Just 25 minutes from Copenhagen, Roskilde overlooks the landscape by the scenic Roskilde Fjord. Discover rich history, culture and nature, along with welcoming restaurants to relax and reflect on your experiences.
Experiences in and around Roskilde
The story of Roskilde and its surroundings begins in the Viking Age and the Middle Ages and can today be experienced through some of Denmark’s most significant cultural attractions. Roskilde Cathedral, with its royal tombs and UNESCO-listed architecture, forms the centrepiece, while the Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde Museum, RAGNAROCK and Gimle together bring the city’s history, music and vibrant culture to life.
Things to do in Roskilde – find the best experiences
Looking for things to do in Roskilde? Here you’ll find everything from historic landmarks and cultural attractions to unique places and popular sights. Whether you’re visiting Roskilde for a day trip or a weekend, there’s plenty to experience for couples, families and friends.
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.
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.
Roskilde Museum – 1,000 Years of History from the Prehistoric Period to Today
At Roskilde Museum, visitors can explore 1,000 years of history in one of Denmark’s oldest cities. The exhibitions range from ancient times and the Middle Ages to the modern era, and your visit can be rounded off with a break in the museum café or a browse in the shop.
Activities in Roskilde – find the best things to do
Looking for activities in Roskilde? Here you’ll find everything from outdoor activities like kayaking, mtb and hiking to guided tours, troll hunts and fun nature experiences. Whether you prefer action, relaxation or family activities, there are plenty of options.
Skjoldungestierne is a hiking trail that winds through some of the most beautiful and historically significant landscapes of Denmark’s Fjordland. Here, you can experience both nature and culture up close as you follow the trails between Roskilde, Lejre and Hvalsø..
Himmelsøen is a hidden natural gem surrounded by wild landscapes and beautiful views near Roskilde. Once a gravel pit, it is now a clear groundwater lake with inviting facilities and scenic walking trails. Visitors can swim, explore the paths around the lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
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.
Lynghøjsøerne | Swimming, mountain biking and nature experiences near Roskilde
Lynghøjsøerne is a recreational nature area west of the historic city of Roskilde, created in a former gravel pit called Svogerslev Grusgrav. Here, you can enjoy three clear, blue lakes where you can go for a swim, walk, cycle and unwind in nature at your own pace.
Accommodation in Roskilde – find the best places to stay
Looking for accommodation in Roskilde? Here you will find everything from hotels and bed and breakfasts to campsites, holiday homes and cosy stays in nature.
Restaurants in Roskilde – find the best places to eat
Looking for restaurants in Roskilde? Here you will find the city’s best places to eat. Whether you want to dine in the centre, enjoy views of the fjord, or find a spot surrounded by nature, you can easily choose a place that suits your taste and occasion.
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.
At the café in Sct. Hans Have, you’ll find a menu based on the finest organic ingredients – either harvested directly from the garden or sourced from the fertile countryside around Roskilde.
Roskilde Festival is Northern Europe’s largest music and cultural event, held every year in the city of Roskilde, Denmark. Founded in 1971, the festival now attracts up to 130,000 participants from around the world.
Skjoldungemarchen – A Hiking Event in Skjoldungernes Land National Park
On 13 June 2026, the Skjoldungemarchen hiking event takes place in the scenic surroundings of Skjoldungernes Land National Park, located on the island of Zealand, just west of Copenhagen.
Opera Hedeland – grand opera experiences under the open sky
Opera Hedeland is Denmark’s largest permanent outdoor opera venue and provides the setting for major musical experiences in a raw and atmospheric landscape. Located west of Copenhagen, the site creates an informal environment where nature, performing arts and audiences come together outdoors.
In July and August 2026, Stændertorvet in Roskilde transforms into a green and vibrant summer space. Take a break from the city's bustle and enjoy the charming setting filled with flowers, lights, and activities for both children and adults.
Store Hestedag – Denmark’s Largest Outdoor Horse & Dog Event
Store Hestedag is Denmark’s largest outdoor event for horse and dog enthusiasts. Each year, thousands of visitors gather at the Roskilde Showground for a weekend filled with competitions, demonstrations, activities and shopping in a vibrant and family-friendly setting.
48 hours in Roskilde: Rock, Vikings, World Heritage
Roskilde is a city packed with history – from royal graves and world heritage to the proud shipbuilding traditions of the Vikings and modern-day rock and pop culture complete with screaming teenage girls!
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.
Start your family holiday on Zealand right here! Before you decide where to stay, what to see and where to eat, take a look at this page. We’ve gathered the best ideas for your trip – especially if you’re visiting the area with children.
Records on Zealand – Roskilde, Lejre and Frederikssund
Oldest, biggest, longest and first. There is always something special about experiencing places that have set records or stand out in history. On Zealand, you will find a range of unique places with documented records.
Enjoy a romantic break on Zealand with time just for the two of you. Whether you visit Roskilde, Lejre or Frederikssund, you’ll find cosy experiences, beautiful nature and great places for couples seeking a relaxing and loving getaway.
