Roskilde Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Region Sjælland, Denmark, the historical city of Roskilde offers a blend of cultural richness, Viking heritage, and modern Danish lifestyle. Known for its majestic cathedral and vibrant music scene, Roskilde is a destination that invites exploration and admiration.

The Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to more than 800 years of architectural history and is the final resting place of Danish monarchs. Its Gothic and Romanesque features dominate the skyline, drawing visitors from around the world to appreciate its grandeur and historical significance.

Roskilde is also famous for its Viking roots, which are celebrated at the Viking Ship Museum. Here, visitors can marvel at ancient ships and learn about the maritime prowess of the Vikings. The museum's hands-on approach allows guests to engage with history, including opportunities to sail replicas of Viking vessels on the fjord.

The city is perhaps best known internationally for the Roskilde Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals. Each year, this event transforms the city into a hub of musical innovation and cultural exchange, attracting top artists and music enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Beyond its historical and musical attractions, Roskilde is a city that thrives on its connection to nature. The Roskilde Fjord offers scenic views and a peaceful retreat for kayaking, sailing, or walking along its shores. The region's green spaces and public parks are perfect for leisurely picnics or tranquil strolls.

The local cuisine reflects Denmark's commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Visitors can indulge in traditional Danish dishes or explore a range of international flavors in the city's many restaurants and cafes. The emphasis on quality and simplicity ensures a delightful culinary experience.

Alternative names: Population: 44.3 thous. (2019)Elevation: 141 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 55°38'29"N, 12°4'54"E

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SjællandDenmark

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Roskilde Top Attractions

Roskilde Attractions - What to See and Explore

Roskilde offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Roskilde Cathedral, Viking Ship Museum, Museet for Samtidskunst, Sankt Laurentii Church Tower. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lutheran cathedral with 39 royal graves
Roskilde Cathedral
Roskilde Cathedral, a monumental testament to both architectural grandeur and historical significance, stands proudly in the heart of Roskilde, Denmark. This Gothic-style church, consecrated in the 13th century, is not merely a place of worship but also a burial site...
Museum • Specialty museum • Ship
Viking Ship Museum
The Viking Ship Museum, nestled in the historic city of Roskilde, Denmark, is a remarkable window into the Nordic maritime past. Dedicated to the preservation and study of Viking ships, the museum is an essential destination for those fascinated by Viking culture...
Museum • Art museum • Baroque architecture
Museet for Samtidskunst
Nestled in the historic city of Roskilde, Denmark, the Museet for Samtidskunst, or Museum of Contemporary Art, stands as a beacon of modern artistic expression. This museum is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art in various forms, including visual arts, sound art...

