Assens (Danish: [ˈæsn̩s]) is a town with a population of 6,001 (1 January 2024)[1] on the west coast of the island of Funen on the eastern side of the Little Belt in central Denmark.

It was the birthplace of sculptor Jens Adolf Jerichau who married the well-known portraitist Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann; both artists' works are exhibited at the local art museum, Vestfyns Kunstmuseum.

[4] In the Danish Census Book from the 13th century, Assens is listed with the name Asnæs, which means a promontory overgrown with ash trees.

However the railway to Middelfart in 1865 provided considerable competition but the town suffered above all from the discontinuation of the ferry service after Southern Jutland was lost to the Germans in 1864.

The sugar factory remained the main source of employment but a number of smaller metal foundries and food companies were established.

[8] Willemoesgården, one of the oldest houses in the town, was the birthplace of Peter Willemoes (1783–1808) who became a celebrity after heroic action in the Battle of Copenhagen.

[9] Assens Marina with 600 berths including a quay for visitors is located next to the local camping facility and sports centre with shops and a restaurant.