Roskilde: top attractions & road trip guide
Roskilde is a historic town on Zealand, once the capital of Denmark and seat of its medieval kings. It is best known for its UNESCO-listed cathedral, the burial church of the Danish monarchy, and the Viking Ship Museum, which displays original Viking-age vessels recovered from the surrounding fjord.
Roskilde lies only about thirty kilometers west of Copenhagen, making it an easy short detour on quiet roads before heading further into Zealand's rolling countryside. The town sits at the head of Roskilde Fjord, with a small harbor and waterfront paths near the cathedral, and each summer the fields on its outskirts fill with tents for the Roskilde Festival.
Top attractions
Roskilde Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage cathedral begun in the 12th century, it has served as the burial place of Danish monarchs for more than 500 years.
Viking Ship Museum
Home to five original Viking-age ships recovered from Roskilde Fjord, together with reconstructed vessels that visitors can see built and sailed.
Roskilde Fjord
A long, sheltered fjord bordering the town, with a harbor and waterfront paths that were central to Roskilde's role as a Viking-age trading center.
Ragnarock
A museum devoted to pop, rock, and youth culture, housed in a striking angular building near the harbor.
Roskilde Festival grounds
The site of one of Europe's largest music festivals, held every summer and drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the fields outside town.
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