Roskilde Fjord – Nature, Viking History and Fjord Life in Skjoldungernes Land National Park

Roskilde Fjord extends from Roskilde north towards Isefjord and includes around 30 small islands and islets. The shallow waters, salt marshes and coastal slopes create ideal conditions for diverse plant and animal life. The fjord is one of Denmark’s most important breeding areas for waterbirds and forms a significant part of the protected national park landscape.

Nature and Outdoor Experiences

The fjord offers a wide range of nature-based activities. The calm bays and shallow waters make the area suitable for kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Along the coastline, trails invite visitors to explore the landscape on foot or by bike while enjoying panoramic fjord views.

Several access points lead to beaches, small harbours and viewpoints where nature can be experienced up close. Visitors are encouraged to respect the sensitive birdlife, especially during breeding season.

Traces of the Stone Age and Viking Age

Along the shores of Roskilde Fjord, Stone Age shell middens reveal how hunters and fishermen lived here around 6,000 years ago. Shells, bones and tools bear witness to early settlements by the fjord.

During the Viking Age, the fjord was an important waterway. Roskilde’s central location made it a key trading hub, with the fjord serving as a vital maritime connection. At Skuldelev, five Viking ships were deliberately sunk to block enemy access — discoveries that can now be experienced at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.

A Living Cultural Landscape

Sailing on Roskilde Fjord today follows in the wake of Stone Age dugout canoes, Viking longships and medieval trading vessels. The fjord remains an active landscape where nature, history and modern outdoor life come together.

Explore the area on foot, by bike or from the water and experience one of Zealand’s most atmospheric fjord landscapes.