Iconic architecture on Zealand, near Copenhagen

Roskilde Cathedral

Roskilde Cathedral is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its outstanding architecture.

The cathedral is the first Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia built from brick, offering a unique insight into Danish and European architecture and building art over the past 800 years – in a church with 1,000 years of history, and the tombs of 40 Danish kings and queens in chapels and crypts.

The majestic cathedral is not only a spectacular sight in itself. The building also reflects an art historical journey through time. Over the centuries, new chapels have been added to accommodate the tombs of the reigning monarchs. Each new chapel is carefully adapted to the cathedral’s design, but with a distinct influence from the architectural style of its period, incorporating the leading artists of the time. The architecture tells the history of the kings, the church, and Denmark.

Roskilde Cathedral

The majestic cathedral is a spectacular sight in itself. However, what most people may not notice at first glance is that the building also reflects an art historical journey through time.

It offers a unique insight into Danish architecture and building art over the past 800 years – and this is one of the reasons why Roskilde Cathedral was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1995.

RAGNAROCK

In Roskilde’s new district, Musicon, you will find perhaps Denmark’s most spectacular building. Behind the iconic facade adorned with enormous gold studs, you will find RAGNAROCK – The Museum of Rock, Pop, and Youth Culture. By highlighting the raw side of rock with the use of treated, robust materials, combining elements from the area’s former concrete factory halls with new elements in sharp contrasts, and adding hints of rock’s glamorous side with a gold-studded facade, the building reflects both externally and internally the history and atmosphere that the museum conveys.

RAGNAROCK

In Roskilde’s new district, Musicon, you’ll find perhaps Denmark’s most spectacular building. Behind the iconic facade adorned with massive gold studs, you’ll discover RAGNAROCK – The Museum of Rock, Pop, and Youth Culture. By emphasizing the raw side of rock through the use of treated, durable materials, combining elements from the area’s former concrete factory halls with new features in sharp contrasts, and adding hints of rock’s glamorous side with a gold-studded facade, the building reflects, both externally and internally, the history and atmosphere that the museum conveys.

Roskilde Station

Roskilde Station was built by The Zealand Railway Company in 1847, as part of the construction of the railway connecting Copenhagen and Roskilde.

In 1998, a major renovation of Roskilde Station began. The facade of the old station building was restored to reflect the colors of the original facade. It is said that the architectural elements were inspired by the famous Villa Borghese in Rome, Italy. The renovation was completed in 2002. The original station building from 1847 still stands today, making it Denmark’s oldest existing station.

Roskilde Station

In 1998, a major renovation of Roskilde Station began. The facade of the old station building was restored to match the colors of the original facade. It is said that the architectural elements were inspired by Villa Borghese in Rome. The original station building from 1847 still stands today, making it Denmark’s oldest existing station.

The Viking Ship Museum

Denmark’s museum for ships, seafaring, and boatbuilding culture from the ancient and medieval periods opened in 1969. The Viking Ship Hall is designed as a large display case surrounding the five original Viking ships from Skuldelev. The hall’s exterior, with its exposed, large-scale structures, is characteristic of its time and is one of the finest examples of brutalist architecture in Denmark.

The Viking Ship Hall was designed by Professor Erik Christian Sørensen and was listed as a protected monument in 1997 as an example of late modernist architecture. In 2018, the protection status was lifted, as its location out by the water has proved problematic in recent years.

The Viking Ship Museum

Denmark’s museum for ships, seafaring, and boatbuilding culture from the ancient and medieval periods opened in 1969. The Viking Ship Hall is designed as a large display case surrounding the five original Viking ships from Skuldelev. The hall’s exterior, with its exposed, large-scale structures, is characteristic of its time and is one of the finest examples of brutalist architecture in Denmark. The Viking Ship Hall was designed by Professor Erik Christian Sørensen and was listed as a protected monument in 1997 as an example of late modernist architecture. In 2018, the protection status was lifted, as its location out by the water has proved problematic in recent years.

Saint Lawrence Church

Explore beneath the city’s central square to discover the unique and hidden church ruins that take you back to the early Middle Ages. In the dim darkness underground, you can almost feel the presence of people from the past as you move along the original church’s floor plan and step into the church space with its outstanding and original brick floor.

Continue your journey through history, up the winding stairs in the old church tower, which has served as both a prison, town hall tower, and watchtower for the city’s night watchmen. At the top, you will be rewarded with the best view of the city.

Saint Lawrence Church

Explore beneath the city’s central square to discover the unique and hidden church ruins that take you back to the early Middle Ages. In the dim darkness underground, you can almost feel the presence of people from the past as you move along the original church’s floor plan and step into the church space with its outstanding and original brick floor. Continue your journey through history, up the winding stairs in the old church tower, which has served as both a prison, town hall tower, and watchtower for the city’s night watchmen. At the top, you will be rewarded with the best view of the city.

