Skjoldungestien Trail, Lejre
A gentle long-distance trail through forests, fields and fjord landscapes, linking historic Lejre with the quiet natural heart of Skjoldungernes Land National Park.
Skjoldungestien is a historic long-distance hiking trail weaving for around 40–50 km through Skjoldungernes Land National Park near Lejre and Roskilde. Crossing rolling farmland, beech forests, lakes, rivers and stretches along Roskilde Fjord, it links ancient royal landscapes with tranquil Danish countryside. Waymarked paths, train-accessible towns and flexible sections make it ideal for both serious hikers and casual walkers seeking a nature escape close to Copenhagen.
A brief summary to Skjoldungestien
- Lejre, 4320, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 8 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear waterproof hiking shoes or boots, as sections near rivers, marshes and meadows can be muddy or occasionally flooded after rain.
- Carry enough drinking water and snacks for your chosen stage; facilities directly on the trail are limited and often spaced far apart.
- Bring a paper map or offline trail map and note train stations such as Lejre, Hvalsø and Roskilde to plan flexible one-way hikes.
- Dress in layers and pack a light waterproof jacket; coastal winds and changing weather can make temperatures feel cooler than expected.
- In late spring and summer, insect repellent can make forest and lakeside sections more comfortable, especially in the evening.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Regional train from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train toward Roskilde and Lejre; most services reach Lejre Station in about 35–45 minutes. A standard one-way adult ticket typically costs around 80–110 DKK, depending on discounts and zones. From Lejre Station, signed local paths and minor roads lead into sections of Skjoldungestien within a 15–30 minute walk, with generally gentle terrain but some uneven natural surfaces once on the trail.
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Train from Roskilde to Lejre or Hvalsø
If you are already in Roskilde, regional trains to Lejre or Hvalsø run frequently and take roughly 8–15 minutes. A one-way adult ticket usually falls in the 30–50 DKK range. Both Lejre and Hvalsø serve as practical trailheads for different segments of Skjoldungestien, allowing you to walk one way and return by train. Platforms are step-free, but forest and field sections of the trail include roots, mud and occasional inclines.
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Car access to Lejre area
Drivers coming from the wider Zealand area can reach Lejre in roughly 20–40 minutes from Roskilde and about 45–60 minutes from central Copenhagen, depending on traffic. There is generally free or low-cost public parking near Lejre and other small towns along the route, but spaces can be limited on fine weekend days. From parking areas, expect a short approach on local paths before joining Skjoldungestien; surfaces vary from gravel to earth, and can be slippery after rain.
Skjoldungestien location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Skjoldungestien
Walking through Denmark’s legendary royal landscape
Skjoldungestien threads through Skjoldungernes Land National Park, a landscape named after the semi-mythical Skjoldung kings who once ruled this part of Zealand. As you follow the path near Lejre, you move through countryside shaped both by the last Ice Age and by centuries of farming, creating gentle hills, river valleys and open fields that feel quietly timeless. Lejre itself is considered the historic heart of this area, associated with early Danish power and sagas. The trail does not focus on monuments so much as the wider cultural landscape: old manor estates in the distance, ancient field boundaries, and pockets of woodland that have sheltered people and wildlife for generations.From deep forests to fjordside meadows
One of the pleasures of Skjoldungestien is how quickly the scenery changes under your boots. Sections carry you beneath tall beech and mixed forests, where the light is filtered and the air smells of leaves and damp earth. Elsewhere, you emerge into open meadows and grazing land, with skylarks overhead and views stretching towards Roskilde Fjord. Closer to the fjord, the trail can pass marshes, reed beds and low, wet meadows, reminding you that this is a living wetland environment. Lakes, streams and the occasional wooden bridge bring water into the picture, making the route feel rich in small details even on shorter walks.A flexible long-distance route close to the city
Skjoldungestien is laid out as a network of roughly 40–50 km of linked paths between Roskilde, Lejre, Hvalsø and nearby villages. You can hike it over several days with overnight stops in shelters or simple accommodation, or dip into one section for a half-day outing. Waymarking and maintained tracks make it approachable for walkers with moderate fitness. Because the route connects several train-served towns, it is easy to plan one-way stages without retracing your steps. Some stretches are almost entirely on natural surfaces, while others briefly follow farm tracks or quiet lanes, reflecting the mix of wild and cultivated land that defines this region.Seasonal moods and practical considerations
