Roskilde Museum
A city museum in two historic houses, Roskilde Museum unpacks 1,000 years of local and Danish history through evocative artefacts, stories and hands-on exhibits.
Roskilde Museum is the city museum of one of Denmark’s oldest urban centers, housed in two beautifully preserved historic buildings in the heart of Roskilde. Inside, thoughtfully curated exhibitions trace local and national history from prehistoric times, through the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, to the modern city. Archaeological treasures, immersive displays and a full floor of family-friendly, hands-on activities bring 1,000 years of stories to life, complemented by a cozy café and a well-stocked museum shop.
A brief summary to Roskilde Museum
- Sankt Ols Stræde 3, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546316500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan 1–2 hours for the exhibitions, then leave time to enjoy the café and browse the museum shop without rushing.
- Combine your visit with Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum for a full-day overview of the city’s religious, maritime and urban history.
- Families should seek out the interactive floor and schoolroom displays, which are especially engaging for children and included in the standard ticket.
- Check seasonal opening hours in advance, particularly around major holidays, as schedules can change during winter and festive periods.
- Look up at ceilings, beams and stairwells as you move around; the historic architecture is as revealing as the objects in the cases.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Train and short walk from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, frequent regional trains reach Roskilde Station in about 25–30 minutes. Standard adult tickets typically cost around 80–100 DKK one way, and trains run several times per hour during the day. From Roskilde Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk through the town centre to the museum along mostly flat, paved streets, suitable for wheeled luggage and strollers, though some cobblestones near the historic core can be uneven.
-
Regional train within Zealand
If you are staying elsewhere on Zealand, regional trains connect towns such as Holbæk, Ringsted and Køge with Roskilde in roughly 20–40 minutes depending on origin. Fares are generally between 40 and 90 DKK one way within the region. Services run regularly throughout the day but are less frequent late in the evening and on some weekends, so checking departure times in advance is advisable. From Roskilde Station, the museum is reachable on foot in 10–15 minutes through the compact city centre.
-
Car from Copenhagen or greater Zealand
By car, Roskilde lies about 30–40 minutes from central Copenhagen via major motorways in normal traffic, and similar journey times from many other Zealand towns. There is public parking available in and around Roskilde’s centre; some spaces are free with time limits while others are paid, typically costing around 10–20 DKK per hour. Historic streets near the museum can be narrow and busy, especially on weekends and during events, so it is often easier to park in a larger car park slightly outside the immediate old town and walk the last few hundred metres.
Roskilde Museum location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Roskilde Museum
A thousand years of Roskilde under one roof
Roskilde Museum is the gateway to understanding how this former royal capital evolved from prehistoric settlement to modern Danish city. Exhibitions guide you chronologically through millennia: from Ice Age landscapes and early farming communities to the bustle of a medieval power centre and the transformations of the industrial age. Themes of everyday life, trade, religion and conflict are woven together so you see not just objects in cases, but the people and stories behind them. Along the way, you encounter everything from flint tools and Iron Age jewellery to household items from the 20th century. Thoughtful texts in both Danish and English help connect Roskilde’s local story with broader developments in Danish and European history, making it a rewarding stop whether you are new to the region or already familiar with its past.Historic buildings with layered urban stories
The museum itself occupies two listed buildings that add an extra dimension to any visit. Sukkerhuset, the former Sugar House, was built in 1761 as a refinery at a time when sweet commodities linked Denmark to global trade and colonial networks. Later, its industrial halls were re-purposed as the city fire station, a reminder of Roskilde’s growth and changing needs. Next door, Liebes Gård began life around 1800 as a merchant’s residence and commercial courtyard. Named after the Liebe family who lived and traded here into the 19th century, it later served as a home for soldiers when Roskilde became a garrison town. Walking between creaking floorboards, timber beams and cobbled yard, you sense how work, housing and defence once intertwined on these very streets.Archaeological treasures from fjord to farmland
Many of the museum’s showpieces come from decades of archaeological excavations in and around Roskilde. A massive skeleton of an aurochs – the wild ancestor of domestic cattle – evokes the primeval landscapes that once surrounded the city. Nearby, grave finds such as the enigmatic Gerdrup burial offer glimpses into belief systems and social roles in the Viking Age and early Middle Ages. Coins, weights and trade goods speak of Roskilde’s importance as a market town, while weapons, tools and imported luxury items reveal both conflict and cosmopolitan connections. Smaller details, like chess pieces and devotional objects, help paint a picture of how people passed their time, expressed faith and navigated status in a city that long stood at the heart of Danish power.Hands-on history for families and curious minds
Roskilde Museum is designed to be approachable for all ages, with a particular emphasis on family discovery. An entire floor is devoted to interactive experiences, including reconstructions of old classrooms where you can step into school life from a century ago. Simple, tactile activities invite children to handle replicas, solve small mysteries and compare their own routines with those of past generations. Seasonal programs, workshops and themed days add extra layers to the visit, from craft activities inspired by archaeological finds to storytelling sessions that bring legendary figures and real historical characters to life. Even adults will find themselves drawn into the hands-on elements, which complement the more in-depth displays without feeling like a separate world.Café, shop and links to the wider city
The on-site café offers a relaxed pause amid your explorations, with a focus on quality ingredients and a modern, Nordic-influenced interior that contrasts nicely with the historic fabric of the buildings. It is accessible without a museum ticket, making it a pleasant neighborhood stop as well as a visitor amenity. Before you leave, the museum shop tempts with carefully chosen books, locally themed gifts and design objects connected to Roskilde’s history and Danish culture more broadly. Many visitors choose to combine a stop here with nearby landmarks such as Roskilde Cathedral or the waterfront Viking Ship Museum, using Roskilde Museum as the narrative anchor that ties the city’s monuments, streets and fjord together into a coherent historical whole.Practical visit details and pacing your time
The museum’s scale is manageable yet rich, and most people find that one to two hours allows enough time to follow the main narrative, linger over key exhibits and enjoy a break in the café. Those with a deeper interest in archaeology or urban history can easily spend longer examining objects and reading the interpretive material in detail. Entry is ticketed, with adults paying a moderate fee and children and young people typically entering free of charge, which makes it especially attractive for families. The central location on Sankt Ols Stræde means you are never far from other sights, shops and restaurants, so the museum fits naturally into a wider day exploring Roskilde’s compact historic core.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.2 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
0.4 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
0.4 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Sct Hans Have
1.9 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
3.3 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
16.8 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
17.0 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Roskilde Fjord
18.7 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Køge Å
18.9 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Gerlevparkens Venner
19.9 km
Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Køge Ås
19.9 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
20.9 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
21.0 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
21.3 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
21.3 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
Unmissable attractions to see
Klosterkilden
0.2 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.2 km
UNESCO-listed brick Gothic cathedral and royal mausoleum where a thousand years of Danish history, architecture and monarchy meet under soaring red-brick vaults.
