history of this plot of land in the city center.

To fully enjoy the meal and the atmosphere of this place, a typical visitor will need between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This is enough time to leisurely browse the menu, taste the famous smørrebrød, and explore the interiors of the ancient building.

If you plan to visit the restaurant for a special occasion or a banquet, it is worth allowing 3 hours or more. The cozy courtyard and historic cellar are perfect for a long rest and pleasant conversations that you won't want to rush.

The restaurant welcomes guests daily, following a convenient schedule. From Monday to Saturday, the establishment is open from 11:30 to 21:00. On Sunday, the doors open slightly later at 12:00, but the restaurant still operates until 21:00.

This schedule makes it easy to plan either an early lunch or a celebratory dinner at the end of a busy day of sightseeing.

Exploring the surroundings after a delicious lunch or dinner will help you fully experience the atmosphere of the old Danish city. Many interesting locations are within walking distance of the restaurant — from royal residences to UNESCO World Heritage sites.