The trail can technically be walked year-round, but it reveals different characters with the seasons. Late spring and summer bring lush green foliage, long evenings and pleasant temperatures, ideal for multi-day hikes and picnics in the grass. Autumn adds colour in the forests and a more contemplative atmosphere, while winter can be stark but beautiful on clear days. Low-lying parts are prone to mud and occasional flooding after heavy rain, especially near marshes and streams, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is important outside very dry spells. Facilities directly on the trail remain limited, so carrying water, snacks and basic layers is essential even for shorter walks.Wildlife, quiet moments and simple pleasures
Skjoldungestien is not about dramatic peaks but about quiet immersion in a soft northern landscape. With a bit of patience, you may spot deer in the fields, hear woodpeckers in the woods or watch birdlife along the fjord. Away from traffic, the main sounds are wind in the trees and the crunch of your boots on the path. Many walkers find that the route lends itself to slow travel: pausing by a lakeshore, sitting on a fallen trunk in the forest or watching the light shift over the water near Roskilde Fjord. Close to Copenhagen yet distinctly rural, the trail offers an accessible way to experience everyday Danish nature and a landscape that has supported people for thousands of years.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
9.7 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Roskildekrukkerne
9.8 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.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
9.8 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Sct Hans Have
10.1 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
13.0 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
15.1 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Visit
18.5 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
18.6 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.
Køge Church
18.6 km
Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
18.6 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
18.6 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Køge Torv
18.7 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Køge Museum
18.7 km
Step into Skagen Bamsemuseum to explore a magical universe of teddy bears, historic dioramas, and Scandinavian charm in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv
18.8 km
Explore Skagen’s iconic Grey Lighthouse, where sweeping sea views, birdlife, and maritime history converge at Denmark’s northernmost point.
Befrielsessten i Køge
18.8 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ledreborg Park
3.3 km
Sweeping baroque terraces, wooded hillsides and long lime avenues create a serene historic landscape around one of Denmark’s finest private castles at Ledreborg.
Ledreborg Castle
3.4 km
An elegant 18th‑century baroque palace at the end of a grand avenue, where pastel façades, terraces and quiet woodland paths reveal layers of Danish noble life.
Land of Legends | A Land to Explore
4.6 km
Step into 13,000 years of Danish history at an immersive open‑air archaeology park of Viking halls, ancient villages, wild landscapes and hands‑on experiments.
Viking Kings Hall
4.6 km
Step into Denmark’s largest reconstructed Viking royal hall, where carved oak beams, sagas, and archaeology meet on a glacial hill in the heart of Lejre.
Sacrificial bog
4.7 km
A quiet hollow of water and peat where Iron Age beliefs surface again, the Sacrificial Bog at Lejre turns archaeology into an evocative ritual landscape.
Trolden Runde Rie
6.0 km
A friendly wooden giant by Roskilde’s lakeside, Trolden Runde Rie pairs recycled art with open skies, easy walks and a touch of Nordic fairytale magic.
Lynghøj Lake
6.0 km
A reclaimed gravel pit turned blue-lake playground, Lynghøj Lake blends clear water, trails and a friendly wooden troll into Roskilde’s easiest nature escape.
Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie
6.5 km
Former gravel pits turned opal-blue lakes, winding trails and a wooden troll named Runde Rie make Lynghøjsøerne Roskilde’s playful pocket of wild nature.
Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania
7.1 km
A long, tree-lined Baroque avenue stretching through rural Zealand, guiding travellers in stately symmetry towards the distant silhouette of Ledreborg Palace.
Kornerup Å Trækfærge
7.9 km
A hand-powered cable ferry in the Kornerup River Valley, turning a simple stream crossing into a playful pause amid open meadows, big skies and quiet Danish nature.
Museum of Contemporary Art
8.5 km
Denmark’s nomadic museum for performance, sound and time-based art, transforming Roskilde’s spaces into ever-changing stages for contemporary creativity.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
8.6 km
Volunteer-run jazz and world-music association energising Roskilde’s Musicon district with intimate concerts, creative collaborations and open jam sessions.
RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur
8.6 km
A dazzling gold rock museum in Roskilde’s Musicon district where immersive sound, bold architecture and youth culture history collide in a full‑volume experience.
Musicon-bydelen
8.7 km
A former concrete factory reborn as Roskilde’s bold creative district, where architecture, skateparks, art and music fuse into a constantly evolving urban playground.
Helligkors Kilde
8.9 km
Once a famed holy spring and royal water source, Hellig Kors Kilde is now a quiet stone-framed reminder of Roskilde’s deep bond with its life-giving springs.
Essential places to dine
Svogerslev Kro
6.7 km
Historic countryside inn with Michelin-trained chef, seasonal Nordic cuisine, and overnight stays near Roskilde.
Leo’s Wok Café
8.7 km
Cozy Thai eatery in Roskilde’s Musicon district, serving fresh wok-fired curries, noodles and stir-fries inspired by northern Thai home cooking.
Disotto
8.9 km
Cozy southern Italian ristobar in central Roskilde, serving classic antipasti, Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian wines in an intimate, evening-only setting.
An No
9.0 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in Roskilde, serving fresh homemade dishes from scratch with genuine Saigon spirit.
Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria
9.2 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort food in the heart of Roskilde, serving generous pizzas and hearty mains in a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood setting.
Nua Mama's Secret
9.2 km
Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.
Gusto Giusto
9.2 km
Organic-minded Italian fine dining in a tiny Roskilde townhouse, where a Danish–Italian couple serves northern Italian cuisine, careful wine pairings and slow, candlelit evenings.
Restaurant That's Amore
9.2 km
Cozy, candlelit Italian restaurant in central Roskilde, serving wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta and Italian wines in a warm, romantic yet relaxed setting.
Primo Piano
9.3 km
Cosy neighbourhood Italian in Roskilde serving classic pizzas and hearty pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting just a short walk from the historic centre.
Café Korn - Roskilde
9.3 km
Cosy all‑day café and brasserie on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving hearty brunches, burgers and salads in a warm, grocery‑style setting.
Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde
9.3 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
9.3 km
Casual build-your-own burger joint on Roskilde’s main street, pairing generous portions and craft drinks with a strong line-up of vegetarian and vegan options.
Sushi2500 Roskilde
9.4 km
Central Roskilde’s contemporary sushi spot, serving classic rolls, playful signatures and vegan options in a relaxed, takeaway‑friendly setting.
Basilico
9.4 km
Casual Italian comfort and generous pizzas in the heart of Roskilde’s old town, ideal for a relaxed, family‑friendly break between cathedral and shopping.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
9.4 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
Hobbii
9.3 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Friluftsland
9.4 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Guldfuglen A/S
9.4 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Ros Bazar
9.4 km
Bustling local bazaar-style supermarket by Roskilde Station, packed with fresh produce, spices and everyday groceries for a taste of everyday Danish city life.
Normal
9.5 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Den franske vinhandel
9.5 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
9.5 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
9.5 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Bog & Idé
9.5 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Perssons Roskilde
9.5 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
NORII Roskilde
9.6 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
PURE Copenhagen
9.6 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Inspiration Roskilde
9.6 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Imerco
9.6 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.
Bahne
9.6 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Roskilde Bodega
8.4 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.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
8.7 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Vinbaren Muicon
8.7 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
28 Live
9.1 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
PAUSE
9.3 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Ruder Konge Bodega
9.3 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.
Charlie Chaplin
9.4 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.
Gullanden
9.4 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
9.5 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.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
9.6 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.
Teatercaféen
9.6 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Georges Bodega
9.8 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.
Klosterkælderen
9.8 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Copé Lounge
9.8 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Mulligans Irish Pub
9.9 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Tropicana DC
7.6 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Klubhuset
7.6 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.
Danseriet
9.0 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
9.6 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
9.6 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
The Flame
19.1 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
19.1 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
19.1 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Den Dansende Viking
24.9 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Club El Diablo
26.9 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Swingergaarden
36.1 km
Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.
Haven - Events
36.5 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
36.7 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
37.4 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
KB3
37.8 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
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
- Seasonal Only
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly