Roskilde

Orientation

Roskilde is south of Roskilde Inlet with the Viking Museum and some of the accommodation and restaurant options nearby. Central Roskilde is 1 km further south centered on the pedestrian street Algade/Skomagergade and Roskilde Cathedral. The city centre is quite small at around 1 square kilometer bordered by a ring road. The train station is at the southern end of the city centre. Roskilde Festival is 4 km south from the train station along Køgevej.

History

Roskilde was established more than 1,000 years ago, at which time it had a wooden church and a royal farm. In the 12th century, Roskilde Cathedral was built and Roskilde became the seat of the bishop and was also granted the status of a market town. The town was one of the most important in Denmark for the next few centuries until the reformation ended the importance of the church.

By train

From Copenhagen Central Station (København H), it is about a 25-minute trip. Nearly all trains leaving Copenhagen besides those leaving for Elsinore or Sweden stops in Roskilde. Regional trains bound for Holbæk, Slagelse, Ringsted, Kalundborg or Nykøbing Falster are your best choices (they are marked with "Re" sign on platform screens). There is also a small branch line with Regional trains from Roskilde to Køge and onwards to Næstved.

• Roskilde railway station

  address: Jernbanegade 1

By bus

Intercity buses to and from Jutland lines 882 to Fjerritslev and 888 to Aarhus/Aalborg, makes stop at the Q8 gas station at Darupvej 2, by the highway. It is quite far from the city center, but there are several bus lines connecting from Roskilde Station, e.g. 600S
Important regional buses includes 600S which runs an arch around Copenhagen proper from Hillerød in the north (Frederiksborg castle) to Hundige Station in the south. 233 runs between Roskilde and Lejre Forsøgscenter, 234 connects with Slagelse and finally 229E and 239 with Frederikssund.

By plane

• Roskilde AirportDenmark's premier General Aviation facility with planes taking off or landing, every 5 minutes throughout the day. It is also the main base for un- or semi scheduled taxi flights to the Kingdoms more remote islands; Copenhagen Airtaxi offers flights to Samsø, Læsø and Anholt for between 1,000-1,500 kr, and more or less works as a regular airline, with flights bookable on the company website. Another option is Starling to Ærø.

You can easily walk from the train station to the main square with the cathedral and from there to the Viking Ship Museum.
There are a few local buses running from the train station.

Landmarks

• Roskilde Cathedral

  phone: +45 4635 1624
  On UNESCO World Heritage List. This is where Danish kings and queens have been buried for a thousand years, 20 kings and 17 queens lay in the four chapels here. Most impressive are the temple like monuments for King Christian III and his wife. A wooden church was built here in the 10th century, the present church was built in early 13th century. Home to the Cathedral Museum.

• Roskilde Former City Hall

  address: Stændertorvet 1
  Built in 1884 in Gothic style. Now home to the local tourist information office.

• Roskilde Palace

  phone: +45 4631 6565
  address: Stændertorvet 3
  Home to two exhibitions, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Palace Wing. A four wing yellow baroque building built in the 18th century. Was home to the king and his family when around.

• Roskilde Station

  address: Jernbanegade 1
  The oldest train station in Denmark built in 1847 in connection with opening of the first railway between Copenhagen and Roskilde.

• Historic granite tiles

  address: Skomagergade
  15 granite tiles in the pavement illustrating the history of Roskilde. Was created by sculptor Ole Knudsen in 2009.

• The Giant Jars

  address: Hestetorvet
  Three five meter high jars created in 1998 by sculptor Peter Brandes. They symbolise life and dead and were placed here to mark the city's 1,000 year anniversary. One of the jars has inscribed a poem by Henrik Nordbrandt.

Parks and nature

• Boserup ForestHilly, primarily beech mixed forest. 5-km trekking path.

• ByparkEstablished in 1915 by Roskilde's patron, O.H. Schmeltz. Comprises a playground for children, a snake-like walking path and other areas well suited for a stroll or for hanging around. The park is home to cultural events including summer concerts Tuesdays in July. If you walk from the city centre to the Viking museum, this can be done through the park.

• FolkeparkConsists of a number of combined parks primarily based on former monastery land. Was first established in early 19th century and found its present form in the 1930s. The park is home to cultural events including performances for children at the amphitheater on summer Thursdays.

• Land of Legends Lejre

  phone: +45 4648 0878
  address: Slangealleen 2, Lejre
  Theme park with reconstructions of a Iron Age village, a Stone Age camp, a Viking market, a 19th century-farm cottages and more.

• Ledreborg Palace & Park

  phone: +45 4648 0038
  address: Ledreborg Alle 2, Lejre
  Built 1740-45 by Count Johan Ludvig Holstein-Ledreborg and still the family residence. Houses a collection of original furniture and paintings. The baroque park has been restored. Houses an open air concert every summer.

Museums

• The Viking Ship Museum

  phone: +45 4630 0200
  address: Vindeboder 12
  A museum with several original viking ships, a viking research center, a harbour with copies of viking ships, and a shipyard making new ships.

