Roskilde: Denmark's Historical Gem

• HelloHej
  [hey]
• GoodbyeFarvel
  [far-vel]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNej
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeVær så god
  [ver so go]
• Thank youTak
  [tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryUndskyld
  [oon-skuul]
• How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vor-dan har doo deh]
• Fine. And you?Fin. Og dig?
  [feen. oh deh]
• Do you speak English?Taler du engelsk?
  [tah-ler doo en-gelsk]
• I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yay for-stor eek-eh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gerne se menuen, tak
  [yay vil geer-ne sey meh-nu-en tahk]
• I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kød
  [yay spee-ser ee-keh kerth]
• Cheers!Skål!
  [skawl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gerne betale, tak
  [yay vil geer-ne beh-tah-leh tahk]

• Help!Hjælp!
  [hyel-p]
• Go away!Gå væk!
  [goh vehk]
• Call the Police!Ring til politiet!
  [ring teel po-lee-tee-et]
• Call a doctor!Ring efter en læge!
  [ring af-ter en lay-eh]
• I'm lostJeg er blevet væk
  [yay ehr ble-veht vehk]
• I'm illJeg er syg
  [yay ehr soog]

• I'd like to buy...Jeg vil gerne købe...
  [yay vil geer-ne ker-beh]
• I'm just lookingJeg kigger bare
  [yay kee-ger beh-reh]
• How much is it?Hvor meget koster det?
  [vor meh-yet kor-stehr deh]
• That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [deh ehr for deert]
• Can you lower the price?Kan du sænke prisen?
  [kan doo sen-keh prees-en]

• What time is it?Hvad er klokken?
  [vad ehr kloh-ken]
• It's one o'clockKlokken er et
  [kloh-ken ehr et]
• Half past (10)Halv ti
  [hahlv tee]
• MorningMorgen
  [moh-ren]
• AfternoonEftermiddag
  [ef-ter-mee-dah]
• EveningAften
  [ahf-ten]
• YesterdayI går
  [ee gohr]
• TodayI dag
  [ee day]
• TomorrowI morgen
  [ee moh-ren]
• 1Et
  [et]
• 2To
  [toh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Fire
  [fee-reh]
• 5Fem
  [fem]
• 6Seks
  [seks]
• 7Syv
  [soov]
• 8Otte
  [ot-teh]
• 9Ni
  [nee]
• 10Ti
  [tee]

• Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/den...?
  [vor ehr en/dehn]
• What's the address?Hvad er adressen?
  [vad ehr a-dras-sehn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise mig (på kortet)?
  [kan doo vee-seh mey pee kohr-teh]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvornår kommer næste (bus)?
  [vor-nor kom-er nes-te bus]
• A ticket (to ....)En billet (til ....)
  [en bee-let teel]

Roskilde's history dates back to the Viking Age, with archaeological evidence indicating that the area was settled as early as the 6th century. The city served as a significant hub for trade and travel due to its strategic location by the Roskilde Fjord. The Vikings used the fjord's navigable waters to travel and trade far and wide, establishing Roskilde as an important center in the region.

Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was founded in the 12th century and is one of Denmark's most iconic buildings. It has been the main burial site for Danish monarchs since the Middle Ages. The cathedral's construction began under the reign of Bishop Absalon, one of the most influential figures in Danish history. The Gothic architecture and the numerous royal tombs make it an essential landmark for understanding Denmark's historical and cultural heritage.

During the medieval period, Roskilde thrived as a major economic center. The city's prosperity was bolstered by its role as a religious and administrative hub. The annual Roskilde Fair attracted merchants and traders from across Europe, contributing significantly to the local economy. Roskilde's strategic location and its cathedral made it a focal point for pilgrimage, further enhancing its economic and cultural significance.

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought significant changes to Roskilde. The city, which had been a stronghold of Catholicism, saw its religious landscape transformed as Lutheranism took hold. The cathedral and other ecclesiastical buildings were repurposed for Protestant worship, and the religious institutions that had been central to Roskilde's identity were restructured. This period marked a turning point in the city's religious and cultural history.

Following the Reformation, Roskilde experienced a period of decline, partly due to the loss of its religious significance and the shifting dynamics of trade and politics in Denmark. However, the city saw a revival in the 17th and 18th centuries, driven by agricultural development and the establishment of new industries. Roskilde's role as a regional administrative center also contributed to its gradual resurgence.

The construction of the railway in the mid-19th century marked a new era for Roskilde. The city became a key stop on the Copenhagen-Roskilde line, Denmark's first railway, inaugurated in 1847. This development significantly enhanced Roskilde's connectivity and economic prospects, fostering growth and modernization. The railway station itself is a historical landmark, reflecting the architectural style of the period.

In the 20th century, Roskilde continued to evolve, blending its rich historical heritage with modern developments. One of the most notable contemporary cultural events is the Roskilde Festival, which began in 1971. This annual music festival has grown to become one of the largest in Europe, attracting international artists and visitors. The festival not only highlights Roskilde's vibrant cultural scene but also underscores the city's capacity to innovate and adapt through the ages.

Roskilde is located about 30 kilometers west of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. The most convenient way to get there is by flying into Copenhagen Airport (CPH). From the airport, you can take a direct train to Roskilde Station, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which takes about 35-40 minutes via Route 21. If you're already in Denmark, you can easily reach Roskilde by train from major cities such as Aarhus and Odense.

Roskilde is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains. Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation, and there are numerous bike rental shops available. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive. For a unique experience, consider taking a boat tour on Roskilde Fjord.

The official currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. Mobile payment options like MobilePay are also commonly used. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. It's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards.

Roskilde is generally a very safe city for tourists. However, like any other destination, it's important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. There are no specific neighborhoods in Roskilde known for high crime rates targeting tourists. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the emergency number for police, fire department, and medical services in Denmark. Roskilde Hospital is the main medical facility in the area. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually. Smart-casual attire is acceptable for dining out. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'smørrebrød' (open-faced sandwiches). Don't tip excessively; service charges are usually included.

To experience Roskilde like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market at Stændertorvet Square to buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Attend a concert at the Roskilde Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals, if you're visiting in summer. Explore the Roskilde Fjord by kayak or boat for a unique perspective of the city. Don't miss the Viking Ship Museum, where you can learn about Denmark's rich maritime history.