Skjoldungernes Land National Park
One of the best ways to experience Skjoldungernes Land National Park is by foot. Lace up your walking shoes, pack a lunch and water and disappear into one of the national park’s large, deep forests, explore the rolling landscape dotted with manor estates, or bike along the fjord.
The national park covers 170km2, in Roskilde, Lejre and Frederikssund municipality providing loads of opportunities to venture out into the countryside on your own or to explore one of its many sites. The varied landscape is filled with small and large forests, manor estates, farmland and meadows crisscrossed by lake and streams, not to mention the beautiful fjord with its islands, islets and rich birdlife. Denmark’s largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle, breeds and hunts in the national park, with 2-4 eagles currently living in the fjord’s rich natural larder. Ancient monuments also dot the entire area, where human beings have lived since the Stone Age and the birth of Denmark.
Strap on your walking boots
The national park offers excellent opportunities to go hiking. The Skjoldungesti is a 40km network of paths that all pass through the hamlet of Gl. Lejre. One branch of Skjoldungesti takes you on an 8.5 km walk around Little Kattinge Lake. Along the way you’ll encounter a small cable ferry that allows you to pull yourself across the stream. If you have a smart phone, download the hiking routes with a map that also shows the sights and facilities, such as parking spots and restrooms.
Skjoldungernes Land National Park is located in Fjordlandet, just 30 km from Copenhagen.
Photo:Hans Henrik Erhardi
Top 10 attractions in Skjoldungernes Land National Park
3 things you might not know about Skjoldungernes Land National Park
1. White-tailed eagles
For years, white-tailed eagles have lived near Roskilde Fjord, where there is plenty of fish, waterfowl and carrion to feed on. As Northern Europe’s largest bird of prey, it has a wingspan of up to 2.45 metres!
2. Zealand’s first national park
Inaugurated in 2015 Skjoldungernes Land National Park is Zealand’s first national park. It is located in Roskilde and Lejre in mid-Zealand just a 30-minute drive from Copenhagen.
3. Who were the Scyldingas?
Ancient legends say that the Scyldingas were the descendants of the mythical Danish King Skjold.