Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde
Original Viking ships, a working boatyard and fjord-side sailing experiences bring Scandinavia’s seafaring age vividly to life in Roskilde.
Set on the edge of Roskilde Fjord, the Viking Ship Museum is Denmark’s flagship centre for Viking maritime history. At its heart are five original 11th‑century Skuldelev ships, dramatically displayed in a light-filled brutalist hall overlooking the water. Outside, a working boatyard, reconstructed longships and seasonal sailing trips bring shipbuilding and seafaring to life with the smell of tar, the sound of axes on oak and views across the fjord. It’s an engaging, hands-on museum that suits both serious history buffs and families.
A brief summary to Viking Ship Museum
- Vindeboder 12, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546300200
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 2–3 hours so you can see the ship hall, explore Museum Island and watch the boatbuilders at work without rushing.
- If you want to sail on a reconstructed Viking ship, visit between May and late September and budget extra time for the fjord trip.
- Arrive near opening time for quieter views of the ships and gentler light through the fjord-facing windows for photographs.
- Wear layers and windproof clothing; even on warm days, the waterfront and boat trips on Roskilde Fjord can feel breezy and cool.
- Consider combining the museum with nearby Roskilde Cathedral for a full day tracing Denmark’s shift from Viking age to medieval kingdom.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and walking from central Copenhagen
Take a regional train from Copenhagen Central Station to Roskilde Station; the journey typically takes 25–30 minutes and runs several times per hour throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket usually costs around 80–120 DKK depending on ticket type and time. From Roskilde Station it is about a 20‑minute mostly downhill walk through the town centre to the Viking Ship Museum, on pavements that are generally suitable for prams but can feel long for those with limited mobility.
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Train and local bus within Roskilde
From Copenhagen Central Station, use the frequent regional train to Roskilde, taking around 25–30 minutes on most departures with the same 80–120 DKK adult single ticket range. Outside Roskilde Station, local buses serve the harbour area in roughly 5–10 minutes; look for routes signed toward the fjord or harbour district. Bus tickets are typically 20–30 DKK and can be bought from machines or via app, and this option reduces walking to a few hundred metres on mostly level surfaces.
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Car from Copenhagen city
Driving from central Copenhagen to Roskilde usually takes 30–45 minutes outside peak traffic, using main arterial roads and motorway-standard sections. There is public parking available near the museum and along the waterfront, sometimes with time limits or pay-and-display machines; expect to pay in the region of 10–20 DKK per hour in regulated areas. Traffic can be heavier on weekday mornings and late afternoons, so allow extra time if visiting then, and be prepared for short walks from parking areas to the museum entrance.
Viking Ship Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Viking Ship Museum
Fjordside gateway to the Viking world
The Viking Ship Museum sits right on the shores of Roskilde Fjord, where Viking ships once slipped out toward the North Sea and beyond. The setting is part of the story: through the vast windows of the main hall, the calm water forms a living backdrop to the dark outlines of thousand-year-old hulls. The low, concrete museum buildings hug the waterfront, so you are rarely out of sight of the fjord or the forest of masts in the harbour. Here, ships are treated not just as objects but as the key to understanding a whole society. Exhibitions tie the landscape outside to the stories inside, tracing how the sheltered fjord made Roskilde a natural power centre and departure point for voyages across the North Atlantic.The Skuldelev ship finds at the heart of the museum
At the core of the museum are the five original Viking ships recovered from the Skuldelev barrier, sunk in the 11th century to block a sailing channel. In the Viking Ship Hall, their skeletal forms rise from low plinths, each ship carefully reconstructed around surviving timbers. Information panels and models help decode the differences between a sleek warship, sturdy cargo vessel and coastal fishing boat. Soft daylight filtered through vertical concrete fins plays across weathered oak, iron rivets and the faint curves of hulls. Elevated walkways allow you to see the ships from multiple angles, while scale models and maps explain how these vessels underpinned warfare, trade routes and everyday subsistence in the Viking Age.A modernist hall built as a giant display case
The main exhibition hall, completed in 1969, is an important example of Danish late modernist architecture. Conceived as a vast glass-fronted display case for the five ships, it combines raw concrete with huge panes of glass that frame the fjord as an ever-changing backdrop. Inside, split-level floors and open staircases create shifting perspectives on the vessels below. Despite its robust, almost brutalist exterior, the building feels airy and open. The restrained palette of concrete, timber and water views keeps attention squarely on the ships. Even on grey days, the hall’s high windows pull in enough light to outline each hull against the blue-grey of the fjord outside.Boatbuilders, tar and living craftsmanship
Step outside and the museum becomes a working maritime landscape. On Museum Island, the boatyard is filled with half-shaped oak planks, coils of rope and the steady ring of axes. Craftsmen build full-scale reconstructions using traditional tools, splitting logs, shaping ribs and caulking seams with tar and fibre. Interpretation boards and occasional demonstrations explain each stage of the process. Around the yard, smaller sheds and open areas host changing activities: rope-making, metalworking, textile dyeing or woodworking linked to Viking seafaring life. In summer, the area feels like a small waterfront village, with kids trying hands-on tasks while larger replicas lie moored just a few steps away.Sailing into history on Roskilde Fjord
From late spring to early autumn, the museum’s harbour becomes an outdoor classroom on the water. Visitors can board reconstructed Viking ships and traditional Nordic boats for short sailing trips on the fjord, learning to row in rhythm or help raise a square sail. Crew members explain how shallow draughts, flexible rigging and clinker-built hulls made Viking ships fast and seaworthy. Even from the quayside, the sight of broad-beamed cargo boats and long, dragon-prowed ships under canvas brings the artefacts in the hall to life. The famous longship replica Sea Stallion from Glendalough, which has completed voyages to Ireland, is often berthed here, its long, narrow hull hinting at speed and reach.Family-friendly encounters with Viking life
The museum is designed to be accessible to all ages without diluting the scholarship. Children’s areas invite younger visitors to dress up, handle replica weapons and test small model boats in water channels. Seasonal programmes might include coin striking, shield painting or simple craft workshops tied to shipboard life. Café Knarr, overlooking the harbour, serves a menu inspired by ingredients and trade routes of the Viking world. Combined with clear signage, indoor resting spots and level access in key areas, the museum works as both a focused history stop and a relaxed half-day by the water.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.9 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Sct Hans Have
1.2 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
1.3 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
1.3 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.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
2.7 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
17.8 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Roskilde Fjord
17.8 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Gerlevparkens Venner
18.9 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 Å
19.9 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.