• Roskilde Museum

  phone: +45 46 31 6529
  address: Sankt Ols Gade 18
  Local history museum, but well in tune with other attractions, it also has a good collection of viking archaeological finds, some connecting to the sagas about the legendary Beowulf.

• Museum of Tools

  address: Ringstedgade 6
  Exhibits tools from 1850-1950 used by coach makers, carpenters, joiners, coopers, clog makers and other craftsmen.

• Lützhøfts Old Grocer's Shop

  address: Ringstedgade 8
  The shop existed 1892-1979. It has been led back to its appearance around 1920. Here you can buy goods like the ones sold in the 1920s, you can also see the grocer's office, inventory and old magasine buildings.

• O. Lunds Eftf. Butcher's Shop

  phone: +45 4635 0061
  address: Ringstedgade 8
  Butcher shop as it was in the 1920s.

• Roskilde Mini Town

  address: Skt Ibs Vej
  Model of Roskilde as it might have looked in its heyday around 1400. The model is at scale 1:200 and is around 50 m². It was finalised in 1999 but was not displayed at its present location until 2005.

• St. Hans Hospital Museum

  phone: +45 4633 4752
  address: Kurhusvænge
  The psychiatric hospital was established in 1860 as one of the most modern of its time. The museum shows the history of the hospital.

• The Ruins of Skt. Laurentii (St. Lawrence) Church

  phone: +45 4631 3399
  address: Stændertorvet 1
  Ruins of a church built in early 12th century.

• Lejre Museum

  phone: +45 4648 1468
  address: Orehoejvej 4B, Lejre
  Exhibits of Lejre's historical influence on the history of Denmark. Also exhibits of the historical development of the area.

Galleries

• The Roskilde Gallery

  phone: +45 4637 2727
  address: Maglekildevej 7
  Both Danish and foreign artists, primarily painters.

• Jeppeart

  phone: +45 4636 9435
  address: Skomagergade 33
  Exhibit and sale of Danish crafts within jewelry, glass, ceramics, clothing, knitwear, tissues and painting.

• Gallery Art Corner

  phone: +45 4636 0203, +45 2124 6475
  address: Ringstedgade 3C
  Exhibits paintings by Annemette Møbjerg.

• Galleri Working Art

  phone: +45 2927 3038
  address: Byvolden 10A
  Workshop and gallery exhibiting paintings from primarily local painters.

• Galleri NB

  phone: +45 4632 6108
  address: Vindeboder 1
  Large gallery established in 1987 exhibiting primarily works of North European artists.

• Glasgalleriet

  phone: +45 4635 6536
  address: Sankt Ibs Vej 12
  Workshop and gallery showing art of glass by artist Skak Snitker.

Roskilde festival

The legendary Roskilde Festival is still going strong despite over 40 years of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll! started by a group of friends in 1971 inspired by the Woodstock festival, it has grown from a few thousand guests in its first year, to over 115,000 visitors from all over the world, and is routinely sold out with over half the tickets sold outside of Denmark.
The festival takes place in late June, early July on Roskilde Dyreskueplads south of the city. To Get in there are several options; from Monday-Sunday during the festival trains depart from Roskilde Station to the festivals very own station inside the camping area (West) every 30 minutes for 20 kroner. There are also shuttle buses from Roskilde Station to the camping area (East) all day during the festival. When arriving at the festival you exchange your ticket for an armband/bracelet which gives you access to both the camping area, and the stage area.
Many people show up a week before the music starts to get their tents up so they can sleep close to the stage area, and limit walking as much as possible as the camping area is huge! A good tip is securing a place as far from trees and fences as possible, since they in essence become one big urinal during the festival. If rain is forecast, you should also attempt to camp as far from the marked walkways, preferably on a slope, since mud quickly becomes and issue.
On the camping grounds there are several service areas with food stalls and supermarkets to stock up with eat & drink, some also have first aid, toilets and showers. Inside the stage area there are also many, many restaurants and bars - most of them with a theme, and some of them are really huge and elaborate. There are also many shops where you can buy necessities and other rubbish.
Music is playing from Thursday - Sunday and are usually varied, with some international headline acts, and much experimental and indie music and the smaller stages.

Other activities

• Sail in a viking boat on the fjord

• Sagnlandet Lejre

  phone: +45 4648 0878
  address: Slangealleen 2, 4320 Lejre
  Become a viking for a day, in this spectacular hands on history museum.

• Capella Play

  phone: +45 7697 7070
  address: Ro's Torv 51A
  Indoor playground best suited for children of 2-8 years. Also a café with limited and mediocre food.

• Roskilde Golf Klub

  phone: +45 4637 0181
  address: Margrethehåbsvej 116
  18-hole course open for guests from other golf clubs with a handicap of no more than 34.0. 9-hole course open for all.

• The Path of the Gods64 km marked path on asphalt, soil and grass. All of the path can be walked and most is also fine for bikes. The path connects Køge Bay near Karslunde Beach with Ise Inlet near Kirke Hyllinge. A large part of the path is in Roskilde Municipality. A great way to experience the local nature and culture.

