Population 52,000 / 55.3 degrees north

Roskilde, Denmark

Located a couple hours north of Copenhagen, Helsingør is a fantastic place to spend the day. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city became wealthy by taxing all the ships passing by between the Baltic and the North Sea. Much of the medieval city has been preserved, and Kronborg Castle is famous from Shakespeake’s Hamlet. 

Fun Facts About Roskilde

Latitude: 55.3 degrees north

Population: 52,000

Hottest month: July

Coldest month: February

Wettest month: August

Windiest month: January

Annual precipitation: 312mm

Roskilde Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Roskilde

Roskilde Cathedral

UNESCO World Heritage Roskilde Cathedral is a fascinating tale of the history of Danish architecture and monarchs. See my separate article about it. 

Roskilde Cathedral

Viking Ship Museum

Five Viking ships were discovered in the Roskilde Fjord and are now on display in the museum. 

Sankt Laurentius

This museum is located in the historic town hall. You can see jail cells and explore the bell tower from 1500 AD. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Road-Trips

We currently have no road-trips out of Roskilde

Self-Guided Walks

We currently have no self-guided walks for Roskilde

Roskilde on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Roskilde

Uniquely Roskilde

Here are some things that you must do and try in Roskilde

History of Roskilde

Roskilde was an important place during the Viking Age and is today one of Denmark’s oldest cities. From the 11th century until 1443, it was the capital of Denmark. According to old documents, Roskilde was founded in the 980s by King Harald Bluetooth. Roskilde Cathedral was completed in 1275 and is the second church on the site. 

The Reformation brought Roskilde’s development to an abrupt stop as religious institutions disappeared. The city then suffered fire and destruction and only saw development again in the 1870s and 1880s as the rail network was established and Roskilde became an important hub. 

Roskilde Today

Today IT and administrative services are the biggest industries. There are a number of research industries and higher education centres here, too. Tourism is an important industry. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: The closest airport is Copenhagen airport.  

Drive: Roskilde is a short drive out of Copenhagen. 

Train: There are many trains operating between Roskilde and Copenhagen.

Ferry: no ferry

Getting Around

Roskilde is very walkable, but note that the Viking Ship Museum is deceptively far from the cathedral. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

 

High End & Unique Eats

One of the oldest restaurants in Roskilde is Raadhuskaelderen, a building dated to 1430. It is known for its salmon steak with tartar sauce and grilled chicken. 

Places to Stay

Hostels

 

B&Bs and Guesthouses

 

Chains & Mid-Range

Scandic Hotel Roskilde is a nice affortable hotel. 

High End & Unique Properties

The 76-room Hotel Prindsen has foundations dating to 1695 and has been a hotel for over 100 years. 

All Posts About Roskilde

Roskilde Photo Diary