Located on the Danish island of Zealand, the charming town of Roskilde sits right beside the capital of Copenhagen. With its inception dating back to the pre-Christian Viking eras, the town seems to be teeming with history. Its name literally translates to “Ro’s Spring”, and is attributed to the legendary Viking Roar, who may have lived here in the 6th century.
Apart from its ornate monuments, the little town prides in its grandiose nature spots. Open green meadows, lush forests and stunning fjords form the constitution of the beautiful town, imbuing a postcard like charm to the place.
To get a proper taste of the history of Roskilde, do make it a point to visit the various historical attractions here. From the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Roskilde Cathedral, with its dazzling Gothic structure and archaic tombs, to the Baroque designs of the Roskilde Palace- there is too much to be explored here. Nature lovers may also choose to make their way to the Gundsømagle Lake Bird Sanctuary, or explore the thriving forests of Boserup.
One of the most rewarding things to do in Roskilde includes taking a tour of the various museums here, such as the Ragnarök Museum, chronicling the history of rock music; the Viking Ship Museum, home to several original 11th century vessels; or even the Roskilde Museum, displaying the history of the little Viking town. If you time your visit correctly, you may also get the opportunity to attend the Roskilde Festival, which claims a status of being one of the biggest music festivals in Europe. Adventure enthusiasts may also make their way to Hedeland to enjoy activities such as fishing or karting.
Roskilde remains cool and wet throughout the year. While winters at the town can be freezing and extremely rainy, summers are generally cool, pleasant and ideally suited for vacations.