Domkirke Museum at Roskilde Cathedral
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.
Housed within Roskilde Cathedral’s historic complex on Domkirkepladsen, Domkirkemuseet adds depth to a visit to Denmark’s royal burial church and UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you step behind the scenes of one of Northern Europe’s earliest brick Gothic cathedrals, exploring its art, liturgical treasures and the evolving story of Danish monarchs laid to rest next door. Expect vaulted spaces, artefacts and quiet corners that reveal a thousand years of power, faith and craftsmanship.
A brief summary to Domkirkemuseet
- Domkirkepladsen 3, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546316500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- 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 1 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Combine the museum with a full circuit of the cathedral chapels; use what you learn in the museum to decode tombs, coats of arms and architectural details next door.
- Check current opening hours before visiting, as access can vary on Sundays, church holidays and during services or special events.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; thick walls and stone floors can feel cool compared with the outside temperature.
- If you have a Copenhagen or regional sightseeing card, verify whether cathedral and museum admission is included to save on entry fees.
- For a quieter experience, aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays outside school holiday periods.
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 from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train towards Roskilde; the journey typically takes 22–30 minutes and runs several times per hour during the day. Tickets usually cost around 80–100 DKK one way in standard class. From Roskilde Station it is roughly a 10–15 minute walk through the town centre to the cathedral complex where the museum is located; the route is gently uphill but manageable for most visitors.
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Car from Copenhagen or Zealand
Driving from central Copenhagen to Roskilde generally takes 30–40 minutes via the main motorway across Zealand, depending on traffic. Fuel and toll costs vary, but you should budget at least 60–100 DKK each way in running costs. Public car parks are available in Roskilde’s centre within walking distance of the cathedral; they can become busy on weekends, religious holidays and during local events, so allow extra time for finding a space.
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Local bus within Roskilde
If you prefer not to walk from Roskilde Station, local buses serving the historic centre stop within a short stroll of Domkirkepladsen. Typical ride times from the station area are 5–10 minutes, with single tickets usually in the 20–30 DKK range, purchasable from machines or via regional transport apps. Service frequency can be lower in the evenings and on Sundays, so checking current timetables before travelling is advisable.
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Cycling in from nearby areas
Roskilde is well connected by regional cycle routes, and approaching the cathedral precinct by bike from nearby suburbs or fjordside paths typically takes 10–25 minutes. There is no direct cost beyond any bicycle rental, which in the region often ranges from 100–200 DKK per day. Surfaces are mostly paved and gradients moderate, but wet or windy weather can make the ride more demanding; bicycle parking is available close to the cathedral complex.
Domkirkemuseet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Domkirkemuseet
A museum inside a royal burial church
Domkirkemuseet is woven into the fabric of Roskilde Cathedral, Denmark’s royal burial church and one of the country’s most important religious buildings. The cathedral’s red-brick silhouette has dominated Roskilde since the 12th and 13th centuries, and the museum adds an interpretive layer to what you see in the nave and chapels. Rather than standing apart, the exhibition rooms feel like an extension of the church itself, with thick walls, timber details and glimpses of the surrounding cloisters and gardens. Inside, displays illuminate how this once-Catholic cathedral gradually became the Lutheran Church of Denmark’s showcase, while still guarding the tombs of around 40 kings and queens. Timelines, portraits and architectural drawings give context to what otherwise might feel like an overwhelming array of chapels, sarcophagi and side altars.Stone, brick and changing styles
One of the museum’s strengths is how clearly it unpacks the cathedral’s architecture. Roskilde was among the first major brick Gothic churches in Northern Europe, and the museum exhibits fragments of earlier stonework, carved capitals and decorative details that reveal its Romanesque beginnings. Models and cross-sections show how the high choir, chapels and towers were added across the centuries. Panels and artefacts walk you through successive stylistic waves: from the austere medieval core to Renaissance and Baroque royal chapels, Neoclassical additions and even 20th-century interventions. Standing in the museum, you can trace how each monarch left a mark on the building, commissioning a new chapel or tomb that reflected tastes of their age.Kings, queens and the story of power
Because the cathedral is the burial place of Danish monarchs from the Middle Ages to the present, the museum naturally focuses on royal history. Expect detailed background on figures such as Queen Margrete I, who united Denmark, Sweden and Norway, and Christian IV, the energetic builder king whose projects reshaped Copenhagen. There is material on earlier Viking rulers associated with the site, and on how Roskilde’s status as royal necropolis shaped the town’s fortunes. Rather than simply listing dynasties, the museum delves into ceremony and symbolism: how tombs were arranged to project power, why certain chapels were chosen, and how changing religious ideas influenced funerary art. This context transforms a walk among the sarcophagi in the cathedral from a visual experience into a narrative of ambition, belief and legacy.Objects of devotion and everyday faith
Beyond royalty, Domkirkemuseet holds liturgical objects, textiles and artworks that evoke centuries of worship. Silver chalices, processional crosses, embroidered vestments and fragments of medieval wall paintings help you imagine services under candlelight long before electricity and modern heating. Explanations highlight how the Reformation altered the use of space and objects, from altarpieces to organs. Audio points and clear labels (often in multiple languages) make the collection accessible even if you are not steeped in church history. Smaller items, like carved wooden figures or pieces of stained glass, reward close attention and offer quieter, more intimate stories than the grand royal monuments nearby.Atmosphere, views and practical visit
The museum’s atmosphere is calm and reflective, a contrast to the sometimes busy nave of the cathedral. Windows frame views of the red-brick towers, the nearby palace buildings and the green pockets of Roskilde’s historic centre. It is an appealing stop in cooler or wet weather, offering sheltered spaces without losing a sense of connection to the city outside. Most visitors combine the museum with a circuit of the cathedral and a stroll through the surrounding gardens and lanes. Allow unhurried time: the richness lies in reading a panel here, studying a model there, and then stepping back into the main church to recognise details you might otherwise have missed. Together, the cathedral and museum provide a compact but remarkably deep journey through 800 years of Danish and European history.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
0.6 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
1.8 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
3.4 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
16.9 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
18.7 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
19.8 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
20.0 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
21.0 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
21.1 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
21.4 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
21.4 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
Roskilde Cathedral
0.0 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
0.1 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Byens Hus
0.1 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Stændertorvet
0.1 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
0.2 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.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.2 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.
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.
Maglekilde
0.2 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 Museum
0.3 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Håndværksmuseet
0.4 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.
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.
Byparkens Legeplads
0.5 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.
Lovise Kilden
0.6 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.1 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
0.2 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
0.2 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Café A Roskilde
0.2 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
0.3 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.
Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde
0.3 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.3 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Café Korn - Roskilde
0.3 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.
Bryggergården
0.3 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
0.3 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
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
0.2 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Bog & Idé
0.2 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Den franske vinhandel
0.2 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
0.2 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
0.2 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
0.2 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.
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.
Perssons Roskilde
0.2 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic 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.
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.
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.
Red Cross Op Shop
0.3 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
Hobbii
0.3 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.2 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
0.3 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.3 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.
PAUSE
0.3 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
28 Live
0.5 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.5 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.
Klosterkælderen
0.6 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.7 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Teatercaféen
0.7 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Copé Lounge
0.7 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
0.7 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.
Roskilde Bodega
1.2 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.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
1.6 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Charlie Chaplin
1.8 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
0.5 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Danseriet
0.6 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Dansebar Roskilde
0.6 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
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
15.6 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
22.0 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
22.0 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
22.0 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
28.7 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
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
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- LGBT Friendly
