Photo: Kåre Thor Olsen

Designed by the architect behind Copenhagen Central Station

Odense’s Old Railway Station was designed by Heinrich Wenck, chief architect of the Danish State Railways and one of the most influential figures in Danish railway architecture. His work also includes Copenhagen Central Station and numerous other stations across Denmark.

The building’s grandeur is no accident. When it opened in 1914, it replaced Odense’s earlier station and reflected the city’s growing importance as a transport link between Funen, Jutland and Zealand. The new station was designed not only to meet practical needs but also to make a lasting impression on visitors arriving in the city.

Look out for the architectural details

The architecture is what makes the building worth a closer look. Lift your eyes towards the steep mansard roof, notice the glazed roof tiles and take time to explore the decorative façade. Many of these features were intended to convey prestige and importance, much like the palaces and public buildings of the Baroque era.

The triangular gable facing the city also reveals inspiration from Odense Castle. Together with the King’s Garden, the station was conceived as part of a grand urban setting that can still be appreciated today. This connection between the building and its surroundings is one of the reasons why it stands out among Denmark’s railway stations.

A visible reminder of the city’s past

The station served as Odense’s main railway station until 1995, when the Odense Railway Centre took over as the city’s transport hub. Although trains no longer stop here, the building remains a striking reminder of the period when the railway played a central role in shaping Odense’s development.

Many people pass by without noticing its details. But if you pause for a moment and look up, it is easy to see why Odense’s Old Railway Station is still regarded as one of Heinrich Wenck’s most remarkable works.