Odense, Denmark's third largest city with a population of 170,000, is located in the north central part of Fyn Island. Linked by canal with the Odense Fjord, the city is an important commercial, industrial, and caltural center, as well as a rail junction. Odense, Meaning "Shirine of Odin," has large shipyards which export agricultural produce. Machinery, textiles, beer, electrical eqipment, and motor vehicles are manufactured. One of the oldest cities in northern Europe, Odense was founded in the 10th century and was an episcopal see beginning in 1020.

Other cities of importance on Fyn Island are Nyborg, population 12,000, a seaside resort, known for its shipyards and textile mills; and Svendborg, population 23,000, with its shipyards and breweries.

   Fyn, Denmark - Egeskov slot

This is probably the best of the Danish castles. Go in the summer, though, because it it closed from October to April.

The castle is still lived in, and the family graciously has opened it up to extensive tourism, including tours of a significant part of the castle itself. The castle reflects stunningly in it's moat, and, well, there is not a much better site around.

Egeskov Slot is on the middle island of Fyn. It was built in 1554 and is complete with a moat and a drawbridge.

   Fyn, Denmark - Holckenhavn slot

This great castle was built in 1634. It is also located on Fyn, just south of Nyborg. It is also a private residence, but the owners have also here graciously opened it up for the public. In this case, though, you cannot go inside the castle itself- just keep to the grounds. But then, it is free. And, no one else was there- I had the place completely to myself- you can feel the quietness and serenity in these pictures (and the 3D gallery as well).

   Fyn, Denmark - Odense Sankt knuds kirke

A noteworthy example of Gothic church architecture, this brick structure is dedicated to Canute IV (or Knud IV, in Danish), king of Denmark for six years until his murder in 1086 and patron saint of Denmark. The first church on this site was begun by Canute IV shortly before his death. After his canonization, his remains were placed in the first church, which burded in 1247. The crypt of the present cathedral, built about 1300, retains the shrine to Canute IV.

   Fyn, Denmark - Odense Vor frue kirke (Our Lady's Church)

The present structure arose between 1811 and 1829 and has been designed the city's cathedral since 1924 and has been famous in Danish ecclesiastical history for a much longer period. Archbishop Absalon founded the first church here in the 12th century. During the Middle Ages many Danish kings were crowned on the site, and bishops are still ordained here.