Roskilde Museum
A thousand years of Danish history in two heritage buildings at the heart of ancient Roskilde.
Roskilde Museum is Denmark's premier city museum, housed in two protected heritage buildings in the heart of Roskilde since 1929. The museum spans 1,000 years of history from prehistoric times to the modern era, featuring remarkable archaeological finds including a prehistoric auroch skeleton, medieval weapons, silvercoins, and chesspieces. Interactive exhibitions, guided tours, a museum café, and a curated shop complement the permanent collections, making it an essential stop for understanding one of Denmark's oldest and most historically significant cities.
A brief summary to Roskilde Museum
- Sankt Ols Stræde 3, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546316500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Allow 1–2 hours for a meaningful visit; the museum is compact but rich with detail. Consider a guided tour to deepen your understanding of the artifacts and their historical context.
- Children under 17 enter free, and an entire floor features interactive activities and storytelling about school life a century ago—ideal for families.
- The museum café, Jampa, is open to the public without admission; it's a pleasant spot to rest and enjoy quality refreshments while exploring the surrounding historic district.
- Combine your visit with Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum, both within walking distance, to experience the city's full historical narrative in a single day.
- The museum shop offers curated gifts and inspiration items; service dogs are always welcome throughout the facility.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
Depart from Copenhagen Central Station (København H) on regional trains bound for Roskilde. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. Exit at Roskilde Station (Roskilde St). From the station, walk through the city centre toward Sankt Ols Stræde; the museum is approximately 20–25 minutes on foot, well-signposted. Trains run frequently throughout the day. Single tickets cost around 60–80 DKK depending on time of travel. This is the most convenient option for visitors based in Copenhagen.
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Bus from Copenhagen
Bus route 203 connects Copenhagen to Roskilde Station. Journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and stops. From Roskilde Station, follow walking directions above. Tickets cost approximately 40–60 DKK. Check Movia's website for current timetables and real-time departures. This option is economical but slower than the train.
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Car from Copenhagen
Drive via the E20 motorway toward Roskilde, approximately 35 kilometres from Copenhagen city centre; journey time is 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. Follow signs to Roskilde city centre and Sankt Ols Stræde. Limited street parking is available near the museum; consider using a public car park in the city centre and walking the final 5–10 minutes. Fuel costs and potential congestion should be factored into travel time.
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Walking from Roskilde Station
If arriving by train or bus at Roskilde Station, the museum is accessible on foot via a 20–25 minute walk through the historic city centre. The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through Roskilde's medieval streets, making the walk itself an introduction to the city's character. Follow directional signs toward Sankt Ols Stræde in the city centre. This is a pleasant option in good weather.
Roskilde Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Roskilde Museum
A Thousand Years Beneath One Roof
Roskilde Museum invites visitors to journey through a millennium of Danish history within two remarkable heritage buildings in the city's heart. Since 1929, the museum has occupied Sukkerhuset (The Sugar House), built in 1761 for sugar production, and Liebes Gård, a merchant's residence constructed around 1800. These protected structures themselves are historical artifacts, their walls echoing centuries of Roskilde's transformation from royal capital to garrison town. The museum's exhibitions flow seamlessly from Ice Age artefacts through the Iron Age, Viking period, and medieval times, culminating in narratives of 20th-century warfare and modern Roskilde.Archaeological Treasures and Mysterious Discoveries
The museum's collections showcase extraordinary finds from excavations across Roskilde and its surrounding region. Among the most striking exhibits is the complete skeleton of a prehistoric auroch, a massive wild ox that roamed northern Europe thousands of years ago. Medieval silvercoins, intricately carved chesspieces, and weapons tell stories of trade, leisure, and conflict in medieval Roskilde. The mysterious tomb of Gerdrup stands as one of the museum's most enigmatic displays, inviting speculation about ancient burial practices and the people who inhabited this land long before written records. Each artifact is contextualized within the broader narrative of how Roskilde developed from a settlement into one of Denmark's most important historical centres.Interactive Learning for All Ages
Beyond static displays, Roskilde Museum creates immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. An entire floor dedicated to children features interactive activities and storytelling about school life a century ago, engaging young minds with hands-on exploration. Creative workshops run throughout the year, allowing families to participate in historical crafts and activities. Guided tours bring exhibitions to life, available both within the museum galleries and as walking tours through the city itself, connecting the artifacts to the streets and landmarks that shaped Roskilde's destiny. The museum's event program varies seasonally, offering diverse ways to engage with history.Atmosphere and Setting
The museum's location on Sankt Ols Stræde places it in the historic core of Roskilde, surrounded by medieval architecture and centuries-old streets. The heritage buildings themselves contribute to the experience, their period features and restored interiors creating an authentic historical atmosphere. Natural light filters through windows that frame views of the surrounding cityscape, grounding visitors in the present while exploring the past. The intimate scale of the exhibitions contrasts with the grandeur of the stories they tell—from prehistoric survival to medieval kingship to modern resilience.Café and Museum Shop
The museum café, Jampa, offers a modern space to rest and reflect, with quality refreshments and honest communication about its offerings. The café welcomes visitors without museum admission, making it accessible to the broader community. The museum shop curates a thoughtful selection of items inspired by the collections, ideal for gifts or personal inspiration, allowing visitors to take home tangible connections to Roskilde's history.Roskilde's Place in Danish History
Roskilde Museum exists to illuminate why this city matters to Denmark's national story. Once Denmark's capital and home to royal power, Roskilde witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the arrival of Christianity, the flourishing of medieval trade, and the upheavals of modern conflict. By presenting artifacts and narratives spanning from prehistoric times to today, the museum demonstrates how geography, maritime access, and human ambition shaped a settlement into a centre of political, religious, and cultural significance. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of how local history connects to the broader arc of Danish civilization.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
- Cultural Heritage
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
