A day should be given to visit the beautiful village of Roskilde. It is only a 40-minute train ride from Copenhagen. This village is only 18 miles west. It is in Roskilde you can view Viking ships, a royal cathedral and stroll through a quaint village. You really can’t get lost as there are large signs everywhere.
If you go early, the village of Roskilde is still sleeping.
On the 20-minute walk to the Viking Museum by the sea, you will pass the Roskilde Cathedral. It does not open until 10:00 on most days.
On the side of the church, there was this very interesting looking vine.
A pleasant downward stroll on a tree lined trail will get you to the Viking Museum.
Along the way is a spring. I took a sip of water. “Refreshing Danish water I said to myself.” I then noticed a sign nearby.
The Viking Museum is in two parts. The ships are actually in a separate building to the right. A Viking Island is to the left where “Viking ship activities” takes place. This was a new area added since my first visit in 1979.
Before entering Viking Ship Hall, Kathie found a maze. She cannot resist mazes I have come to find out.
In 1962, Viking ships were found and excavated. Five ships were deliberately sunk blocking a channel, probably against other marauding bands of Vikings.
The Viking Ship Hall is where five ships are displayed. We would recommend seeing the well-done video which is shown in separate room.
There is an artifact room showing Viking items.
It is easy to confuse this Viking Ship Museum with the one which is in Oslo, Norway. Both museums we enjoyed, but the one in Oslo is truly impressive.
If you really get into the Vikings, next door is “Viking Island.” There are displays, activities and replica ships. You can actually sail on a Viking ship.
On the way back, we saw a number of boys frolicking with miniature kayaks.
The Roskilde Cathedral was completed in 1280 AD. This is where many of the Danish royals are buried.
The cost going in is about $5 dollars. If you have the Copenhagen Card, it is free. This is a worthwhile card that will get you into almost any museum—and allows you to use the metro, trains and busses as part of the plan.
This Cathedral is massive with chapels, tombs, altar and The Nave.
A Cathedral would not be a Cathedral without an organ!
Be careful where you walk as you are probably on someone’s grave.
The Tomb of Margrethe 1st is most impressive. She united Denmark with Norway with her marriage to a Norwegian King back in 1363.
By the time you walk back to the train station, the village of Roskilde has awoken. There are pleasant shops and cafés to enjoy.
