A Journey into Denmark’s Viking Past: The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
Explore original Viking ships, immersive displays, and hands-on experiences at Denmark’s premier museum of Norse seafaring on the historic Roskilde Fjord.
The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde is Denmark’s preeminent destination for Viking maritime heritage, featuring five original 11th-century ships, immersive hands-on exhibits, and active boatbuilding workshops on the scenic fjord shore. Step into the world of Norse explorers, raiders, and settlers as you traverse indoor galleries, lively shipyards, and a bustling harbor lined with reconstructed vessels.
A brief summary to Ofelia Plads
- Kvæsthusbroen, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1250, DK
- +4570106070
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Friday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early in summer to secure spots for popular on-the-water Viking boat trips, which often book up quickly by midday.
- Save with the combination ticket if visiting multiple Roskilde attractions, especially during high season.
- Many hands-on activities and boat workshops are outdoors; dress for changing coastal weather and bring sun protection.
- Accessible pathways cover most exhibition areas, but some boatyard sections may have uneven surfaces.
- The museum café offers fjord views and Nordic cuisine—ideal for a relaxing break after exploring the galleries.
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From Køge’s central transport hub, take a regular train to Roskilde station, a journey of roughly 17–30 minutes depending on connections. Single adult tickets usually cost 72–80 DKK. At Roskilde, the museum can be reached by bus (typically a 10-minute ride, local fare around 22–24 DKK) or by a scenic walk through the historic town center to the waterfront, taking about 20–30 minutes. Buses depart from the main station area, with clear signage pointing visitors toward the fjord and historic district.
-
Taxi
A taxi ride from Køge to the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde typically takes 35–45 minutes and offers a comfortable, door-to-door experience. Fares usually fall in the 400–500 DKK range for the one-way trip. Taxis can be found at major hotels or booked by phone and are readily available at both ends. Note that traffic may influence journey times during peak travel periods.
-
Driving
Visitors driving from Køge will find municipal parking available at the museum, usually costing 10–16 DKK per hour. Spaces can fill up during weekends or holidays, especially in summer, so consider arriving earlier in the day. No tolls apply for the approach to the museum itself. The museum’s striking waterfront architecture makes it easy to identify as you near Roskilde harbor.
Discover more about Ofelia Plads
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Discover North Atlantic House in Copenhagen, a vibrant cultural hub and art gallery spotlighting the heritage and creativity of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Copenhagen at Nyhavn, where colorful history meets modern charm along the picturesque canal.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 km
Christiansborg Palace blends Danish royal heritage with contemporary political power at the heart of Copenhagen, offering grand halls, historic ruins, and sweeping city views.
Larsens Pl.
0.4 km
Experience the harmony of stately baroque gardens, rolling meadows, and centuries-old woodlands at Ledreborg Park, a natural jewel near historic Roskilde.
Bredgade 18
0.4 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen, a stunning example of classic Danish design and rich historical significance.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.4 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Amaliegade
0.5 km
Aarhus’ Latin Quarter is a colorful, bohemian neighborhood filled with cobbled streets, indie shops, lively cafés, and centuries-old Danish history in the city center.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
The King's New Square
0.6 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.6 km
Aarhus’s Latin Quarter: vibrant cobbled lanes, eclectic cafés, independent shops, and a creative spirit in the city’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhood.
I am Queen Mary
0.6 km
Aarhus University Park fuses striking Danish architecture, lakeside tranquility, and lush greenery in an iconic academic setting treasured by locals and visitors alike.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.8 km
Explore C.F. Tietgens Hus, a stunning historical landmark in the heart of Copenhagen, showcasing the city's architectural and cultural heritage and reflecting the grandeur of the Neoclassical era.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.8 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Holmens Bro
0.9 km
Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
St. Paul's Church
0.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of St. Paul's Church in Copenhagen, a stunning Lutheran architectural gem featuring ornate designs and a tranquil atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hey Captain
0.0 km
Discover the wonders of Baltic amber at Copenhagen Amber Museum, where ancient history meets Danish craftsmanship in a historic Nyhavn townhouse.
The Kissing Stairs
0.1 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
The Playhouse
0.1 km
UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle in Helsingør: legendary home of Hamlet, Renaissance grandeur, sweeping sea views, regal halls, and atmospheric casemates.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.2 km
Ribersborgsstranden: Malmö’s expansive city beach, perfect for swimming, scenic walks, and authentic Nordic sauna experiences, overlooking the Øresund strait.
Nyhavn
0.3 km
Nyhavn’s pastel waterfront, historic tall ships, and lively terraces in central Copenhagen offer an iconic blend of Danish heritage and modern city life.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.3 km
Explore Fyns Hoved, Funen’s northernmost peninsula, famed for its wild coastal views, flourishing birdlife, and windswept hikes through preserved Danish nature.
Amaliehaven
0.3 km
Frederiksholms Kanal is a scenic, historic canal in central Copenhagen, lined with grand buildings, embassies, and stately bridges, offering quiet urban charm.
North Atlantic House
0.4 km
Step inside Copenhagen’s Designmuseum Danmark for an inspiring journey through Danish design, from iconic mid-century furniture to contemporary innovation, in a grand former hospital.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.4 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Rytterstatuen
0.4 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg Palace
0.4 km
Discover Denmark's technological evolution at the Danish Museum of Science and Technology in Helsingør.
Amalienborg
0.4 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's rich artistic heritage at SMK, Copenhagen's premier art museum featuring masterpieces from the Renaissance to contemporary art.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.4 km
Mid-century modern pavilion and landmark event venue with panoramic views, situated on Copenhagen’s historic Langelinie promenade by the harbor.
Havnepromenade
0.5 km
Explore Copenhagen’s vibrant Nordic art scene at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a distinguished gallery bridging Danish classics and contemporary masters in the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Essential places to dine
Khun Juk
0.2 km
Upmarket Thai cuisine meets classic Copenhagen charm at Khun Juk, offering authentic flavors and canal-side elegance in the heart of historic Nyhavn.
Barr
0.3 km
Discover authentic Scandinavian flavors at Barr in Copenhagen's scenic waterfront - where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Restaurant Barr
0.3 km
Experience Nordic culinary heritage at Restaurant Barr, where tradition meets innovation in a storied waterfront warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen.
Cap Horn
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish and Scandinavian cuisine at Cap Horn in Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn district, where tradition meets culinary artistry.
Aoc
0.5 km
Discover AOC: An exquisite fine dining experience in Copenhagen featuring seasonal Nordic cuisine and exceptional wine pairings.
à terre
0.5 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Restaurant Rebel
0.6 km
Experience the culinary fusion of local ingredients and innovative flavors at Restaurant Rebel, Copenhagen's top bistro destination.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 km
A legendary Danish restaurant in Copenhagen's royal heart known for classic cuisine, elegant interiors, and decades of local history near Kongens Nytorv.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 km
Den Lille Fede is a top-rated Copenhagen restaurant renowned for inventive Nordic tasting menus, cozy ambiance, and a playful yet elegant approach to Danish gastronomy.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Stylish Parisian-inspired bistro on Kongens Nytorv, serving classic and contemporary dishes in a vibrant, central Copenhagen setting with charming views.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.6 km
Bornholm-inspired fine dining in the heart of Copenhagen, serving inventive Danish cuisine spotlighting local ingredients and the culinary spirit of the Baltic island.
Marchal
0.7 km
Experience modern French cuisine at Marchal in Copenhagen's Hotel d'Angleterre - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
Frank
0.7 km
Chic Nordic dining with creative tasting menus, an acclaimed wine selection, and stylish ambiance in central Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural district.
Llama
0.7 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors at Llama in Copenhagen – where vibrant cuisine meets warm hospitality.
King Hans Cellar
0.7 km
Dine in historic vaulted cellars at Copenhagen’s King Hans Cellar, where centuries-old ambiance and Michelin-level Danish cuisine create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.7 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Storm - design art fashion
0.9 km
Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
ILLUM
0.9 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.0 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
1.0 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Læderstræde
1.1 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Strøget
1.1 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Studio Arhoj
1.2 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
1.3 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
1.3 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Quirky Lane
1.6 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Viking Souvenirs
1.6 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Wasteland
1.6 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
1105
0.8 km
Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
Black Swan
0.8 km
Experience a cozy fusion of traditional pub spirit and innovative Scandinavian craft beverages in Copenhagen’s Indre By at Black Swan cider and beer bar.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
K-Bar
0.9 km
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Dubliner
1.0 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Balderdash
1.1 km
Whimsical cocktails, creative mixing, and historic vibes await at Balderdash, a celebrated Copenhagen bar bringing Nordic flair and surprises to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
The Bird and The Churchkey
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Bar'Vin
1.2 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Strøm
1.2 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Ruby
1.2 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Godt Øl
1.3 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
Luke's Bar
1.3 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.