What to see in Bogense
Be your own guide in Bogense. We’ve handpicked the town's key sights and quirky stories, making it easy to curate your own route. Explore everything from historic fisherman’s cottages to the whimsical details behind the facades at your very own pace.
Photo: Jens Wognsen
Bogense: From royal market town to maritime gem
The history of Bogense goes all the way back to 1288, when King Erik Menved granted the town its market town privileges. Back then, the harbour was a lively trading place, and the ferry connected Funen with Jutland. But in 1575, a devastating fire left almost the entire town in ashes.
Bogense rose again and became an important trading centre for the surrounding area. The 20th century brought steam locomotives on the railway lines to Odense and Middelfart, as well as a thriving industry by the old harbour.
Today, Bogense feels like a little time capsule. And we think it is Denmark’s cosiest market town 😊 Behind the well-preserved façades around the town square and in the winding streets with their historic houses, you’ll find plenty of great stories.
Use our guide to create your own town walk through the oldest neighbourhoods. We start and end at the atmospheric harbour – right where it all began.
Bogense city walk
Photo: Jens Wognsen© VisitNordfyn
Bogense Old Harbour
The Old Harbour in Bogense was built way back in 1828 and was once a very active industrial and ferry port, but today it is pure cosiness, large boats and an impressive view.
Photo: VisitNordfyn
MS Castor at the Old Harbour in Bogense
MS Castor tells the coastal story of Bogense – see the 40-ton wooden ship on land as a landmark of the old harbour.
Photo: VisitNordfyn© Jens Galschiøt
Hans Christian Andersen at Bogense Old Harbour
At Bogense's old harbour you can meet Denmark's best storyteller Hans Christian Andersen in the form of a beautiful sculpture by the artist Jens Galschiøt - and it's perfectly true!
Photo: VisitNordfyn
The Aero Windmill at Bogense Harbour
What is the tall building on the harbour? It's not a tower, it's not an old chimney, it's ... a former windmill!
Photo: Ivan Møllebjerg© VisitNordfyn
The Watchman’s Path in Bogense
Here the path once went around the entire old town of Bogense - today you can still follow in the footsteps of the watchmen on part of the path system.
Photo: Børge Pedersen© VisitNordfyn
Bogense Town Stream
Have you been in the stream? If not, you can take a walk along the beautiful stream that winds through Bogense and has played an important role for the town thanks to its clean, fresh water.
Photo: Anders Myrtue© Nordfyns Museum
Nordfyns Museum
North Funen's history in concentrated form at a museum - see the various exhibitions and get a good insight into Bogense's and North Funen's past!
Photo: Jens Wognsen© VisitNordfyn
Manneken Pis, Bogense
Say hello to Bogense's famous mascot! Read the story of how a local boy struck it rich and gave the town this cheeky replica of Manneken Pis in 1934. Dive into the myths about the foundling and see the many fun costumes here.
Photo: Jens Wognsen© VisitNordfyn
The Oldest House of North Funen
You'll find North Funen's oldest house in Bogense. The house is more than 600 years old, and in that time it has witnessed many dramatic events.
Photo: Nina Flintegaard© VisitNordfyn
The Tanner's House at Adelgade 54
Hempels House on Adelgade 54 was a dyehouse in the 19th century and later a grocery store and many other functions - and today the house is so well preserved that it has won an award for it.
Photo: VisitNordfyn
Erik Menved Kro - half-timbered house
No, the inn was not founded by King Erik Menved - but Erik Menveds Kro is one of Bogense's oldest houses and is also Funen's oldest inn.
Photo: Ole Grost© VisitNordfyn
The Old Merchant's House in Østergade
The old merchant's house on Østergade in Bogense has been used as a shop since the 18th century - at that time there were three merchants in the building!
Photo: Børge Pedersen© VisitNordfyn
The Town Hall in Bogense
The new town hall in Bogense is actually from 1921 - but it is still in use, now as one of three town halls for the North Funen Municipality.
Photo: Ole Grost© VisitNordfyn
The Carillon at Bogense Town Hall
Which melody is the carillon in Bogense playing? The carillon plays different melodies during the day, and the repertoire changes throughout the year.
Photo: Nina Flintegaard© VisitNordfyn
Bogense's Old Town Hall in Sct. Annagade
The stately building with the grand staircase in Sct. Annagade is Bogense's former town hall - and here may once have been a monastery?
Photo: VisitNordfyn
The Water Tower in Bogense
On Teglgårdsvej in Bogense there is a building that looks like an old castle tower. It's Bogense's old Water Tower!
Photo: Børge Pedersen© VisitNordfyn
The Market Square in Bogense
At the town square in Bogense, there has been a market since the Middle Ages, and the square in front of the church has always been a centre of the town.
Photo: Casper Hansen© VisitNordfyn
Funen's smallest house
It's easy to overlook, but it is located right there at the town square in Bogense: One of Denmark's smallest houses - with only 23 square meters!
Photo: VisitNordfyn© Nordfyns turistbureau
Bogense Kirke - St. Nicholas Church
Bogense Church is located on top of a hillside by the coast. There is an impressive view of the sea from the church hill, and the beautiful church with the high tower and church spire can be seen from afar.
Photo: Børge Pedersen© VisitNordfyn
The Timber House in Bogense
This impressive old white building towers on the corner of Adelgade and Kirkestræde - it's the so-called Timberhouse!
Photo: VisitNordfyn
Bogense Marina
Bogense Marina is an impressive sight with all the big yachts - there is room for 700 yachts in the modern marina!