Stændertorvet
0.2 km
Historic heart of Roskilde where cathedral views, markets and daily city life meet on a broad, atmospheric square framed by shops, cafés and civic buildings.
Byens Hus
0.2 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Skt. Laurentius
0.3 km
Step beneath Roskilde’s central square and up its historic tower for a compact journey through 900 years of church ruins, civic life and city views in one spot.
Domkirkemuseet
0.3 km
Intimate museum spaces inside Roskilde’s UNESCO-listed cathedral, revealing the hidden stories behind royal tombs, brick Gothic architecture and a millennium of Danish faith.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.3 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.3 km
A tiny historic spring tucked behind Roskilde’s houses, Sct. Hans Kilde offers a brief, tranquil glimpse into the town’s medieval, church-linked water heritage.
Hestebrønden
0.4 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Lovise Kilden
0.4 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
Roskilde Jars
0.4 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.4 km
A small, historic spring on Frederiksborgvej where Roskilde’s sacred past, urban growth and ever-flowing groundwater quietly meet at the edge of the city hillside.
Kildehuset
0.4 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Rektorkilden
0.4 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Maglekilde
0.5 km
A modest timber wellhouse over Roskilde’s most powerful spring, where centuries of mills, spas and industry once turned the steady flow of water into the city’s lifeblood.
Essential places to dine
Rib House
0.1 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Bryggergården
0.1 km
Traditional Danish cooking and local beers in a historic former brewery house on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, blending cozy interiors with lively street life.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.1 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Restart
0.1 km
Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Piazza Navona II
0.1 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Burgerklubben
0.2 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
Lenes Streetfood
0.2 km
Casual Danish street food served from a cozy kiosk on Roskilde’s historic Stændertorvet square, perfect for a quick, affordable bite between cathedral and city sights.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.2 km
Bright all-day café on Roskilde’s historic main square, mixing generous comfort food, relaxed drinks and prime cathedral-side people-watching.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.2 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Burgerkilden
0.2 km
Compact neighbourhood burger bar in central Roskilde, serving house‑made gourmet burgers, fresh buns and fries with a relaxed, local feel and vegan options.
Café A Roskilde
0.3 km
Casual all‑day café on Roskilde’s main square, serving familiar brunch plates, burgers and drinks with outdoor seating and easygoing atmosphere in the historic center.
Restaurant Upstairs
0.3 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
0.3 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Røde Port Bistro
0.4 km
Cosy central Roskilde bistro where house-brewed beer, classic Danish comfort food and live music come together under one laid-back, brick-and-wood roof.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
0.4 km
Slow-food focused, seasonal small-plate dining in an intimate Roskilde townhouse with a leafy summer courtyard and a distinctly Nordic, wine-led evening atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
No 1 Butik
0.0 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Red Cross Op Shop
0.1 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
Hos Simone
0.1 km
Cosy mother‑and‑daughter women’s boutique on Roskilde’s main street, offering wearable Scandinavian style, fair prices and warmly personal, small‑town service.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
0.1 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
0.1 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Feelfash
0.1 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
Bahne
0.1 km
Scandi-chic fashion, interiors and gifts gathered under one roof on Roskilde’s main shopping street, blending everyday practicality with laid-back Danish style.
PURE Copenhagen
0.1 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Imerco
0.1 km
Bright, well-stocked Danish homeware and kitchen store on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, perfect for practical buys and design-led souvenirs in one easy stop.
Inspiration Roskilde
0.1 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Lili-Marleen
0.2 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
NORII Roskilde
0.2 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
Rud & Vester
0.2 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Vinylfreak
0.2 km
Characterful Roskilde record shop where packed crates, local music stories and thousands of new and used titles turn casual browsing into a slow, satisfying dig.
Femilet
0.2 km
Central Roskilde lingerie boutique specialising in comfortable, well-fitted underwear, nightwear and swimwear with personal fitting service on busy Algade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.3 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
Klosterkælderen
0.3 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Gullanden
0.3 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.3 km
Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.4 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
0.4 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Georges Bodega
0.4 km
Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.5 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
PAUSE
0.5 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
28 Live
0.6 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Teatercaféen
0.9 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Roskilde Bodega
1.4 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
Vinbaren Muicon
1.6 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Charlie Chaplin
1.6 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
1.6 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Garbos Roskilde
0.4 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Dansebar Roskilde
0.4 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Danseriet
0.8 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Klubhuset
2.9 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
3.0 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Den Dansende Viking
15.5 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
The Flame
21.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
21.9 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Bloom Nightclub
21.9 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Club El Diablo
27.9 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
28.9 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
29.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
29.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
