Roskilde, cathedral and Viking museum: all you need to know
Just 30 minutes from Copenhagen, Roskilde is a historic Danish gem, famous for its majestic cathedral and Viking ship museum.
Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to the necropolis of Danish kings and an impressive Gothic architectural treasure trove. As for the Viking Ship Museum, it plunges you back into the Viking Age with its restored ships and immersive experiences.
In this comprehensive guide, we help you plan your visit to the 2 sites from Copenhagen.
Visit and tickets: Viking Ship Museum
Visit and tickets: Viking Museum
Address
Vindeboder 12, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark, 35 kilometers north of Copenhagen
- By train: from Copenhagen Central Station (København H), take an S-tog train to Roskilde. The journey takes about 30 minutes. The museum is a 15-minute walk from the station.
- By car: from central Copenhagen on the Holbæk 21 freeway, it takes around 40 minutes to reach the museum. Free parking (see map below).
Prices and tickets
Adult: summer 160 DKK (approx. €20.80) – winter 125 DKK (approx. €16.25)
Student: summer DKK 105 (approx. €13.65) – winter DKK 80 (approx. €10.40)
Children aged 0 to 17: free
City Pass
👉 Tip: with the Copenhagen Card, admission is free. This city pass is ideal for saving money.
Guided tours of 3 historic sites + 1 museum
Guided tour: Depart from Copenhagen with a local guide to discover three major historical sites near Copenhagen:
- Roskilde: Cathedral and Viking Ship Museum
- Frederiksborg Castle
- Kronborg Castle in Elsinore (Hamlet’s castle)
Includes : pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, transport and entrance tickets
Opening dates and times
- May 1 – October 20 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- October 21 to April 30 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
⌛ How long does it take ? 1h30 to 2h
The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde: Journey back to Viking times
Roskilde’s Viking Ship Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Norse myths and Viking seafaring adventures. The museum in brief:
- Five authentic Viking ships: meticulously restored, these 11th-century vessels are the centerpieces of the museum. Displayed in a large room flooded with light, they plunge visitors into Viking maritime history.
- Interactive workshops: Craft demonstrations of Viking techniques (rope-making, wood-carving). A fascinating immersion in ancestral Viking know-how, ideal for craft enthusiasts and families.
- Unique activity: Sailing on a replica Viking ship: an unforgettable experience where you can row, hoist the sails and feel like a Viking as you cross the fjord. Accompanied by a guide, this experience offers an immersive and authentic insight into Viking life. (Every day from May 1 to September 30, ticket supplement)
- A museum for the whole family, suitable for young children: they can observe the craftsmen, handle objects and sometimes even take part in manual activities such as rope-making or woodworking, in a safe and educational setting. A large indoor play area.
Roskilde Cathedral
Visit and tickets: Roskilde Cathedral
Address
Domkirkepladsen 3, 4000 Roskilde, 10 minutes’ walk from Roskilde Viking Museum
Prices and tickets
Adults: DKK 70 (approx. €9.10)
Seniors (65+) and students: DKK 50 (approx. €6.5)
Children: (0-17 years): free of charge
City Pass
👉 Tip: with the Copenhagen Card, admission is free.
Opening dates and times
- October – April: Monday-Saturday: 10am-4pm
- May + September: Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
- June – August: Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm
- Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m.
- Closed: December 5, 25 and 26
⌛ Estimated visit time: 1h
Roskilde Cathedral: Gothic masterpiece and royal necropolis
As soon as you see the imposing silhouette of Roskilde Cathedral, it’s easy to understand why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Gothic monument is a true emblem of Danish architecture.
Impressive Gothic architecture:
- High red-brick towers, emblematic and visible for miles.
- Built in the 12th century, it was one of the first brick Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe.
Royal necropolis:
- Resting place of Danish kings and queens for over 500 years.
- A unique collection of tombs, from medieval sarcophagi to richly decorated Baroque mausoleums.
- A solemn and sacred place, steeped in Danish royal history.
Art and heritage treasures:
- Magnificent murals and finely crafted altars.
- Great old organs add a mystical dimension to the atmosphere.
Roskilde Festival
Roskilde is also world-famous for its festival, one of Europe’s biggest musical events, which takes place every year in Roskilde, Denmark, between late June and early July.
Founded in 1971, over the years it has welcomed legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, U2, Metallica, Radiohead and Dua Lipa. Attracting hundreds of thousands of festival-goers, this event offers a varied program of rock, pop and alternative music. For more details, visit the festival website.
Where is Roskilde?
The town of Roskilde lies around 30 kilometers west of Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, and is easily accessible by public transport, or by bike for sporty types.
🅿️ We have indicated on our map the location of the free parking lot next to the museum, and Roskilde Cathedral can be reached after a 10-minute walk through the city.
Roskilde Cathedral on video
To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a video preview of what you can expect when you visit Roskilde Cathedral.
And if you still have a thirst for discovery, during your stay in Copenhagen, be sure to explore other emblematic sites such as Copenhagen’s picturesque neighborhoods like Nyhavn, Christiana and Norrebro.
