Things To Do
in Roskilde
Roskilde is a historic Danish city located just west of Copenhagen. It is famous for its UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum. The city sits beside the Roskilde Fjord, offering scenic waterfront views and extensive cycle routes.
Its lively cultural calendar, including the Roskilde Festival, draws visitors from around the world.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the heart of Roskilde, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. After your meal, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets, where you can admire the well-preserved historic buildings. Visit the Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to marvel at its stunning architecture and learn about its rich history.
In the afternoon, explore the Viking Ship Museum, where you can discover the maritime heritage of the Vikings and even see some original ships. Participate in a guided tour or a hands-on workshop to truly immerse yourself in the Viking experience. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby waterfront, soaking in the views of Roskilde Fjord.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy restaurant overlooking the fjord for a traditional Danish dinner, savoring local seafood dishes. After dining, take an evening stroll along the harbor, where the soft glow of the lights reflects on the water. End your day with a visit to a local pub for a taste of Danish craft beer and some live music.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby bakery, ensuring you're fueled for a day of adventure. Head to the Viking Ship Museum early to avoid the crowds and spend the morning exploring the fascinating exhibits. Engage with interactive displays and learn how the Vikings built and navigated their iconic ships.
After a morning of exploration, take part in one of the museum's sailing activities, where you can experience what it's like to sail a Viking ship yourself. Following the adventure on the water, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the museum café, sampling local delicacies. Take some time to wander the museum grounds, where you can see reconstructed Viking houses and beautiful views of the fjord.
For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant known for its traditional Danish cuisine, perhaps trying dishes like 'frikadeller' or 'smørrebrød.' After dinner, enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along the harbor, taking in the evening air and the sounds of the water. Consider joining a guided night tour to learn about the legends and myths of the Vikings in a captivating setting.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌One-way public transit | $3-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-180 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a basic week | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city with rich history
- Elegant cathedral and Viking heritage
- Vibrant cultural scene and easy access to nature
- Smaller nightlife compared to Copenhagen
- Can be crowded during festival season
- Limited direct international flights compared to larger hubs
- "Hej" - Hello
- "Tak" - Thank you
- "Undskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Hvor er nærmeste toilet?" - Where is the nearest bathroom?
- "Tal engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Roskilde
Visit one of these nice places.
A towering Gothic UNESCO site that dominates the town skyline and provides dramatic light inside and out.
Historic ships on the harbor with modern architecture nearby—great for sunrise or golden-hour shots.
Historic square with colorful townhouses and the old town hall; a quintessential Roskilde scene.
Waterfront views, boats, and reflections, ideal for tranquil evening photography.
Food in Roskilde
Roskilde Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Open-faced rye bread topped with a variety of ingredients like pickled herring, roast beef, or seasonal vegetables.
Must-Try!
Pan-fried Danish meatballs typically served with potatoes, gravy, and pickles.
Roast pork with crackling, usually served with red cabbage and potatoes.
Round Danish pancake balls dusted with powdered sugar, often served with jam.
Dense rye bread used for open-faced sandwiches with hearty toppings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Saturday market on Stændertorvet featuring local produce, breads, cheeses, and seasonal treats.
Markets around the cathedral and harbor during summer and Christmas periods with artisanal goods and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Punctuality is valued for meetings and reservations; be on time.
A firm handshake is common; direct, polite communication is typical; avoid overly personal questions early on.
Yield to pedestrians, use hand signals, and ride with lights at night; bike lanes are common in the city.
Safety
Tipping in Roskilde
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not expected in Denmark; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not mandatory.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are standard. Cash is accepted but increasingly less common in casual venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Rising greens and flowers; mild days with occasional showers—great for outdoor wandering and markets beginning to reopen.
Long daylight hours and a lively vibe with market stalls, outdoor dining, and the possibility of festivals in town or nearby.
Cooler temperatures and harvest markets; fall colors in parks and along the fjord make for rich, warm photographs.
Chilly with shorter days; cozy cafés and possible Christmas markets create a festive atmosphere.
Roskilde at Night
Hiking in Roskilde
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hikes through forests and farmland near Lejre.
Coastal path with marshes and birdlife; excellent for wildlife viewing and photography.
Airports
How to reach Roskilde by plane.
Main international gateway; about 30-40 minutes by train to Roskilde.
Smaller international airport; longer transfer to Roskilde.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Roskilde University and other institutions attract a student population from Denmark and abroad.
Historic center with museums, parks, and family-friendly activities.
A mix of Danish residents and international expats, especially near the university area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local clubs and school teams frequent municipal facilities.
Water sports common along the fjord; rentals and schools available.
Extensive bike lanes and scenic routes around town and along the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Roskilde.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Danish eateries offer vegetarian options; look for mushroom or root-vegetable toppings on smørrebrød, hearty salads, or pasta and grain bowls. Don’t hesitate to ask for meat-free versions of classic dishes.