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Looking at my reflection, I can see myself in huge gilded pantaloons, seen just for my eyes. Children relax in a water feature pretending to be ocean creatures, meanwhile nearby sits a chatting legume in a display case, next to a towering pile of bedding. It embodies the universe of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), among the nineteenth-century's widely adored writers. I find myself in this Danish town, located on the island of Fyn in the southern part of Denmark, to explore the author's lasting influence in his home town a century and a half after his demise, and to discover a few fairytales of my own.

The Museum: H.C. Andersen's House

HC Andersens Hus is the town's exhibition space dedicated to the storyteller, incorporating his original residence. An expert states that in earlier iterations of the museum there was scant attention on his fairytales. His personal history was explored, but Thumbelina were absent. For tourists who come to the city looking for fairytale wonder, it was a little lacking.

The renovation of the city center, redirecting a main thoroughfare, provided the opportunity to rethink how the city’s most famous son could be celebrated. A prestigious architectural challenge awarded the Japanese company the renowned designers the project, with the museum's fresh perspective at the heart of the layout. The unique wood-paneled museum with interlinked spiral spaces opened to significant attention in 2021. “We’ve tried to create a space where we avoid discussing the author, but we speak in the manner of him: with comedy, satire and viewpoint,” says the representative. The landscape design embrace this concept: “It’s a garden for wanderers and for large beings, it's planned to give you a sense of smallness,” he says, an objective accomplished by clever planting, playing with elevation, proportion and numerous twisting trails in a deceptively small space.

Andersen's Impact

The author penned several personal accounts and frequently contradicted himself. The museum takes this approach fully; typically the perspectives of his acquaintances or snippets of letters are shown to subtly challenge the author’s own version of happenings. “The author is the guide, but he's untrustworthy,” explains the expert. The outcome is a compelling whirlwind tour of his personal story and art, mental approaches and best-loved tales. It is stimulating and whimsical, for adults and kids, with a extra basement make-believe land, Ville Vau, for the children.

Exploring Odense

Returning to the actual city, the modest urban center of this Danish city is picturesque, with historic pathways and traditional Danish homes painted in bright colours. The author's presence is everywhere: the traffic lights display the storyteller with his signature characteristic hat, brass footprints give a complimentary guided stroll, and there’s a sculpture trail too. Annually in August this commitment culminates with the regular storytelling event, which celebrates the author’s legacy through art, dance, stage shows and music.

This year, the week-long festival had numerous performances, many were complimentary. As I explore Odense, I come across colorful performers on stilts, spooky creatures and an author double telling stories. I listen to contemporary performances and observe an remarkable nocturnal display with athletic artists lowering from the municipal structure and hanging from a crane. Upcoming events in the coming months are lectures, family art workshops and, broadening the storytelling legacy past the author, the city’s yearly wonder event.

Each wonderful fairytale destinations require a fortress, and the island features numerous historic homes and stately homes throughout the region

Biking Adventures

As in much of the country, cycles are the best way to navigate in the city and a “bike path” curves through the downtown area. Starting at the local hotel, I pedal to the free harbour-side swimming pool, then beyond the city for a route around Stige Island, a compact territory connected by causeway to the primary land. City residents picnic here after work, or appreciate a tranquil moment catching fish, water sports or swimming.

Back in the city, I visit Restaurant Under Lindetræet, where the food selection is inspired by the writer's motifs and narratives. The literary work the national ode is featured when I visit, and proprietor the restaurateur recites passages, presented in English, as he presents each course. It’s an experience repeated often in my days in the city, the local residents enjoy storytelling and it appears sharing tales is always offered here.

Manor House Visits

Each wonderful fairytale destinations deserve a fortress, and the island boasts numerous historic homes and estates across the island. Traveling briefly from the city, I visit Egeskov Palace, Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castle. While much of it are available for tours, Egeskov is also the family home of Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille and his wife, the princess. I ponder if she would notice a small legume through a stack of {mattresses