From Roskilde festival the nearest supermarket is Fakta at Køgevej 108, about 1300 meters (a 15-20 minute walk) due north (past the highway) from the eastern entrance. The downtown area which has a pedestrianized area full of different shops is a further 1½ km away (or 30-40 minutes by foot).

• RO's Torv

  phone: +45 4638 0680
  address: Københavnsvej 29
  A fairly attractive mall with 90 different stores and a cinema.

• Algade/SkomagergadePedestrian street and main shopping street in town.

• Fair Trade Butik Karibu

  phone: +45 4637 1509
  address: Sct. Peders Stræde 1
  Sells handicrafts from Africa, Asia and Latin America including home accessories, cookware, jewelry, baskets, bags, accessories, toys and paper products.

• Club Skin-Dive

  phone: +45 4637 0992
  address: Maglegårdsvej 5C
  Jewelery and giftware.

• Bjergtrolden

  address: Ringstedgade 30
  Shop and café selling a large selection of beer as well as wine, chocolate, goodies, coffee, organic sweets, handicrafts, clothes, hats, jewelry.

Budget

• Jensens Bøfhus

  phone: +45 4632 2510
  address: Skomagergade 38
  Discount steakhouse in an old building at the main pedestrian street. Reasonably sized dishes but a bit slow service. Too expensive if you do not go for the special offers.

Mid-range

• Snekken

  phone: +45 4635 9816
  address: Vindeboder 16
  Restaurant at Viking Ship museum with a view over Roskilde Inlet.

• MS Sagafjord

  phone: +45 4675 6460
  address: at the harbour next to the Viking museum
  Old Restaurant ship. You can have lunch, tea or dinner on Roskilde Fjord.

• Restaurant Mumm

  phone: +45 4637 2201
  address: Karen Olsdatters Stræde 9
  Small intimate restaurant with a nice patio. Serves Danish, French and Spanish cuisine. Splurge quality at slightly lower prices.

• Bryggergården

  phone: +45 4635 0103
  address: Algade 15
  Restaurant in historical building on the middle of the main pedestrian street. Nice outdoor seating for following the life on the busy street. Danish cuisine.

Splurge

• Restaurant Gusto Giusto

  phone: +45 4632 7377
  address: Jernbanegade 19
  Italian gourmet restaurant. The food is better than the service.

• Store Børs

  phone: +45 4632 5045
  address: Havnevej 43
  Seafood restaurant also serving meat dishes.

Bars

• Gustav Wieds Vinstue

  phone: +45 4636 5335
  address: Hersegade 11
  Traditional Danish bar, but also has a large selection of foreign and gourmet beers.

• Promenaden

  phone: +45 4635 2475
  address: Hestetorvet 4

• Pub Ringstedgade

  phone: +45 4635 9597
  address: Ringstedgade 50
  Local place frequented by workers and occasionally by people returning from concerts in the nearby Roskildehallerne.

• Ruder Konge Bodega

  phone: +45 4636 0415
  address: Skomagergade 25
  Large traditional bar frequented by locals.

• Teatercafeen

  phone: +45 4636 9545
  address: Sankt Hans Gade 24
  In a primarily residential area and primarily frequented by regulars. Has billard and slot machines.

Cafés

• Cafe 42

  address: Skomagergade 42

• Cafe Gulland

  phone: +45 4635 0244
  address: Borchsgade 6

• Cafe Vivaldi

• Stændertorvet 8

• Ro's Torv, Københavnsvej 29-39

Clubs

• Carma

  address: Jernbanegade 6

• Club Moon

  phone: +45 4632 4070
  address: Hestetorvet 3

• Garbo's

  address: Hersegade 17

• Mary's

  phone: +45 4632 4600
  address: Støden 9
  Combined club and sports café.

Budget

• Slottes Bed and Breakfast i Roskilde

  phone: +45 20 66 10 40
  address: Skovbovængets Allé 4

• Danhostel Roskilde Vandrerhjem

  phone: +45 46352184
  Hostel at the harbour next to the Viking museum. Have dormitories and family rooms

• Soviro Bed&Breakfast

  phone: +45 2077 4482
  address: Skovbovængets Allé 17

• Mr. Janny Motel

  phone: +45 4635 4385
  address: Motelvej 28

• Bed&Breakfast Roskilde

  phone: +45 2446 9623
  address: Langagervej 19A

• Roskilde Camping

  phone: +4546757996
  address: mail@roskildecamping.dk
  4 km from the town center, directly at the fjord. The camping site also offers cabins for rent. Open from end of March to end of September.

Mid-range

• Hotel Comwell Roskilde

  phone: +45 4632 3131
  address: Vestre Kirkevej 12, Himmelev
  Rooms with free internet, some with view of Roskilde Inlet.

• Scandic Roskilde

  phone: +45 4632 4632
  address: Søndre Ringvej 33

Splurge

• Hotel Prindsen

  phone: +45 4630 9100
  Four-star hotel with free internet.

• Frederikssund - Danish city
• Hornsherred
• Køge - town in Denmark