Bogense was first mentioned in 1288, when king Erik Menved made it into a borough. The town was probably established as a trading post at the end of the 12th century. Its layout with a central main street and a number of cross streets is typical of medieval development. The town is thought to have grown up as a result of the ferry which provided a connection to Klakring in Jutland in the Middle Ages. It was probably granted privileges as a market town with a municipal charter during the second half of the 13th century. For most of the 16th century, Bogense prospered from its flourishing trade but in 1575 it was almost completely destroyed by fire. Despite reduced taxes and other incentives from the Crown, the town never really recovered. Furthermore, like most Danish communities, in the 17th century it suffered from a reduction in trade, becoming Funen's smallest market town with only 438 inhabitants in 1672. The situation improved somewhat in the 19th century after a new harbour was established in 1844. The Bogense ferry, which had begun to lose its significance at the end of the 17th century, was discontinued in 1854. In 1882, the town was connected to Odense by rail while the harbour was enlarged in 1874 and 1894 attracting a shipyard and various smaller industries. For most of the 20th century, the town's principal occupation remained trade but it faced increasing competition from nearby Odense. A few small industries were established resulting in a modest increase in population from 2,747 in 1911 to 3,414 in 2004. Development has recently moved increasingly into the service sector, especially after the seat of Nordfyn Municipality's was established in Bogense in 2007. On 2 and 3 February 2019 the 2019 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships took place in Bogense.
Landmarks
The marina which was opened in 1976 has been extended on several occasions and is now the largest on Funen. Classified more than once as Denmark's best marina, it is within walking distance of the town. The yachting competition, Palby Fyn Cup, starts and ends at the marina. Saint Nicholas Church was built in 1406 on the remains of a 12th-century Romanesque church. In the mid-15th century, various additions were completed including the tower which unusually is at the east end of the church. The tall spire used to serve as a landmark for shipping. Comprehensive restoration work was completed in 2010. Artefacts include a 16th-century altar, a 13th-century baptismal font, and a carved pulpit from 1604.
