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Many visitors to Denmark spend all of their time in Copenhagen. It’s understandable since there’s so much to do in the Danish capital, however, there are other nearby cities that are worth visiting on a day trip. Roskilde is one of the oldest cities in Denmark and the former national capital, with a rich history from the Viking Age to subsequent kings & queens. That history, plus an excellent arts & entertainment scene, makes a Roskilde day trip from Copenhagen a fun way to see more of the country. Here’s everything you need to take a day trip to Roskilde, including how to get there, what to see & do, and where to eat & drink.
How to get to Roskilde from Copenhagen
Copenhagen to Roskilde by train
Traveling from Copenhagen to Roskilde by train is easy. Trains depart from København H (Copenhagen Central Station) frequently, with journeys taking just 20-30 minutes. The Copenhagen Card includes unlimited travel around the area, including Roskilde.
Roskilde day trip tours from Copenhagen
Although it’s easy to get to Roskilde on your own, there are also day trip tours available from Copenhagen, as well as some tours that start in Roskilde.
Roskilde Itinerary & Activities
There are plenty of great things to do in Roskilde, including several museums.
Viking Ship Museum
Any day trip to Roskilde should include visiting the Viking Ship Museum. The museum features Viking ships that were recovered from the Roskilde fjord in the 1960s, along with reconstructions, tours, and other events.
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Read more about the Viking Ship Museum. Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Roskilde Cathedral
The Roskilde Cathedral is another must-visit in Roskilde. The brick cathedral’s history dates back over 800 years, serving as the final resting place of many of Denmark’s kings & queens. Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Musicon, including the RAGNAROK Museum & Museum of Contemporary Art
Formerly a concrete factory, Musicon is a new Roskilde neighborhood being rebuilt as a center of arts & entertainment. Musicon is the home of the RAGNAROK Museum, dedicated to pop culture & music, as well as the Roskilde Museum of Contemporary Art.
The area also has several bars, restaurants, and shops. The famous Roskilde Music festival takes place yearly in nearby fields. Entry to RAGNAROK is included in the Copenhagen Card.
RoS Gallery
The free RoS Gallery showcases works from contemporary Danish artists inside a former gasworks near the Viking Ship Museum.
Roskilde Museum including Lützhøfts Købmandsgård
Roskilde Museum operates several museums in the city. The main museum tells local history in the Sugar House & the Liebe House. Lützhøfts Købmandsgård is a recreation of a 1920s grocer’s shop located inside a building that was actually a store for almost 100 years.
Stændertorvet
The central square in Roskilde is called Stændertorvet. It’s a popular gathering space in the city, including a public market & events.
The area also includes pedestrian streets lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Folkeparken Roskilde
There are two major parks in Roskilde. Just north of the city center, Folkeparken Roskilde is filled with fields, ponds, and event spaces. It’s a pleasant place to walk through as you head toward the Viking Ship Museum on a Roskilde day trip.
Byparken
Byparken is another large Roskilde park that is located between the ships & the city.
Roskilde Jars
Just outside the Roskilde train station sits an art installation known as the Roskilde Jars.
Where to Eat & Drink in Roskilde
There are several great restaurants in Roskilde. If you’re looking for high-end dining, try Mumm or Gusto Giusto. For casual dining options, Smash Burger, Primo Piano, Nua Mama’s Secret, & Lene’s Streetfood are popular restaurants. For drinks, check out craft beer bars such as Klosterkælderen & Musicon Mikrobryggeri, wine bar Skänk, & Liquid Kitchen for great cocktails.
Here are some great Roskilde tours & activities & other things to see & do in Roskilde.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Roskilde, check out these hotels. For more restaurant recommendations, go here.
