01 Odense

Welcome to Odense
"A Story waiting to be written"

Welcome to Odense, a city of enchantment nestled in the heart of Denmark! Prepare to be captivated by a place that seamlessly blends fairy tale charm with modern sophistication, offering an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and Danish hospitality. Step into the birthplace of the legendary writer Hans Christian Andersen, where imagination comes to life at every turn. Explore the picturesque streets of the old town, where half-timbered houses and cobblestone lanes transport you back in time. Discover the Andersen Museum, where the author's captivating stories and whimsical characters come alive, igniting the imagination of visitors young and old. As you wander through Odense, you'll encounter a wealth of cultural treasures. Marvel at the stunning architecture of Odense Cathedral, a majestic masterpiece that has stood for over 800 years. Explore the charming Fyns Kunstmuseum, showcasing a diverse collection of Danish and international art, while providing breathtaking views of the city. Odense is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a delectable culinary scene that combines traditional Danish flavors with innovative twists. Indulge in mouthwatering Danish pastries, known as wienerbrød, freshly baked and bursting with sweetness. Savor local delicacies such as smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches piled high with flavorful toppings. And don't miss the chance to pair your meal with exquisite Danish craft beers or a glass of aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit. For nature lovers, Odense boasts numerous green spaces and parks that invite you to embrace the outdoors. Stroll through the enchanting Kongens Have, the city's oldest park, and soak in the serene atmosphere while admiring its beautiful gardens. Discover the tranquility of the nearby Fruens Bøge forest, where you can wander among ancient trees and picturesque landscapes. Odense also offers a vibrant cultural calendar, with festivals and events that celebrate music, art, and Danish traditions. Experience the lively atmosphere of the Odense Summer Jazz Festival, where talented musicians from around the world fill the city with captivating melodies. Delight in the magical ambiance of the Christmas markets, where the air is filled with the aroma of gløgg - mulled wine - and the sounds of carolers. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Odense invites you to embark on an unforgettable Danish adventure. Let yourself be transported to a world of fairy tales, where the past meets the present and every corner tells a story. So, come and discover the enchantment of Odense, where Danish warmth and charm await, ready to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Host City / Odense, Denmark
Venue / Odense Congress Center
Hosts / Helena Christensen and Michael Carøe

Participating countries / 21
Debuting countries / Albania, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Turkey

Debuting players / Daniel G for Albania, Danny for Belgium, Anel for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jessica for Canada, Mikkel for Denmark, Gert Jan for Egypt, Jarno for Finland, Dennis for Germany, Panos for Greece, Keinan for Ireland, Daniel H for Israel, Germa for Lithuania, Jurgen for Malta, Taslim for Netherlands, Luis for Portugal, Michael for Romania, Slavenko for Serbia, Jesper for Slovenia, Miguel for Spain, Pascal for Sweden and Toni for Turkey

The Result

Countries receiving most 12 points / Sweden, 3
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Egypt, Denmark and Slovenia
Countries receiving points from most juries / Egypt, 13
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Egypt in 4th place with 8 points from Finland, Sweden and Lithuania as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Germany in 17th place getting 12 points from Netherlands

This very first edition was an exiting one! The lead changed hands several times, but when all votes had been cast, Sweden had just inched past Bosnia-Herzegovina with a single point, leaving Albania with the bronze only another 3 points behind. Egypt and Slovenia rounded out the top 5.

Sweden got off to a flying start of the Global Music career, winning the first edition. Well done Sweden, One More Time and Pascal!