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Things to do in Roskilde

• Relax at Byparken

  
  

  Byparken in Roskilde offers a peaceful break from sightseeing, with its English-style design featuring winding paths, mature trees, and wide lawns ideal for picnics or quiet walks. A small lake sits at the center, often visited by ducks and swans gliding across the water. The park provides a calm, natural setting and is well-suited for a short visit or a restful pause during a day of exploring the city.

  This green space feels more like a gathering spot for locals than a typical tourist destination. On pleasant days, it is common to see families, students, and dog walkers enjoying the outdoors. The playground offers a good option for children, and several benches are placed in sunny areas for those who want to relax. Seasonal changes bring their own charm, with cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful leaves in the fall. Located within walking distance of the Cathedral, the park also has a small café near the entrance that serves coffee and ice cream in the warmer months.

  
  

• Visit RAGNAROCK Museum

  
  

  RAGNAROCK offers a vibrant look into rock music, youth culture, and social movements, standing out from more traditional museums. Its bold architecture, resembling a golden amplifier raised on red concrete pillars, is a visual landmark in itself. Inside, the exhibits trace the evolution of Danish and international pop and rock music from the 1950s to the present, with a strong focus on interactivity and engagement.

  Visitors can explore how music has shaped fashion, politics, and identity through the decades. The museum features DJ stations, recording booths, and instruments you can try, along with displays of concert posters, stage costumes, and rare audio recordings. Personal stories and fan memorabilia highlight the influence of various youth subcultures, from hippies to punks. Located within Musicon, a creative district built on a former concrete factory site, RAGNAROCK is surrounded by skate parks, studios, and cafés. Allow at least one to two hours to take in both the exhibits and the surrounding area.

  
  

• Visit Roskilde Museum

  
  

  Roskilde Museum presents over a thousand years of the town’s history, beginning with its origins as a Viking trading hub through its period as Denmark’s capital and beyond. The museum is housed in an 18th-century yellow merchant’s house, a notable example of historical architecture. Inside, visitors will find a combination of traditional artifacts and interactive exhibits designed to engage and inform without overwhelming.

  The museum effectively links Roskilde’s past to the broader context of Danish history. Exhibits cover power dynamics between the church and monarchy, everyday life across centuries, and the town’s evolution. One standout section focuses on medieval Roskilde, highlighting its significance as a major religious center in Northern Europe. The museum is compact but thoughtfully curated, providing insight without requiring much time. Its central location makes it convenient to include in any walking tour of the town. Occasionally, temporary exhibitions or events are held, which can enhance the visit further.

  
  

• Explore the Viking Ship Museum

  
  

  The Viking Ship Museum is located along Roskilde Fjord and features five original Viking vessels that were intentionally sunk around the year 1070 to defend the area from naval threats. Excavated in the 1960s and carefully preserved, these ships provide a rare glimpse into seafaring life from a thousand years ago. The museum presents Viking maritime history in a clear and engaging way, making it easy to understand the cultural significance of these vessels.

  Outside the museum, a working boatyard showcases traditional Viking craftsmanship, where artisans build ship replicas using age-old techniques. In the summer months, visitors may sail on the fjord in these reconstructed boats, depending on the weather. Interactive stations offer opportunities to try wood carving, rope making, and other Viking-era skills. The museum is about a 15-minute walk from the train station and offers scenic views of the fjord. To explore both the indoor exhibits and outdoor activities, set aside two to three hours.

  
  

• Visit Roskilde Cathedral

  
  

  Roskilde Cathedral is a monumental brick church with nearly a thousand years of history and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as the burial place for around 40 Danish monarchs, featuring tombs that range from medieval stone coffins to modern chapels with contemporary designs. The structure dominates the town skyline and reflects its deep historical significance.

  Each part of the cathedral showcases a different era of Danish architecture, blending Romanesque foundations with Gothic extensions and Renaissance chapels. The interior is bright and welcoming, highlighted by detailed woodwork and an intricate astronomical clock. Even for those not typically drawn to churches, the building's design and historical value make it a compelling place to explore. Visitors can expect to pay around 60 DKK for admission and should plan at least an hour to see everything.

  
  

Where to stay in Roskilde

Best hotels in Roskilde:

• Scandic Roskilde Park (luxury hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Scandic Roskilde Park is a comfortable hotel located just a short drive from central Roskilde. The rooms feature a modern Scandinavian design with wooden floors and French balconies, and some offer pleasant views of the nearby park or lake.

  The hotel restaurant serves delicious Danish dishes and fresh salads, while the bar is a great spot for drinks and snacks. Guests often praise the breakfast buffet for its variety and quality. For those who like to stay active, there's an on-site fitness room, and the park outside is perfect for running or cycling.

  The location is convenient for exploring Roskilde, with the Viking Ship Museum only a 5-minute drive away and Roskilde Cathedral less than 2 kilometers from the hotel. It's an excellent choice for a comfortable stay near the city's key attractions.