Looking at how to spend a day in Roskilde? This day trip itinerary in Roskilde (from Copenhagen) includes visiting the Viking Ship Museum and the Roskilde Cathedral.
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Intro
If you’re visiting Copenhagen and want to see more of Denmark’s history, head to the city of Roskilde. Roskilde is located outside of central Copenhagen and will make the perfect day trip. This day trip itinerary from Copenhagen will visit the Viking Ship museum and the Roskilde Cathedral where you can experience Viking history and Danish royal heritage first-hand.
Recommended Copenhagen Tours & Activities
Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Copenhagen tours, activities and attractions:
Getting to Roskilde from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen, you can take trains and buses to get to Roskilde. It will take about 1-1.5 hours to get there by trains and buses, or about 35 minutes to 1 hour by car. The Copenhagen Card Discover includes all public transportation as well as free admission to the Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Cathedral, along with other Copenhagen attractions. Get your Copenhagen Card Discover by clicking here.
ROSKILDE DAY TRIP ITINERARY
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Roskilde itinerary.
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE ROSKILDE MAP:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Click a Colored Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
| Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
| On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Roskilde, Denmark“ | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App** |
| * On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Roskilde, Denmark“ | ** On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Roskilde, Denmark“ |
High-Level Itinerary
| Roskilde Day Trip Itinerary | |
| ⛵️ Viking Ship Museum | Morning |
| 🍴 Lunch on the Fjord | Midday |
| ⛪️ Roskilde Cathedral | Afternoon |
| ☕️ Explore Old Town | Evening |
Morning: Viking Ship Museum
Start your day visiting the Viking Ship Museum, located right at the edge of the Roskilde Fjord. Here, you can:
See the Five Viking Ships
The center of the Viking Ship Museum are five original Viking ships on display. These Viking ships were discovered at the bottom of the Roskilde fjord, and were recovered and carefully re-constructed. These were war ships, trade vessels, and fishing boats that the Vikings used.
See the Boatyard
The boatyard, located right outside the main hall, is where craftsmen reconstruct Viking ships. But interestingly, they craft them using the same tools and methods that the Vikings used. It’s a unique look into how Vikings crafted and engineered their iconic ships.
Sail on a Viking Ship
If you’re visiting in the Summer months, you’re able to go on a boat ride on a Viking ship! You’ll get to sail along the Roskilde Fjord and be immersed in Viking life.
Interactive Exhibits
The Viking Ship Museum has interactive exhibits, such as being able to play with Viking weapons, and try on Viking clothes. There’s also a docked Viking ship you can board and walk along right outside on the water. This is perfect is you’re not able to sail on a Viking ship but would still like to experience being immersed in Viking Ship life.
Time Needed
Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours here, but expect longer if you’re joining a sailing trip.
Tickets
Viking Ship Museum entry ticket prices vary by season. In the Summer season, entry is 160 DKK and in the Winter, 125 DKK. If you book a sailing trip (during Summer season), the entry to the museum is included in the ticket price.
The Copenhagen Card Discover includes free admission to the Viking Ship Museum, along with other Copenhagen attractions and transportation. Get your Copenhagen Card Discover by clicking here.
Viking Ship Museum • photos by Jeanie A
Midday: Lunch by Roskilde Fjord
After your morning spent at the Viking Ship Museum, head to a nearby restaurant for lunch. You can have lunch right along the fjord, such as at Snekken or for a more upscale spot, at M/S Sagafjord. Both of these are next to the Viking Ship Museum.
Afternoon: Roskilde Cathedral
After the Viking Ship Museum and lunch, walk about 15-20 minutes to the next stop at Roskilde Cathedral. Here, you can:
Discover the Royal Tombs
The Roskilde Cathedral serves as the final resting place of Danish kings and queens, such as Queen Margrete I and King Christian IV. Each royal chapel has its own style as well as each sarcophagus that holds a past royal regent.
Marvel at the Architecture
The Roskilde Cathedral is the first Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia that’s also made of brick. It’s unique and has two towering spires with a unique story about their construction.
Inside the church, each chapel has it’s own unique architecture style, from the Renaissance design of King Christian IV’s chapel to the Neoclassical architectural style of Frederik’s White Chapel.
Time Needed
You can spend 1 to 2 hours here exploring the cathedral and the royal chapels.
Tickets
Entry to the Roskilde Cathedral costs 70 DKK and can be purchase on-site.
However, the Copenhagen Card Discover includes free admission to the Roskilde Cathedral (Domkirke), along with other Copenhagen attractions and transportation. Get your Copenhagen Card Discover by clicking here.
Roskilde Cathedral • photos by Jeanie A
Evening: Explore Old Roskilde Town
In case you don’t want to return to Copenhagen just yet, spend a bit of time exploring the Old Roskilde Town. You can head to the main square, visit a cafe, stroll the cobblestone streets, or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
The most convenient area to stay in is in central Copenhagen and closer to Nyhavn. I stayed at 71 Nyhavn Hotel which was located in a convenient area where everything was nicely within walking distance.
Book the same stay by clicking here or add your dates and click “Search” for availability in the widget below:
Denmark Travel Guides
🚲 19 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
⛴️ Taking the DFDS Ferry: A Scenic Voyage From Copenhagen to Oslo
Final Words
If you have an extra day to spare while in Copenhagen, head over to Roskilde. Visiting Roskilde makes for the perfect day trip and this itinerary includes another layer of Denmark’s culture and history. You’ll get to experience and immerse yourself in Viking life and Denmark’s royal past.
Would you spend a day in Roskilde?
Let me know in the comments below!
(danish “thank you!”)
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