The "Præstholm" vicarage is situated between the local villages of Gosmer and Halling. The vicarage garden must have been extremely wonderful with its large trees and canals. "Præstholm" has had a prominent visitor: when Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish poet and fairy-tale writer, visited the nearby Vilhelmsborg Manor in 1853 he also paid a visit to the "Præstholm" vicarage. After his visit there he wrote: "It was indeed a warm, cosy and charming home, and the garden so tasteful with canals, wonderful grass plots with pasturing goats, a pretty little grove, a tall tower from where you can look out over the belt...."
www.andersenwashere.dk

Many think that Odder is a strange name for a town, but there is a simple explanation for the town's name. Several rivers join in the Odder area and where they meet the name given to the tongue of land formed between them is in Danish, "odde". The Odder Coat of Arms depicts the meeting of the two rivers and the information of an "odde". The name has actually nothing to do with the animal of the same name (the otter).

In the "Spåkærsskoven" woods between Hundslund and Ørting is the grave of Svend Fælding. Svend Fælding wasn't just anybody; he was connected with the Åkjær Manor, and was said to have the strength of twelve men. His strength was given him by a witch, and he had promised never to reveal this secret. Threatened by the landowner, he revealed his secret anyhow - thereafter, and to the day he died, he consumed as much food and drink as twelve men. Several place names bear witness that his name is still connected with the area.

Every Wednesday the population of Odder expands noticeably, its market day. On this day the square is full of offers on flowers, fruit, vegetables, fish and cheese from local farms as well as abroad.

Torvald Køhl was a teacher and astronomer. He gave more than 1,700 lectures on astronomy and received a government grant in 1892 for his work. He lived in the town centre and built an observatory there in 1903 next to his "Villa Carina". Today, it is the home of the Odder Archives for Local History, with the observatory's ruins at the back. There are plans for re-erection at some future date. One of the main streets in town is named after Torvald Køhl.

Denmark has 13 private railways, one of which is Odder railway, whose
little red train chugs backwards and forwards between Odder and Århus all day long.
It is true to say, that the train is not very fast since there are no fewer than 18 halts on this 26,5 km stretch, but this local railway line is very popular as its affectionate nickname bears witness to.
On special occasions during the year you can see the Odder Pig's smaller sibling the Piglet ("Grislingen") in the streets of Odder.

A scenic nature trail exists along what was part of the old railway line between Odder and Horsens. Some stretches of the way are elevated well up over the sur-rounding countryside, while other stretches are cut deep into the terrain, which makes for a very varied tour along the six-kilometer pathway.
You may also cycle along the path but parts of the way are very uneven. There are small parking places at various points along the pathway.

This Region of alternating, scenic landscape was formed by the combined forces of water and ice during the last ice age. The partially wooded and scrubland covered Uldrup hills, is one of Jutland most attractive eminent landscapes. Looking out over Horsens fjord, there is a lovely view of the islands of Alrø and Vorsø. The area is of great historical interest, as well as being rich in various flora and fauna. The pathways are well signposted.

In the district of Odder there is some of the most fertile farm land in the country. And agriculture is indeed a prominent feature in the surrounding landscape, especially in the flatter areas in the eastern part of the district. Towards the south and west, the landscape is considerably hillier, at least in Danish terms, and there is a higher concentration of woodlands. All in all, the Odder area represents more or less all types of Danish landscapes – so we are pretty close to the mark when we describe the Odder district as a miniature version of Denmark. There are sandy beaches, salt marshes, fjords, islands, and even small -patches of moor. Large areas down towards the Horsens Fjord are protected.
The fact that people have been attracted to the area for thousands of years is apparent from finds both from the Stone Age and the Viking Age. Near the town of Randlev archaeologists have found Denmark’s second-largest burial place dating from the Viking Age.
The Odder district has a closely-nit system of small, excellent roads. By following these, you will get a fine impression of the highly varied landscapes, and on the way you are certain to come across some small surprises, such as one of the area’s farm shops or artist-craftsmen, who will be happy to invite you into their workshop.

The ”Bjørnkærsættet” distillery equipment – the jewel in the crown of the Odder Museum – has been a long-standing treasure for the museum and the Odder area.
Today, the ”Bjørnkærsæt” collection is regarded as Scandinavia’s oldest distillery equipment dating back to the mid-14th century, and through time it has been studied carefully by experts from all over Europe.

Visit also the Bjørnkær mounds at Hou.

In the 18th century, the lady of the Åkjær Manor was highly distinguished and rather vain. Her name was Hedevig Margrethe Borne-mann. Upon her death, she was placed in a small chapel at Falling church, dressed in an expensive silk gown with fine silk stockings. In her will, she had specifically mentioned the stockings which were to be changed every year at Christmas. It is told that her will was obeyed right through to the 20th century. Every Christmas, the local parish clerks changed her stockings. In return, they received the sum of ten rix-dollars; a considerable amount in those days.

Standing upright like soldiers the three so-called hunting preserves stones mark the entrance to the Hundslund church. They probably originate from the local Åkær estate where they were erected to mark the boundaries of the royal hunting grounds. The first records of the stones, which show the year, the district and the King’s initials, date back to the times of King Christian IV.

There is much culture hidden in the old manor farms, and in the Odder region lies some wonderful examples, whose architectural beauty is a pleasure to all that see them. The Odder area is one area of Denmark renown-ed for its manor houses. They have set their mark on the area throughout the centuries - right up to the present day. The manor farms have strong ties to the region, and the landowners have been the regions foremost pioneers. Read more about the manor -houses at
www.visitodder.dk
The manor houses can only be seen from the outside.
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Åkjær Gods Aakjærvej 89
8300 Odder
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Gersdorffslund Gersdorffslundvej 1
8300 Odder
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Gyllingnæs Gyllingnæsvej 80
8300 Odder
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Rathlousdal Kongshusvej 68
8300 Odder
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Rodstenseje Rodstensejevej 10
8300 Odder

The Sondrup Market takes place from 6th to 8th July. Throughout the weekend there will be music, a fun fair, and traders at the market. The market place is located immediately in front of the village of Hundslund. Bus service 306, Odder to Horsens, stops 300 metres from the market place.
www.sondrupmarked.dk

The protected orchid Early Purple Orchis grows in Odder. Therefore the Mayor has received a card from the Danish Minister for the Environment with a photograph of the orchis with a request to take good care of it. The Early Purple Orchis grows in the moist woodlands south and east of Odder, and it can be found in the Fensholt Skov, Søby Fredskov, Kalsehoved Skov and Gyllingskov woods. It can attain a height of 40 cm, and it flowers from late April / early May. The flowers are a rich purple colour, and it has large, dark green, frequently spotted leaves at the base of the stem.

If one were to calculate the geographical centre of Denmark, you would end up in Odder. The heart of Denmark lies almost precisely at Nølevvej, just across from Parkvejens School and is marked by a large oak tree. Saying that we have to admit that it is not totally correct, as Bornholm is not taken into account in these calculations. If one did that, the centre of Denmark would lie somewhere out in the Kattegat.

The members of the Odder Marching and Concert Band number more than 50 children and young people, ranging from age 8 to 30, and the band's repertoire ranges from rousing marches to popular hits from the musicals. The Odder Marching and Concert Band is frequently on the move - approximately 25 annual performances of all kinds, with everything from company receptions to town fêtes. This year, the Odder Marching and Concert Band will participate in the Danish Town Flute and Drum Bands' Championship, taking place on the island of Bornholm. Last year, the Odder Marching and Concert Band was elected best band at a festival with ten competing bands.

www.oddergarden.dk

If you enter Odder from the Skanderborg side, you pass through one of Denmark's loveliest avenues, Rathlousdal Avenue. It is formed by two rows of tall knotted limetrees, which the County Council, a few years ago, proposed cutting down in an attempt to broaden the road. This suggestion was very unpopular amongst the population and the plans were dropped. Today the trees are one of the towns cherished possessions and each time one of the older trees is felled, a new one is planted. The avenue is now made up of 195 trees, of which 22 have been planted, in recent years.

Odder is child-friendly in several respects. One major reason being that in Odder, Denmark's only perambulator factory has been producing the "Oddervogn" since 1925. The classic Oddervogn is renowned and loved by young and old all over Denmark. The two small princes at Prince Joachim and Princess Alexandra's Schackenborg Palace count among the many who have been wheeled around in a Oddervogn. Today's parents have the opportunity to design their child's very own personal pram in whatever colour they like. www.oddervognen.dk

Every year when Santa comes to Odder he sneaks into the Kvickly supermarket in the dark of night to where the town's children have hung their Christmas stockings. On the Sunday before Christmas the children may then come to get their stockings filled with delicious sweets. This Christmas tradition at Kvickly is hugely popular - some 1,600 stockings were filled last Christmas and the mere sight of so many stockings brings Christmas spirit to young and old alike.

Odder has a relatively new fire station and that can easily be explained, as the old one was burnt to the ground in 1965. It happened as the fire inspector was celebrating his silver wedding anniversary. Right in the middle of all the celebrations came the message that the fire station was in flames. Many thought it was a joke, but sad to say NO. The fire engines and the buildings all lost. This event put Odder on the front page of the New York Times- and true to say it has never happened since.

Start at the parking ground called, Åparkeringen. The route has shape as a bow.
The east part is about 3.6 km, the west part about 2 km. For every kilometre you will pass a sign, and in addition- arrows marks the path.
At Odder Tourist Office you will find a folder.

If one were to calculate the geographical centre of Denmark, you would end up in Odder. The heart of Denmark lies almost precisely at Nølevvej, just across from Parkvejens School and is marked by a large oak tree. Saying that we have to admit that it is not totally correct, as Bornholm is not taken into account in these calculations. If one did that, the centre of Denmark would lie somewhere out in the Kattegat.

Just south from the village of Trustrup lies “Udsigtshøjene”- the hill with a view. Sign-posts point the way to a small parking area. From this height, on a clear day, you can have a lovely view over the whole of Horsens Fjord. The high-est point is 70 meters ab-ove sea level, and from this point run a network of small pathways, a great place to go exploring, especially for children. There are many other places in the area with wonderful views of the surrounding scenery, for example, Blakshøj in the Uldrup hills.

The idea is obvious, but nevertheless a combination of church tower and lighthouse is something very rare. But such a two-in-one tower can be found on Tunø. Tunø church stands on one of the is-lands highest points, and in 1801 it was decided that the church tower should be extended and the top adapted as a lighthouse. There is entrance to the tower for some hours each day and from there there is a view that encompasses Tunø, Samsø and all of Århus Bay.

The gate at Åkjær is linked to the legendary character ”Svend Felding” He was born at the Åkjær Manor, and it is for this reason that the bridge across the river at the village of Bilsbæk is known as ‘Svend Felding’s Bridge’. In the vicinity of the bridge lies a gate made of rocks – known by locals as ‘Svend Felding’s Stable’. According to historical sources these remains are of the ‘Spegelshus’ (the Mirror House), and historians have interpreted this name to mean that it used to be leper hospital. The hospital may have been erected by the bishop, who owned the Åkjær Manor, and it was probably pulled down in 1543 on the orders of King Christian III.

At the side of the main road between Odder and Skanderborg, close to the village of Fillerup, can be found Othelia´s Well, an old holly well. People visit it most often on the night after Saint Hans (24th June) when its waters are supposed to have special healing powers, but even on a normal day, people can often be seen taking water in bottles and other containers.
A few years ago, the well suddenly ran dry, but thankfully, it was only blocked by leaves and twigs.

Odder was one the first towns outside Copen-hagen to get a permanent cinema. In December 2006 it will be exactly 100 years since the first film was shown in the cinema. Today the cinema is run by a large group of volunteers, which took the initiative some years ago to undertake a much-needed renovation. In 2005 the ’Biffen’ was voted the best cinema run by an association in Denmark.

Standing upright like soldiers the three so-called hunting preserves stones mark the entrance to the Hundslund church. They probably originate from the local Åkær estate where they were erected to mark the boundaries of the royal hunting grounds. The first records of the stones, which show the year, the district and the King’s initials, date back to the times of King Christian IV.

At Tunø Knob, between Jutland and Tunø, can be seen one of the worlds first windmill parks, by the sea. The mills can be seen clearly in good weather. They have proven to produce more power than first expected, and have therefore been seen as a forerunner for the many ocean based windmill parks that are planned not only here in Denmark. The mills at Tunø were met with great scepticism, with for example, people fearing that they would interfere with the bird life of the region, but it appears that the birds have quickly be-come accustomed to the whirring giants.