Browse Viking artifacts, go sailing on a replica Viking ship and party at a music festival in a city with a long, ancient past.
Enjoy treks through a glacial landscape, a youthful rock culture and lots of Viking history at Roskilde. This is one of Denmark's oldest cities, a picturesque place at the southern end of Roskilde Fjord.
Roskilde’s origins lie back in the Viking Age, more than 1,000 years ago. This heritage is explored in several locations. Stop by the Viking Ship Museum to see tools and weapons that once belonged to these fierce marauders. Look over the five original 11th-century Viking vessels. Go to the museum’s boatyard for a sailing trip on a replica Viking ship. Visit Roskilde Cathedral, a Gothic church where some Viking rulers are buried. Within the catacombs are the remains of more than 40 Danish monarchs.
Roskilde is proud of its past, but it isn’t stuck there. There is a lot more to do and see after uncovering its history. See the work of up-and-coming Danish and foreign artists at Galleri LABR. Check out Danish and international contemporary art at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Stop by Glasgalleriet, Roskilde's glassblower gallery and watch molten glass being transformed into exquisite vases.
For shopping, go to Ro's Torv, an indoor arcade with approximately 70 stores. Head to the square in front of the cathedral on Wednesday or Saturday to explore a busy crafts market.
Experience Roskilde’s nightlife in its cafés and restaurants, some of which are located at the harbor. See rock performances by local bands at Gimle, a popular music venue, particularly among youths. In fact, music is a big thing in the city and it hosts several outdoor concerts. During the Scandinavian summer, the city presents the Roskilde Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals.
See concerts and other types of shows at Musicon, part of a former concrete factory that’s been turned into a cultural quarter. The massive space also has skate areas and a large activity park.
Roskilde is located just 30 minutes' drive west of Copenhagen. During your stay in the city, take advantage of Roskilde Fjord’s glacial landscape to explore nature on a biking, hiking or sailing trip.
