Roskilde Domkirke (Dom zu Roskilde)
The Brick Cathedral has for centuries been the burial site of Danish kings and queens and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995. Inside lie sarcophagi from several eras, from Gothic to Modern.
Denmark
Roskilde
City
Roskilde is located at the southern end of Roskilde Fjord, about 30 kilometers west of Copenhagen. In the Middle Ages, the city was a royal seat and a bishopric.
by Felix Gillen
Roskilde is located at the southern end of Roskilde Fjord, about 30 kilometers west of Copenhagen. In the Middle Ages, the city was a royal seat and a bishopric. Today, you primarily come for two things: the Cathedral, where Danish kings are buried, and the Viking Ship Museum at the harbor.The old town is small and easy to explore on foot. From the Cathedral, the path leads downhill through the park to the fjord. In the south of the city, Musicon, a creative district, has emerged on the old industrial site, where the RAGNAROCK rock museum is also located. At the end of June, the Roskilde Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors.
Sights in Roskilde
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Vikingeskibsmuseet (Wikingerschiffsmuseum)
The Museum by the Fjord displays five Viking ships that were scuttled in Roskilde Fjord and recovered in the 1960s. In the museum harbour, there are replicas, and in summer, you can sail on some of them.
RAGNAROCK - Museum for Pop, Rock and Youth Culture
The Museum of Pop, Rock and Youth Culture is located in the creative quarter Musicon in the south of the city. The exhibition is interactive – you can even try out instruments yourself.
Roskilde Fjord
The approximately 40-kilometer-long fjord stretches north from Roskilde to the Kattegat. Walking paths run along the water's edge below the Cathedral, and in summer, excursion boats depart from the harbor. From the museum harbor of the Viking Ship Museum, replicas sail out with visitors during the season.
City walks in Roskilde
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Roskilde: From Cathedral to Viking Ship Museum
You walk from Stændertorvet Market Square to the Cathedral and Roskilde Palace, then down through the park to the Viking Ship Museum by the fjord, ending in the small harbour. Allow around two hours.
Stops (5)
Restaurants & Cafés
Restaurant ship in the harbor, departing for cruises on Roskilde Fjord. Dine onboard as the fjord scenery passes by. Check schedule and season beforehand.
Small cafe for bagels, breakfast and coffee. Good for a quick snack before or after the cathedral visit.
Cheese and deli shop with a small café. For lunch, we serve open sandwiches and cheese platters, plus Danish and French cheeses to take away.
Restaurant directly on the harbour, next to the Viking Ship Museum, overlooking the fjord. The cuisine focuses on fish and seasonal Nordic dishes.
Food and Drink
Roskilde's cuisine is down-to-earth and clearly Fjord-influenced. The more appealing spots are either at the harbour or in the lanes around Stændertorvet.
Snekken at Museum Harbor
Located right next to the Viking Ship Museum at the harbor, with large windows overlooking the fjord. The menu features Nordic dishes, much simpler and cheaper at lunchtime than in the evening. After your museum visit, it's the most obvious stop.
Stændertorvet and its weekly market
The market square by the Town Hall is a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There's local vegetables, smoked fish, cheese, and baked goods, plus cafes with outdoor seating all around. It's the perfect place to gather your picnic for the fjord.
Herslev Brewery
The farm brewery is located about ten kilometers north on the fjord shore and brews with grain from its own fields. In summer, the farm with its taproom and views over the fields is open, a worthwhile bike detour.
Culture and History
From the 11th century until 1443, Roskilde was a royal seat, and until the Reformation, one of Denmark's most important bishoprics. The city is said to date back to Harald Bluetooth, who had a wooden church built here.The current Cathedral was built from the late 12th century as one of Scandinavia's first large brick churches. Since the 15th century, it has been the burial place of Danish kings and queens; around 40 monarchs lie here. In 1995, it joined the UNESCO World Heritage List.Around the year 1070, residents scuttled five ships in the fjord to block the shipping channel against attackers. The so-called Skuldelev Ships were salvaged in 1962 and are now the centerpiece of the Viking Ship Museum.
On the Road in Roskilde
Trains from Copenhagen Central Station to Roskilde run frequently; approx. 25 min journey. From the station, the Cathedral and Old Town are a short walk. The Viking Ship Museum by the fjord is a 15-minute downhill walk from the center, through the park. Musicon in the south can be reached by bus or bike.
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