Museum • Historical place • History museum
Sankt Laurentii Church Tower
Rising from the heart of Roskilde, the Sankt Laurentii Church Tower stands as a historical beacon in this Danish city, best known for its rich Viking history and as the final resting place of Danish monarchs. Once part of the larger St.
Church • Romanesque architecture • Gothic architecture
Sankt Jørgensbjerg Kirke
Perched atop a hill overlooking the historic city of Roskilde, Sankt Jørgensbjerg Kirke stands as a beacon of medieval architecture and religious significance. This ancient church, whose history intertwines with the very roots of the city, has been a site of Christian...
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Roskilde Museum
Nestled in the heart of the historical city of Roskilde, Denmark, the Roskilde Museum serves as a cultural beacon, illuminating the rich tapestry of Danish history for locals and tourists alike. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the heritage of...
Museum
L. A. Ring House
Nestled in the historic city of Roskilde, Denmark, stands the L. A. Ring House, a testament to the life and work of one of Denmark's most revered painters, Laurits Andersen Ring. This modest building is not just a structure of brick and mortar; it is a repository of...
Cemetery
Greyfriars Cemetery
Nestled in the heart of the historic city of Roskilde, Denmark, Greyfriars Cemetery (Gråbrødrekirkegården) stands as a serene and poignant testament to the past. This hallowed ground, characterized by its tranquil beauty and timeless elegance, is where generations...
Church • Romanesque architecture
St Ib's Church
Nestled in the historic city of Roskilde, Denmark, St Ib's Church stands as a testament to medieval architecture and religious heritage. This modest yet captivating church is not as widely recognized as the grand Roskilde Cathedral, yet it offers visitors a unique...
Church • Romanesque architecture
Gl. Vor Frue Kirke
The Old Church of Our Lady is an 11th-century brick church in Roskilde on the Danish island of Zealand.
Park
Byparken
Byparken is a public park in central Roskilde, Denmark. It was founded in 1915 and was partly financed through a donation of the textile manufacturer O. H. Schmeltz. The park adjoins Provstevænget, a small protected field next to Roskilde Cathedral.
Museum
Museum of Tools
The Roskilde Museum of Tools is a branch of Roskilde Museum located on Ringstedgade in Roskilde, Denmark. It contains a collection of tools used by craftsmen such as wheelwrights, carpenters, shoemakers and wood carvers from around 1850 to 1950.
Park
Folkeparken
Folkeparken is the largest public park in central Roskilde, Denmark. The park adjoins two other parks, Berte Margrethe Anlægget and Klostermarken.
55°38'24"N • 12°4'33"E
Lützhøfts Old Grocer's Shop
Museum
Church
St. Lawrence's Church
St. Lawrence's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Roskilde, Denmark.
55°38'32"N • 12°4'47"E
Roskilde Gymnasium
Roskilde Gymnasium is a gymnasium in central Roskilde, Denmark. It is based in the historical premises of Roskilde Cathedral School, facing the square in front of Roskilde Cathedral. The school has 1030 students and 90 teachers and a wide variety of study programs.
55°38'36"N • 12°4'49"E
Meyercrones Stiftelse
Meyercrones Stiftelse is a historic building located just north of Roskilde Cathedral in central Roskilde, Denmark. It was listed on the Danish registry of protected buildings and places by the Danish Heritage Agency on 15 February 1978.
Nature • Skate park • Natural attraction
Maglekilde
Maglekilde is the most powerful of several natural springs in Roskilde, Denmark. It formerly issued water at a rate of some 90,000 litres per hour but has now dropped to 15,000 litres per hour. A wellhouse was built over the spring in 1927.
55°38'24"N • 12°5'19"E
Roskildekrukkerne
Monuments and statues

Day trips

Roskilde – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Roskilde, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Fredensborg Municipality), Frederiksborg Castle (Hillerød), Dyrehavsbakken (Copenhagen).

29 milesNE
International art from 1945 to today
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Fredensborg Municipality
Nestled on the picturesque Danish coast, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art stands as a beacon of culture and modernity in the tranquil town of Humlebæk, part of the Fredensborg Municipality. This celebrated institution is not only a haven for art enthusiasts but also...
22 milesN
National history museum in former palace
Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød
Nestled in the heart of Hillerød, Denmark, Frederiksborg Castle stands as a majestic example of Renaissance architecture and a testament to Scandinavian history. Built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, this grand structure is situated on three islets in...
21 milesNE
Amusement park with 16th-century origins
Dyrehavsbakken, Copenhagen
Tucked away in the lush woodlands on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, lies Dyrehavsbakken, affectionately known as Bakken. This amusement park, steeped in history, holds the title of the world's oldest operating amusement park, with origins dating back to 1583.
20 milesE
17th-century palace and royal museum
Rosenborg, Copenhagen
Rosenborg Castle stands as a testament to the splendor of the Danish monarchy and the rich history of Copenhagen. This renaissance castle, nestled in the heart of the city, was built in the early 17th century by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV.
19 milesE
Fine-art museum of sculpture and painting
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen
Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek stands as a beacon of cultural history and artistic expression. This prestigious museum, founded by the son of the Carlsberg Breweries founder, Carl Jacobsen, in the late 19th century, is an ode...