Guide to Roskilde: Vikings, Ragnarock Museum, and UNESCO World Heritage
Roskilde is a city where history meets culture—from royal tombs and UNESCO World Heritage sites to Viking shipbuilding traditions and the energy of modern rock and pop music. Whether you're exploring ancient landmarks or immersing yourself in interactive experiences, Roskilde offers unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages.
Don't miss these must-see attractions in Roskilde:
Roskilde Cathedral | Viking Ship Museum | RAGNAROCK
Don't miss these must-see attractions in Roskilde:
UNESCO World Heritage and royal history at Roskilde Cathedral
Start your Roskilde visit with a must-see landmark—Roskilde Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the evolution of European architecture and stands as one of Scandinavia’s earliest and largest brick churches. Inside, you’ll find the final resting place of 38 Danish kings and queens, laid to rest in impressive royal tombs and monuments.
Take a walk around the cathedral to admire the striking exterior and the unique designs of its historic burial chapels, each telling a part of Denmark’s royal history.
From the Cathedral to the Harbor: Discover Roskilde’s Springs and Scenic Views. As you walk from Roskilde Cathedral toward the harbor, you’ll come across one of the city’s natural springs—Sankt Hans Kilde. Historically, Roskilde had up to 24 active springs, a remarkable number that inspired the city’s name. In Danish, “kilde” means spring, reflecting Roskilde’s deep connection to its natural water sources.
Make sure to take a walk through the open area behind the cathedral, where you’ll find a picture-perfect view of the cathedral and a breathtaking panoramic view of Roskilde Fjord—a must-see for any visitor.
Be sure to check out the cathedrals website for its opening hours which vary due to church service.
The Viking Ship Museum and a relaxing break by the fjord
Head to the Viking Ship Museum, home to 5 original Viking ships from Roskilde Fjord. These nearly 1,000-year-old vessels are displayed in the Viking Ship Hall, set against the stunning backdrop of Roskilde Fjord.
The museum’s scenic location by the fjord includes a museum island with a lively boatyard, where the sound of the boatbuilders’ axes bring history to life. Stop by Café Knarr to try food inspired by the world of Vikings, and visit the museum harbor, where you might be lucky enough to board The Sea Stallion, a 30-meter-long Viking warship.
Upon reaching Roskilde Harbour, you’ll notice a slower pace of life. Take a moment to relax with a snack, soak in the stunning fjord views, or continue exploring the city’s rich history.
If you still have energy, take the scenic harbor path to the historic fishing village of Skt. Jørgensbjerg. Here, you can visit Skt. Jørgensbjerg Church, explore the atelier of local painter L.A. Ring, or simply let the kids enjoy the playground while you take in the beautiful harbor views.
An urban boost at Musicon
Shake off the dust of centuries past and take a leap into the 21st century at Musicon. This is Roskilde’s newest neighbourhood full of cutting-edge architecture and modern urban development mixed with pulsating beats, serious sideburns and relaxed street-style.
Explore the area’s unique award-winning architecture and discover skater-friendly rainwater systems, alternative container shops and friendly cafés.
RAGNAROCK – a rock-star museum experience
Musicon’s absolute most golden experience is RAGNAROCK. Its gold-studded façade and red carpet are rolled out to welcome you into the history of Danish rock, pop and youth culture.
Take a spin on the giant record, dance through music history, and discover your ultimate favorite hit. Make it or break it as an up-and-coming star in the interactive game, and meet passionate fans along the way. RAGNAROCK is a vibrant cultural hub with a packed event program, concerts, a café, a fascinating museum shop, and both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Skate with interactive lighting
Follow the “Musicon-stien” path on foot back into the city centre. This path is much more than just a connecting path between the medieval centre of Roskilde and the new neighbourhood in the south.
The path is designed with coloured lamps, interactive lighting and a pump track that gives cyclists, skaters and onlookers a fun and playful experience when darkness falls.
If you’ve taken a scooter with you, take it along and you can show off your tricks in the skate park Rabalderparken in Musicon and on the path as you head back to the city centre.
Sail away over a coffee or relax in St. Hans Garden
Enjoy a relaxing trip up the fjord on the sailing restaurant Sagafjord. On this former Norwegian passenger ferry from the 1950s, you can enjoy coffee and cake with panoramic views of the unique fjord landscape as you sail through the beautiful National Park Skjoldungernes Land.
Or visit Sankt Hans Hospital, a psychiatric hospital where patients used to be subjected to shock treatments with ice cold water and live eels. Happily, that time has passed and today the area has become a popular recreational spot for locals.
You can find delicious home-baked cakes, coffee and the fragrance of herbs and flowers in Sct. Hans Have, the old greenhouse café in the gardens of the hospital. You can get to this little oasis by foot via the Fjordstien path from Roskilde Harbour (around 2 kilometres) – and you can take the bus back to Roskilde afterwards.
Lunch in historic Roskilde
In Roskilde there are plenty of ways to refuel and get your energy levels up again.
In the cosy garden of the restaurant Rådhuskælderen, you sit quite literally in the shade of the cathedral. Here you can enjoy a cold beer and classic Danish lunch dishes.
Or you can savor your lunch by Roskilde Fjord, enjoying scenic views by visiting either Café Knarr for New Nordic Viking Cuisine or Café Fjordliv for artisanal dishes, sourdough bread and exquisite pastries.
Go back in time
Visit Lützhøfts Købmandsgård to experience the charm and nostalgia of a grocery store from the 1920s. Here time has stood still and the only modern addition to this original shop are the staff!
In this living museum, you can buy sweets, handmade brushes or tin toys wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. A guaranteed hit for all generations.
Evening hang-out with live music
If you’re out without children or have a couple of music-loving teenagers in tow, there’s every reason to make a final stop at Gimle, Roskilde’s music venue and youth centre. Each year over 300 bands perform here at events ranging from large concerts in the main hall to intimate small performances in the café.
At Gimle’s café, The Raven, you can enjoy the music along with freshly prepared food including burgers, chips, sandwiches and vegan options.
Do you want more inspiration for your holiday in Fjordlandet?
Then also read our guide to 72 Hours in Hornsherred
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.
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