Two days in Roskilde – your weekend guide
Spend two days in Roskilde exploring royal tombs, Viking ships, music and the fjord. This weekend guide brings together places to visit, relaxed breaks, food and accommodation. Take the train to Roskilde and start your trip at the station.
Your weekend in Roskilde
- Day 1: Roskilde Cathedral, Byparken, the Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Fjord.
- Day 2: Musicon, the Rock Museum and the historic town centre.
Take the train to Roskilde and explore the town on foot. Choose the optional stops to suit your time and interests.
Only have one day? See our guide to a day trip to Roskilde from Copenhagen.
Day 1: Roskilde Cathedral, Viking ships and the fjord
Spend your first day exploring Roskilde’s historic landmarks. From the station, head to the cathedral, then walk through Byparken to the harbour and the Viking Ship Museum.
Roskilde Cathedral – UNESCO World Heritage and royal tombs
Begin at Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the royal tombs and chapels, which tell the story of Danish history, art and architecture across the centuries.
Walk around the outside too, where you can see the chapels and the cathedral’s red brickwork from different angles.
Walk through Byparken to Roskilde Fjord
From the cathedral, walk towards the harbour through Byparken. Enjoy views of Roskilde Fjord and a green break between museum visits. Take a moment to look back towards the cathedral before continuing down to the water.
Take a break at Roskilde Harbour
Roskilde Harbour is a lovely place to slow down. Find a bench overlooking the fjord, enjoy an ice cream or stop for coffee before continuing to the Viking ships beside the harbour.
The Viking Ship Museum – discover the Vikings’ ships
The Viking Ship Museum sits right beside the harbour. See the original Skuldelev ships and explore the Museum Island, where traditional crafts and wooden boatbuilding are part of the experience.
Allow plenty of time for your visit, and check the museum’s programme if you would like to combine the exhibitions with activities or a sailing trip.
Optional walk: Skt. Jørgensbjerg
For a longer walk, continue from the harbour to the old fishing village of Skt. Jørgensbjerg. Wander among the small houses, enjoy the harbour views and visit Skt. Jørgensbjerg Church or L.A. Ring’s studio if they are open.
Optional experience: A boat trip on Roskilde Fjord
To see the fjord from the water, a trip aboard the restaurant ship Sagafjord is an alternative to a longer walk. Check the current sailing programme and book a departure that fits your weekend.
Optional walk: Sct. Hans Have
Follow the Fjordstien trail west from the harbour if you would like to spend more time outdoors. At Sct. Hans Have, take a break in the gardens and visit the café when it is open. This is an extra walk, so include it if you have time and feel like exploring further.
Day 2: Musicon, the Rock Museum and the town’s hidden history
On your second day, head to Musicon, south of the station. Begin with music and architecture, then return to the town centre for smaller historic attractions.
Explore Musicon
Musicon introduces you to a different side of Roskilde. Striking architecture, creative businesses, shops in shipping containers and cafés sit among former industrial buildings. Take a walk around the neighbourhood before visiting the Rock Museum.
The Rock Museum – rock, pop and youth culture
The golden façade makes the Rock Museum easy to spot. Inside, explore Danish rock, pop and youth culture, and the role music plays in our lives. Take your time with the exhibitions and stop by the museum café or shop afterwards.
Rabalderparken and the walk back to the centre
Rabalderparken in Musicon combines rainwater management with space for skating and play. Have a look around, or give the children a little extra time here if you have brought scooters.
Follow Musiconstien back towards the station and town centre. The path connects the two parts of Roskilde, with colourful lights and a pump track along the way.
Sankt Laurentius Church Ruin – history beneath the square
Back in the centre, visit Sankt Laurentius Church Ruin beneath Stændertorvet. Discover a glimpse of medieval Roskilde. It is a good extra stop if you would like more history after your morning in Musicon.
Lützhøft’s Grocery Museum – a shop from another era
For another of Roskilde’s smaller historic attractions, visit Lützhøft’s Grocery Museum. The old shop offers a glimpse of grocery shopping in 1920s Roskilde and makes a charming addition to the larger museums.
Optional evening: A concert at Gimle
If you would like to round off your weekend with live music, check the programme at Gimle. Choose a concert that fits your visit and book tickets in advance.
Where to eat in Roskilde
At the harbour, stop at Café Fjordliv for a break overlooking the water. In the centre, Restaurant Raadhuskælderen is close to the cathedral. On day two, find a café in Musicon or eat when you return to the town centre.
Choose somewhere that fits your route, and check opening hours or reserve a table if you have a particular place in mind.
Where to stay in Roskilde
Stay in the centre at Four Points Flex by Sheraton, close to the harbour at Danhostel Roskilde, or choose Comwell Roskilde north of the town centre. Browse the full selection for more hotels, camping and holiday homes in the area.
Take the train to Roskilde – and explore the town
Take the train from Copenhagen Central Station to Roskilde Station and begin your weekend here. The station sits between the historic town centre and Musicon, with both within walking distance. Check a journey planner for current departures and journey times.
Explore the town centre, Byparken and the harbour on foot. Bring your bike if you would like to continue along the fjord or combine more of the optional stops. Bicycle rules vary by train service, so check with the operator whether you need a bicycle ticket or a space reservation before travelling.
Arriving by car? Read more about transport, parking and charging points in Fjordlandet.
Discover more attractions in Roskilde and activities in Roskilde.
