Byens Hus, Roskilde
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Byens Hus is Roskilde’s vibrant civic townhouse on Stændertorvet, housed in the former city hall from 1884. Today it serves as an open cultural and community hub where locals, students and visitors mingle for talks, workshops, exhibitions and grassroots projects. Behind the dignified historic façade you’ll find flexible halls, meeting rooms and informal corners designed for debate, creativity and participation, making it an excellent place to tap into the city’s contemporary cultural life.
A brief summary to Byens Hus
- Stændertorvet 1, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546315199
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
- Thursday 8 am-9 pm
- Friday 8 am-9 pm
- Saturday 8 am-9 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the event boards inside to see if talks, workshops or exhibitions are happening during your visit; many activities are free and open to drop-ins.
- Plan a combined visit with nearby Roskilde Cathedral and the market on Stændertorvet to experience both civic life and historic landmarks in one area.
- If you need quiet time, look for upper-floor corners used by students; these spots are often calmer than the ground-floor common areas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Roskilde Station
From Roskilde Station, it typically takes 5–10 minutes on foot to reach Stændertorvet, where Byens Hus is located. The route passes through central streets with level pavement suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Regional trains link Roskilde with Copenhagen and other Zealand towns several times per hour, with typical one-way adult tickets from Copenhagen in the range of 40–80 DKK depending on time and ticket type.
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Local bus within Roskilde
Several city bus lines serve stops close to Stændertorvet and the cathedral area, from where it is a short, generally flat urban walk to Byens Hus. Buses usually run every 10–30 minutes during the day. Single tickets within Roskilde are commonly in the range of 20–30 DKK and can often be bought via ticket machines or travel apps. Be aware that evening and weekend frequencies may be reduced.
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Car or taxi within the region
Arriving by car from elsewhere on Zealand, travel times to Roskilde’s centre are often 20–40 minutes from nearby towns and around 30–40 minutes from Copenhagen, depending on traffic. Public parking areas are available around the historic centre, generally paid during daytime hours with prices that can range from roughly 10–25 DKK per hour. From most car parks it is a short walk through the old town to reach Stændertorvet and Byens Hus. Taxis within Roskilde typically start around 40–60 DKK plus a per-kilometre charge.
Byens Hus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Byens Hus
A Historic Townhouse Reimagined for the City
Byens Hus occupies Roskilde’s former city hall on Stændertorvet, a solid brick townhouse completed in 1884 to designs by architect O. Momme. Step back from the square and you notice its balanced proportions, tall windows and confident civic presence that once framed local power and administration. Today the building has shed its role as a traditional seat of authority and been reimagined as a shared living room for the city. The historic shell remains intact, but inside the rooms have been opened up, reconfigured and equipped for a shifting programme of cultural activities, meetings and public events.The Beating Heart of Local Democracy
One of Byens Hus’ core ideas is to act as a modern gathering place for democratic conversation. Here, citizens can join hearings, debates and workshops on urban planning, social issues or climate initiatives, often in informal formats that invite dialogue more than speeches. The house is structured around four recurring themes: an outpost for the municipality’s attractions, a permanent people’s meeting, a catalyst for city life and a base for students. These strands weave through the programme, ensuring that what happens inside the walls is always connected to the wider life of Roskilde.Spaces for Creativity, Study and Everyday Projects
Wander through the building and you encounter multi-purpose halls, meeting rooms and smaller niches that can host anything from knitting clubs and choir rehearsals to dance classes or planning sessions for neighbourhood festivals. Simple furniture, movable elements and warm lighting make it easy to adapt the spaces. Students often use the quieter rooms for group work or project development, while local associations and volunteers reserve spaces for their own initiatives. Information boards and displays highlight upcoming events in the house and around town, making it a useful first stop if you want to see what is happening in Roskilde beyond the major sights.Views, Atmosphere and the Square Outside
From upper-floor windows you can look out across central Roskilde, with the bustle of Stændertorvet and glimpses of historic rooftops drawing your eye toward the cathedral area. Inside, the atmosphere balances civic formality with an approachable, lived-in feel: creaking floors, high ceilings and traces of the old town hall sit alongside contemporary fixtures and community artwork. The square just outside functions almost like an extension of the house. Seasonal markets, outdoor events and everyday pedestrian traffic reinforce the sense that Byens Hus is embedded in the life of the city, not separated from it.Experiencing the House as a Visitor
For travelers, Byens Hus offers a window into how Roskilde works today, beyond its Viking and medieval heritage. You might encounter an exhibition by local artists, a student-driven initiative or a public talk, or simply find a calm corner to sit down with a coffee and observe. There is no single must-see room; the appeal lies in the way ordinary civic life unfolds here. Spending a little time inside helps you understand the city’s priorities: participation, culture and shared ownership of public space. It is a place where history, contemporary democracy and everyday creativity meet under one roof.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.1 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
0.5 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
0.6 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
3.5 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
17.1 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
18.8 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Køge Å
18.8 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
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.
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.
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
Stændertorvet
0.0 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.
Skt. Laurentius
0.0 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
0.1 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.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.1 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.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.2 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Kildehuset
0.2 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Rektorkilden
0.2 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.
Roskilde Museum
0.2 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
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.
Maglekilde
0.3 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.
Håndværksmuseet
0.3 km
An intimate upstairs museum in historic Roskilde, where traditional woodcraft tools and workshops trace the journey from forest timber to finely made everyday objects.
Klosterkilden
0.4 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Hestebrønden
0.5 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
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.
Roskilde Jars
0.6 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.0 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Restaurant Upstairs
0.1 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Café A Roskilde
0.1 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.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
0.1 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.1 km
Bright all-day café on Roskilde’s historic main square, mixing generous comfort food, relaxed drinks and prime cathedral-side people-watching.
Lenes Streetfood
0.1 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.
Rib House
0.2 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
0.2 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.
Basilico
0.2 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.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.2 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
0.2 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.
Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde
0.2 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Bryggergården
0.2 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.
Café Korn - Roskilde
0.2 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.
Restart
0.2 km
Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bog & Idé
0.1 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
0.1 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
0.1 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Den franske vinhandel
0.1 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.
Normal
0.1 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Perssons Roskilde
0.1 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
NORII Roskilde
0.1 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
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.
Guldfuglen A/S
0.2 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
PURE Copenhagen
0.2 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Metropol
0.2 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Friluftsland
0.2 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Inspiration Roskilde
0.2 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
No 1 Butik
0.2 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Bahne
0.2 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
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.1 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.
Gullanden
0.2 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
0.2 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.
PAUSE
0.3 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.4 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.
28 Live
0.4 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Klosterkælderen
0.5 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.6 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Teatercaféen
0.8 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Roskilde Bodega
1.1 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
1.5 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
1.5 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Charlie Chaplin
1.7 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.
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
0.5 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Danseriet
0.6 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Klubhuset
2.8 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
2.9 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
15.6 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
27.7 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.6 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
29.1 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
30.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
30.1 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
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly