Munkebjerg Church

Munkebjerg Church in Odense is a modern 1960s place of worship, designed with low exterior walls and a high, sweeping roof over a hexagonal nave. Inside, the focus is drawn towards a large glass mosaic that serves as the altarpiece, created by artist Knud Lollesgaard and added in the early 1980s. The combination of the building’s simple geometry and the colourful glass work makes it a clear contrast to older Danish churches. It is a straightforward, short detour from the main Margueritruten section on Funen.

Stop at Munkebjerg Church if you are interested in modern church architecture and contemporary religious art. The hexagonal nave and elevated roof create a different spatial experience to traditional village churches, while the large glass mosaic altarpiece by Knud Lollesgaard adds a bold visual focus. It works best as a brief visit combined with other stops in Odense.

Worth a short detour if you enjoy modern church design and contemporary glass art.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

15–30 minutes

Best time to visit

Daytime, when natural light can filter through the church’s windows and illuminate the glass mosaic altarpiece, is the most rewarding time to visit. If you want quiet time inside, avoid major church services and local events, when the building is likely to be in active use by the congregation.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• Odense Bunker Museum

  Museum · 272 m

• The City Tree

  Attraction · 1.1 km

• Frederik's Bridge

  Attraction · 1.2 km

• Viking Ring Fortress Nonnebakken

  Historic building · 1.2 km

• Byfisk på muren (Fish in the city)

  Attraction · 1.2 km

• Young Cuckoo - sculpture

  Attraction · 1.2 km

Frequently asked

What is special about Munkebjerg Church in Odense?

Munkebjerg Church stands out for its modern 20th-century design, with low outer walls and a roof that rises high above a hexagonal nave. Instead of a traditional painted altarpiece, it has a large glass mosaic by artist Knud Lollesgaard, consecrated in 1983, which serves as the visual focal point. Together, the building and artwork offer a very different feel to older Danish churches.

Who created the glass mosaic altarpiece in Munkebjerg Church?

The glass mosaic that functions as the altarpiece in Munkebjerg Church was created by artist Knud Lollesgaard. It was consecrated in March 1983 and replaces the more traditional painted or carved altarpiece found in many Danish churches. Visitors interested in modern religious art often focus their visit on viewing this colourful mosaic work.

Is Munkebjerg Church worth visiting on the Margueritruten drive through Odense?

Munkebjerg Church is a worthwhile stop if you are interested in modern church architecture or contemporary religious art. Its hexagonal nave, low exterior walls and high roof give it an unconventional form, and the glass mosaic altarpiece by Knud Lollesgaard adds a strong visual element. For most travellers it works best as a short visit combined with other Odense sights.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Munkebjerg Church?

Most visitors only need a short stop at Munkebjerg Church. Around 15–30 minutes is usually enough to walk around the building, step inside if it is open, and spend some time looking at the hexagonal nave and the large glass mosaic altarpiece by Knud Lollesgaard before continuing towards other places in Odense.

Can I combine a visit to Munkebjerg Church with other nearby sights in Odense?

Yes, Munkebjerg Church is within a short drive of other Odense sights on the Margueritruten. You can easily combine it with a visit to Odense Bunker Museum, or head further towards Viking Ring Fortress Nonnebakken, Frederik's Bridge or The City Tree to see more of the city while you are already off the main route.

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