Roskilde Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 800 years of royal history
Roskilde Cathedral is Denmark’s most important church – a Gothic medieval cathedral, royal mausoleum, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Just 25 minutes from Copenhagen, Roskilde rises gently above the surrounding landscape and is beautifully situated by Roskilde Fjord. Here, you will find history, culture and nature in abundance, along with welcoming restaurants where you can relax and reflect on the many experiences of the day.

Photo:ZOLPER-FOTO
The story of Roskilde and its surrounding area has its roots in the Viking Age and the Middle Ages and is brought to life today through some of Denmark’s most significant cultural attractions. Roskilde Cathedral, with its royal tombs and UNESCO-listed architecture, sets the scene, while the Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde Museum, RAGNAROCK and Gimle together bring the city’s history, music and vibrant cultural life vividly within reach.

Photo:Kim Hansen
In Roskilde, the presence of history is unmistakable, reflecting the city’s golden age as one of Denmark’s earliest centres of power and a focal point for both royal authority and the Church. This legacy stretches from the legendary King Roar of Roskilde to the Viking king Harald Bluetooth, who settled here and built the city’s first church in wood.

Photo:Gitte Nielsen
It’s no accident that Roskilde’s name derives from the Danish word for spring, kilde. North of the Alps, it ranks as the city with the most springs.
Photo:Christian Klarskov Larsen
In 1995 Roskilde Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique architecture, ranking it among world famous monuments such as the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Wall of China.