The Energy Tower

The Energy Tower has received numerous awards and recognitions for its unique design, use of light to bring the work to life, and innovative use of materials. The power plant, with its 98-meter-high energy tower, is visible from afar, both day and night. The amber-colored cladding is perforated with round holes that light up in changing colors and patterns. In short, it is world-class architecture.

The Energy Tower

The Energy Tower has received numerous awards and recognitions for its unique design, use of light to bring the work to life, and innovative use of materials. The power plant, with its 98-meter-high energy tower, is visible from afar, both day and night. The amber-colored cladding is perforated with round holes that light up in changing colors and patterns. In short, it is world-class architecture.

Willumsens Museum

Willumsens Museum, operated by Frederikssund Municipality with support from the state and the municipality, opened in 1957 in a building specially designed for the purpose by architect Tyge Hvass. With its beautiful design, the museum provides a stunning and varied setting for the works of J.F. Willumsen, featuring two architecturally designed buildings.

Willumsens Museum

Willumsens Museum, operated by Frederikssund Municipality with support from the state and the municipality, opened in 1957 in a building specially designed for the purpose by architect Tyge Hvass. With its beautiful design, the museum provides a stunning and varied setting for the works of J.F. Willumsen, featuring two architecturally designed buildings.

J.F. Willumsens Museum - Frederikssund - kunst symbolisme ekspressionisme

Jægerspris Castle

Jægerspris Castle was the hunting and pleasure palace of the kings for 600 years – from Valdemar the Victorious to Frederik VII. In 1854, the castle became the private residence of Frederik VII and Countess Danner.

The rooms at Jægerspris Castle are furnished in the style of the time by the fashion-conscious Countess Danner. The castle is also the only place in Denmark where the interior design of the 1850s can be experienced as a complete whole.

Jægerspris Castle

Jægerspris Castle was the hunting and pleasure palace of the kings for 600 years – from Valdemar the Victorious to Frederik VII. In 1854, the castle became the private residence of Frederik VII and Countess Danner.

The rooms at Jægerspris Castle are furnished in the style of the time by the fashion-conscious Countess Danner. The castle is also the only place in Denmark where the interior design of the 1850s can be experienced as a complete whole.

Selsø Castle

The history of Selsø Castle dates back to the Middle Ages. As early as the 1200s, there was a Selsø farm, first mentioned in 1288, and it belonged to the Roskilde bishopric. When the last resident, Agathe von Qualen Plessen, died in 1829, the castle fell into a “Sleeping Beauty” slumber that lasted for 150 years.

In 1972, when journalist and author couple Grethe and Bernhard Linder leased the old, dilapidated castle, they began a careful restoration. Today, you can visit this unique manor house, which stands almost as it was left in 1829 – without electricity, water, or heating.

Selsø Slot

The history of Selsø Castle dates back to the Middle Ages. As early as the 1200s, there was a Selsø farm, first mentioned in 1288, and it belonged to the Roskilde bishopric. When the last resident, Agathe von Qualen Plessen, died in 1829, the castle fell into a “Sleeping Beauty” slumber that lasted for 150 years.

In 1972, when journalist and author couple Grethe and Bernhard Linder leased the old, dilapidated castle, they began a careful restoration. Today, you can visit this unique manor house, which stands almost as it was left in 1829 – without electricity, water, or heating.

The Royal Hall, The Land of Legends Lejre

The recreated version of the largest royal hall known from the Viking Age in Denmark is a unique testament to the pinnacle of Nordic architecture and craftsmanship during the Viking era. Elgaard Architecture served as the project consultant for the reconstruction of the mighty Viking royal hall from the 700s. The Royal Hall is the grand Viking house in the overall project called the World of Legendary Kings.

The Royal Hall, The Land of Legends Lejre

The recreated version of the largest royal hall known from the Viking Age in Denmark is a unique testament to the pinnacle of Nordic architecture and craftsmanship during the Viking era. Elgaard Architecture served as the project consultant for the reconstruction of the mighty Viking royal hall from the 700s. The Royal Hall is the grand Viking house in the overall project called the World of Legendary Kings.

Go on an Architecture Tour

A Walking Tour of Roskilde

Take a walking tour through Roskilde and experience stunning architecture: From Roskilde Station to Roskilde Cathedral. There are plenty of opportunities to stop at the city’s cafes along the way. Be sure to explore the beautiful walking path from Roskilde Cathedral down to the Viking Ship Museum, and don’t miss the Skjoldunge Trail leading to St. Hans.

A Walking Tour of Roskilde

Take a walking tour through Roskilde and experience stunning architecture: From Roskilde Station to Roskilde Cathedral. There are plenty of opportunities to stop at the city’s cafes along the way. Be sure to explore the beautiful walking path from Roskilde Cathedral down to the Viking Ship Museum, and don’t miss the Skjoldunge Trail leading to St. Hans.

About us

Fjordlandet, or Fjord Country, covers the scenic areas around Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord. The towns and landscape of Fjordlandet are filled with vibrant stories, while its harbours are abuzz with activity. On a summer day you’ll encounter beach guests, sailors, fishermen, nature lovers, birdwatchers, history buffs and Viking enthusiasts.