Roskilde Cathedral Review • travel review post & photos by Jeanie A
I visited Roskilde Cathedral right outside Copenhagen and here’s how it went. This review goes over my experience and the highlights you cannot miss while visiting Roskilde Cathedral.
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If you’re in Copenhagen, take a short trip out to Roskilde Cathedral located in the Roskilde region. Roskilde Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an architectural gem as well as serves as a final resting place for many of Denmark’s past monarchs. This review will go over my experience visiting the Roskilde Cathedral and some tips to make the most of your adventure.
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Roskilde Cathedral Location
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Why Roskilde Cathedral is Special
Roskilde Cathedral is built of brick and is considered to be the first Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia to be so. It’s dated back to the 12th century and has two tall twin spires with a unique story behind their construction.
But what really makes Roskilde Cathedral unique is that it is Denmark’s royal mausoleum. Danish kings and queens from since the Middle Ages have been laid to rest here. There are numerous elaborate sarcophagi, tombs, and chapels that holds royal remains.
However, before the cathedral became exclusively for Danish royalty, normal citizens of high status or nobility were able to be buried here. So there are burial plaques throughout the entire cathedral, including a grave of a horse.
Roskilde Cathedral • photos by Jeanie A
Highlights You Can’t Miss
Royal Tombs
Roskilde Cathedral is the burial site of 37 Danish monarchs. You’ll find the intricate sarcophagus of Queen Margrethe I who united Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under one crown. I found Queen Margrethe I’s sarcophagus to be really beautiful with white ecclesiastical figures and a pretty deep blue color paired with gold.
You’ll find a more recent ruler King Christian IX here, as well as the already-constructed sarcophagus of current ruler Queen Margrethe II when she passes. Her sarcophagus is under a large cover per her direction, but there is a small model replica of it to show its unique and meaningful design.
Royal Tombs • photos by Jeanie A
Ornate Structures
Another highlight of Roskilde Cathedral are the intricate and ornate structures found throughout the cathedral. In the center of the cathedral, there is an elevated pulpit, royal box, and organ, each with different and elaborate designs.
And right down the center, is a large gold altarpiece of beautiful wooden carvings that represent the birth, death and. resurrection of Jesus. Also, an interesting painting I spotted was a painting of King Harald Bluetooh, a Viking king that the present-day Bluetooth capability is named after.
Ornate Structures • photos by Jeanie A
Architecture
The mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles gives the cathedral a distinctive look. Inside, the tall brick walls, stained glass, and chapels where each reflect a different era in which and for who they were built. Notable chapels to not miss include:
Chapel of Christian IV
One of the most famous kings in Danish history, Christian IV, has his own chapel adorned with Renaissance art and detailing. Each sarcophagus has their own unique design to represent the royal person that lies within. On the walls of the chapel are large paintings of the king’s reign.
Chapel of Christian IV • photo by Jeanie A
White Chapel
The White Chapel was made for Frederik V and is all white in neoclassical architecture that captures the grandeur of ancient temples with its high ceilings and tall columns. I found it to be really pretty with its simple yet also elaborate symmetrical designs that resemble classic Greek architecture.
The White Chapel • photos by Jeanie A
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Go Early
Arriving in the morning gives you a quieter experience before tour groups arrive.
2. Combine with the Viking Ship Museum
The two sites complement each other perfectly. You can get royal history and Viking culture all in one day.
3. Grab the Guide
At the entrance, be sure to grab the Roskilde Cathedral guide. It contains valuable information that adds context at what (and who) you’re looking at while exploring the cathedral.
Roskilde Cathedral is a look into Danish history with royal tombs and beautiful architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth the visit from central Copenhagen, and I hope this review encourages you to visit the Roskilde Cathedral.
Been to Roskilde Cathedral before? I’d love to hear what you thought — Let me know in the comments!
Jeanie has traveled to over 50 countries and has a love for new experiences, visiting iconic attractions, and finding breathtaking views. Hoping to help plan unforgettable adventures, Jeanie aims to inspire others to visit new places through her travel stories and photography.
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