Day trip to Roskilde from Copenhagen – Vikings, cathedral and fjord
Discover things to do in Roskilde on a day trip from Copenhagen. Visit the Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Cathedral, enjoy a walk by the fjord and stop for lunch. You can also explore the Rock Museum and Musicon, the city’s creative district.
Start at Roskilde Station and walk through the town centre to Roskilde Cathedral. Continue through Byparken to the Viking Ship Museum, then stop for lunch by the harbour. If you have time and feel like exploring more, finish your day with a visit to the Rock Museum and a walk around Musicon.
Discover the Vikings at the Viking Ship Museum
At the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, you can see five original Viking ships and watch the boatbuilders at work in the boatyard. In summer, you can also join a sailing trip on Roskilde Fjord. Stop for lunch at Café Knarr, where the food draws on ingredients known to the Vikings.
Roskilde is the only place in the world where you can board a real Viking ship, experience original vessels from the Viking Age, or take a sailing trip on the fjord in traditional Nordic boats.
The café is part of the Viking Ship Museum and is located on Museum Island, overlooking the boatyard and the many beautiful wooden ships that are hauled ashore for the winter.
Step inside Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore Denmark’s history through its architecture and royal tombs. Continue to the Cathedral Museum to discover more of the cathedral’s stories and historic rooms.
Domkirkemuseet – Hidden Stories Above the Royal Tombs
Domkirkemuseet is located above the royal tombs in Roskilde Cathedral and offers a fascinating journey through the cathedral’s and the city’s history from the early Middle Ages to the present day.
Take time to explore Roskilde between its main attractions. From the giant ceramic jars outside the station, walk to the town’s natural springs, an underground church ruin and a historic grocery shop that brings everyday life in the past into view.
The three giant jars at the square by the railway station in Roskilde are designed by the famous Danish artist Peter Brandes. They are 5 metres tall and weigh about 24 tons altogether.
Imagine a city where water has been bubbling up from underground for a thousand years. In Roskilde, more springs emerge than anywhere else north of the Alps – and from the very beginning, water has been the town’s lifeblood.
Lützhøfts Old Grocer’s Shop – an authentic 1920s store in Roskilde
Step into Lützhøfts Old Grocer's Shop and experience the atmosphere of life 100 years ago. Explore the authentic shop, step behind the counter, listen to fascinating stories, and buy traditional goods.
Enjoy Roskilde Fjord from the harbour and the water
Walk through Byparken from the cathedral down to Roskilde Harbour. Enjoy the waterfront, follow the shore for a short walk or book a cruise with a meal on board to experience Roskilde Fjord from the water.
Roskilde Fjord – Nature, Viking History and Fjord Life in Skjoldungernes Land National Park
Roskilde Fjord is one of Denmark’s most distinctive fjord landscapes and a central part of Skjoldungernes Land National Park. Stretching 40 kilometres into the Zealand countryside, the fjord features small islands, rich birdlife and cultural traces from the Stone Age, Viking Age and Middle Ages.
Roskilde Harbour – a vibrant harbour environment in Roskilde
Roskilde Harbour is beautifully situated at the head of Roskilde Fjord, close to the city’s historic centre. The harbour serves as a vibrant meeting place for sailors, visitors and locals, offering access to the fjord, cultural attractions and recreational experiences throughout the year.
Byparken in Roskilde, between the cathedral and the fjord
Byparken is centrally located in Roskilde on the slope between Roskilde Cathedral, the harbour and the Viking Ship Museum. The park offers fjord views, a playground and space for walks and picnics.
On board M/S Sagafjord, guests can enjoy a delightful lunch, dinner, or coffee and cake while sailing through the scenic Roskilde Fjord.
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Visit the Rock Museum and explore Musicon
Swap kings and Vikings for rock, pop and youth culture at the Rock Museum in Roskilde. Afterwards, explore Musicon, the city’s creative district, where former industrial buildings sit alongside art, workshops and spaces for outdoor activities.
Experience the Rock Museum (known in Danish as “Rockmuseet”) in Roskilde – an interactive museum filled with sound, light and stories about rock, pop and youth culture. Here, you can hear, see and feel the music from the 1950s to the present day in one of Denmark’s most unique museum experiences.
Discover Musicon in Roskilde: Guided tours, urban life and art
Discover Musicon in Roskilde, where art, architecture, culture and urban life come together. Learn more about the district’s history and development on a guided tour, or explore it at your own pace.
In the heart of Musicon in Roskilde lies Rabalder Park – an award-winning urban park that blends play, recreation, and climate adaptation. Designed as a rainwater management system, the park also serves as a creative urban space for both children and adults.
Choose a lunch stop that fits your route through Roskilde. Enjoy views of the fjord, eat in historic surroundings beside the cathedral or try a bistro serving local beer near the station.
Café Fjordliv enjoys a waterside setting in the heart of Roskilde Harbour, overlooking Roskilde Fjord. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee in relaxed surroundings by the water. The menu changes with the seasons and includes dishes featuring fish, meat and vegetables.
You can look forward to delicious food, chilled drinks, and a fine selection of wines in a cosy setting – whether in the historic cellar or out in the courtyard.
Pop by Røde Port and experience the perfect blend of food, music and craft beer – right in the heart of Roskilde, just a few steps from Roskilde Station.
Views of both the fjord and the cathedral In summer, meals can be enjoyed on the terrace, with views over the fjord in one direction and Roskilde Cathedral in the other. The combination of nature, culture, and gastronomy makes Pipers Hus a unique experience in Roskilde.
Take the train to Fjordlandet – Roskilde, Lejre and Frederikssund
Take the train to Roskilde, Lejre and Frederikssund and discover the very best of Fjordlandet – a scenic region of fjords, Viking heritage and charming market towns, just a short journey from Copenhagen.