Køge Ås
20.8 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
21.9 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Søndersø
21.9 km
Escape to Søndersø: A serene lake in Værløse offering tranquil nature walks, birdwatching, and recreational activities amidst lush forests and historical landscapes.
Gammel Køgegård
22.0 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
22.3 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
22.3 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
MC og Bil træf
0.2 km
Sommeraftener med motorbrøl, krom og uformel bilkultur på et åbent areal i Roskilde, hvor bil- og MC-entusiaster samles til hyggeligt torsdagstræf.
Roskilde Harbour
0.2 km
Historic fjordside harbour where Viking heritage, a modern marina and relaxed waterfront life meet beneath the towers of Roskilde Cathedral.
Roskilde Mini Town
0.3 km
Explore centuries of Danish architecture in miniature form at this charming, detail-rich attraction.
RoS Gallery
0.3 km
Contemporary art in a beautifully restored gasworks on Roskilde’s harbour, pairing industrial character with changing exhibitions and free, easy-going access.
Puppe
0.3 km
A small but evocative public sculpture in Roskilde, “Puppe” offers a quiet moment of contemporary art amid everyday city life.
Sct Ibs Kilde
0.3 km
A humble historic spring at Roskilde’s shoreline, Sct. Ibs Kilde links everyday water, medieval faith and the rise of a cathedral city above the fjord.
Byparkens Legeplads
0.4 km
Shaded, child-friendly play space in the heart of Roskilde’s Byparken, surrounded by mature trees, gentle equipment and the calm of a classic Danish city park.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.5 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.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.8 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.
Koncertkapellet
0.8 km
Roskilde's intimate chapel-turned-concert hall for classical and acoustic music in a historic restored setting.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.9 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Lovise Kilden
0.9 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
Klosterkilden
0.9 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Maglekilde
0.9 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.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.9 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.
Essential places to dine
Café Fjordliv
0.2 km
Harbourfront Nordic–French café in Roskilde with its own sourdough bakery, organic coffee and seasonal small plates served beside the calm waters of the fjord.
M/S Sagafjord - Restaurant Roskilde
0.2 km
Classic restaurant ship gliding across Roskilde Fjord, pairing seasonal local cuisine with slow, scenic cruises from the harbour’s edge.
Snekken Trattoria
0.2 km
Waterfront Italian-inspired dining on Roskilde Harbour, pairing fjord views and a large terrace with relaxed brasserie dishes, brunch and all‑day service.
Restaurant Store Børs
0.3 km
Seasonal Danish gourmet dining overlooking Roskilde Fjord, where ingredient quality and informal elegance meet.
Viking Pizza Roskilde
0.4 km
Hearty pizzas and grill classics near Roskilde’s Viking harbour, serving no‑nonsense comfort food for families, locals and museum‑goers from late morning to evening.
Pipers Hus
0.5 km
Classic Danish comfort food in a park pavilion with sweeping views over Roskilde Bypark, the harbour and fjord, blending city dining with a touch of nature.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
1.0 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Rib House
1.0 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
1.1 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
1.1 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.
Bryggergården
1.1 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.
Restart
1.1 km
Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Restaurant Upstairs
1.1 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
1.1 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Lenes Streetfood
1.1 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.9 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
No 1 Butik
1.0 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
1.0 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
1.0 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
NORII Roskilde
1.1 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
1.1 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
1.1 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Hos Simone
1.1 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.
Bog & Idé
1.1 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Feelfash
1.1 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
Bahne
1.1 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.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
1.1 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Inspiration Roskilde
1.1 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Den franske vinhandel
1.1 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.
Imerco
1.1 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Teatercaféen
0.7 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
1.1 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.
PAUSE
1.1 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Gullanden
1.2 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Ruder Konge Bodega
1.2 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.
Klosterkælderen
1.2 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Mulligans Irish Pub
1.3 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
1.3 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
1.3 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.
Georges Bodega
1.3 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.
28 Live
1.4 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Roskilde Bodega
2.0 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.
Charlie Chaplin
2.5 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.
Vinbaren Muicon
2.5 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
2.5 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Danseriet
1.3 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
1.3 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
1.4 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Klubhuset
3.8 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
3.9 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
14.7 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
22.8 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
22.8 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
22.8 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
27.3 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.4 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
29.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
30.0 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
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
