Skjoldungernes Land National Park

Where Roskilde Fjord’s blue waters meet beech forests, manor landscapes and Viking legends in an accessible Danish national park near Copenhagen.

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National Park Skjoldungernes Land

Skjoldungernes Land National Park unfolds across 170 sq km of fjord, forests and manor-dotted countryside around Roskilde Fjord in central Zealand. Just 30 km from Copenhagen, it blends glistening salt meadows, islands and world-class birdlife with rolling Ice Age hills, lakes and vast beech woods. Layered with burial mounds, Viking legends and the UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral on its fringes, it is a rare mix of easy-access wilderness and deep Danish cultural history.

A brief summary to National Park Skjoldungernes Land

Ledreborg Alle 2B, Lejre, 4320, DK
+4593597090
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Bring binoculars for birdwatching along Roskilde Fjord, where you may spot white‑tailed eagles, waders and large flocks of geese over the wetlands.
Download local trail maps in advance and carry an offline version; mobile coverage is generally good but can drop in some forest and fjord-side pockets.
Dress in layers and waterproof footwear, as coastal paths and meadows can be damp and windy even when inland forests feel mild and sheltered.
If you plan to camp in shelters or use primitive campsites, check in advance which spots require booking and which operate on a first-come basis.
Combine a nature day with culture by planning time for Roskilde Cathedral or the Viking Ship Museum, both closely tied to the park’s history.

Getting There

Regional train and bus from Copenhagen

From Copenhagen central area, take a regional train toward Roskilde or Lejre; departures are frequent and the ride typically takes 25–35 minutes. A single adult ticket costs roughly 80–120 DKK depending on ticket type and zones. From Roskilde or Lejre stations you can connect by local bus or a short taxi ride to various trailheads, visitor points and fjord villages inside the park. Trains run throughout the day, but late-evening services are less frequent, and some rural buses operate only hourly or less, especially on weekends.
Car from Greater Copenhagen and Zealand

Driving from most parts of Copenhagen or central Zealand to the park’s core areas around Roskilde, Lejre and Frederikssund usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on starting point and traffic. There is no entrance fee to the national park, but some specific attractions and museums within it may charge admission. Parking is generally free at many forest edges, fjord access points and trailheads, though spaces can fill quickly on sunny weekends and during school holidays. Roads are paved and suitable for standard cars year-round, but be prepared for narrow country lanes in rural sections.
Cycling from nearby towns

From Roskilde, Lejre or Frederikssund you can cycle directly into the national park on a mix of bike lanes, quiet roads and signposted routes. Expect 15–30 minutes of cycling from town centres to reach forest edges or fjord viewpoints, longer if you are linking several areas in a single day. Terrain is mostly gentle with a few rolling hills. This option is best in the snow‑free months and suits reasonably confident cyclists. Standard city bike rentals in Roskilde or Copenhagen typically cost about 120–250 DKK per day; check opening hours and availability outside peak season.

National Park Skjoldungernes Land location weather suitability

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Discover more about National Park Skjoldungernes Land

Ice Age Landscapes Shaped by Water and Time

Skjoldungernes Land National Park stretches across one of Denmark’s most striking Ice Age landscapes, where ancient meltwater carved broad valleys and left behind rolling hills, kettle lakes and fertile plains. As you wander the park, you move through a subtle but constantly changing scenery: low ridges rise above patchwork fields, while shallow lakes and reed-fringed streams mirror the sky. Around Roskilde Fjord, the land dissolves into salt meadows, muddy flats and low coastal bluffs. Islands and islets dot the sheltered water, forming quiet channels where the wind drops and the soundscape narrows to lapping waves and distant bird calls. It is a soft, low-lying landscape, but its geological story is powerful, written in the curves of hills and the broad sweep of the fjord.

The Blue Fjord and Its Bird-Filled Marshes

The park’s “blue” side centres on Roskilde Fjord, a long, shallow inlet where sea and land constantly interact. Salt marshes flood and drain with the tides, leaving glistening mud where wading birds probe for food. Coastal cliffs, some surprisingly steep by Danish standards, give occasional elevated views across water and islands. The fjord is a haven for birdlife, from flocks of greylag geese and ducks to the impressive white-tailed eagle, which hunts over the water and uses the rich wetlands as its pantry. On calm days you may hear only wingbeats and soft calls; in autumn, migrating birds bring a louder, restless energy. Kayakers and small boats share the space, but the overall mood remains tranquil and spacious.

Green Forests, Lakes and Quiet Campsites

Away from the coast, the “green” heart of the national park is dominated by large deciduous forests, many of them dense beech woods with light-sprinkled clearings. Well-marked trails lead you under tall trunks, past mossy fallen branches and through pockets of younger woodland where birdsong feels close enough to touch. In summer, the canopy glows in filtered shades of green; in autumn, leaves turn the paths into rustling carpets. Scattered through the interior are clean swimming lakes, small streams and simple campsites. Shelters and primitive campgrounds let walkers and cyclists spend the night within earshot of owls and rustling leaves. Even close to small towns and farms, these forest pockets feel surprisingly secluded, offering an appealing nature escape without demanding long travel or difficult terrain.

Stories of Kings, Vikings and Rural Estates

Humans have shaped this landscape for millennia, and traces of their presence are everywhere. Burial mounds rise gently from fields and forest edges, stone ship settings echo long-vanished boats, and old water mills linger beside streams. The name “Skjoldungernes Land” recalls the legendary Skjoldung dynasty, a line of early Danish kings whose stories blend myth and early history. Within the park’s boundaries you find grand manor estates and palace grounds, including the landscape around Ledreborg and other historic properties that still oversee surrounding farmland, meadows and avenues. On the fringe of the park stands Roskilde, once Denmark’s royal seat; its brick cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds centuries of royal burials and forms a cultural anchor for the wider area.

Everyday Life Within a Protected Landscape

Unlike remote wilderness parks, Skjoldungernes Land is a lived-in landscape where villages, farms and towns sit alongside marshes, forests and lakes. Fields are ploughed, cattle graze meadows, and locals commute through scenery that visitors cross on foot, by bike or by boat. This blend of daily life and protected nature is central to the park’s identity. The park was established in 2015 with a focus on partnership and gentle stewardship rather than strict zoning. Many areas remain privately owned, and the national park works through voluntary agreements and local support to safeguard habitats, preserve cultural sites and encourage outdoor recreation. For visitors, this means you move through a landscape that is both carefully cherished and unmistakably lived in.

Exploring by Trail, Paddle and Bicycle

Skjoldungernes Land is designed to be discovered slowly. Networks of hiking routes, such as the Skjoldung Path, stitch together forests, lakes, small villages and the fjord’s edge, often passing burial mounds, viewpoints and simple ferries or bridges. Cyclists can follow quiet lanes and gravel tracks between hamlets, churches and manor houses, pausing at viewpoints or swimming jetties along the fjord. On the water, kayaking and small boats offer a different perspective, skimming low along salt meadows and beneath bird flight paths. Throughout the park, information points, shelters and picnic spots invite unhurried pauses. You can spend a short half-day sampling one small corner or string together several sections into a multi-day journey that connects many of Zealand’s most evocative natural and historic landscapes.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sct Hans Have

4.2 km

Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

5.7 km

Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

6.2 km

Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.

Roskildekrukkerne

6.3 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

7.1 km

Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.

Køge Nord

21.4 km

A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.

Jægerspris Castle

21.4 km

Discover Danish history and royal romance at Jægerspris Castle, a beautifully preserved estate with a captivating museum and scenic parklands, offering a glimpse into the lives of King Frederik VII and Countess Danner.

Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants

21.7 km

A welcoming wooden giant inviting you to sit, relax, and share the view from atop an Albertslund hilltop.

Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants

Køge Å

21.9 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.

LegeJunglen

23.1 km

Discover LegeJunglen in Slangerup: An indoor playground paradise with slides, trampolines, and jungle-themed fun for kids of all ages, ensuring a memorable family day out, rain or shine.

Pangea Park

23.5 km

Experience global wildlife up-close in Zealand’s countryside, with interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and a strong conservation focus at Pangea Park near Bjæverskov.

Køge Ås

23.8 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

25.1 km

Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.

Gammel Køgegård

25.2 km

Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.

Søndersø

25.3 km

Escape to Søndersø: A serene lake in Værløse offering tranquil nature walks, birdwatching, and recreational activities amidst lush forests and historical landscapes.

Unmissable attractions to see

Boserup skov

1.2 km

Ancient beech forests, spring anemones, and fjord views in Denmark's most enchanting woodland sanctuary.

Nationalpark Skjoldungernes Land

1.6 km

Ice Age hills, fjord horizons and saga‑laden burial mounds weave together in Skjoldungernes Land, Zealand’s first national park and a living tapestry of Danish nature and history.

Kornerup Å Trækfærge

1.9 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.

Kattinge Vig

1.9 km

A sheltered fjord cove near Roskilde where protected nature, birdlife and gentle Scandinavian coastal scenery create a quiet escape for walkers, anglers and paddlers.

Rørmosen sti

3.2 km

A small, tranquil nature path with pond, reeds and everyday birdlife, tucked behind Roskilde’s Hørhusene homes for easy, close-to-town walks.

Trolden Runde Rie

4.4 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

4.4 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

4.4 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.

Koncertkapellet

4.8 km

Roskilde's intimate chapel-turned-concert hall for classical and acoustic music in a historic restored setting.

Vigen Strandpark

5.1 km

Calm fjord waters, a sandy strand and wide views to Roskilde’s skyline make Vigen Strandpark a relaxed, easy-going escape for swimming, paddling and picnics.

Roskilde Harbour

5.1 km

Historic fjordside harbour where Viking heritage, a modern marina and relaxed waterfront life meet beneath the towers of Roskilde Cathedral.

Puppe

5.2 km

A small but evocative public sculpture in Roskilde, “Puppe” offers a quiet moment of contemporary art amid everyday city life.

Helligkors Kilde

5.3 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.

Viking Ship Museum

5.3 km

Original Viking ships, cutting-edge archaeology and a living boatyard unite on Roskilde Fjord to tell the story of how seafaring defined the Viking Age.

RoS Gallery

5.3 km

Contemporary art in a beautifully restored gasworks on Roskilde’s harbour, pairing industrial character with changing exhibitions and free, easy-going access.

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.

Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Teatercaféen

5.0 km

Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.

Roskilde Bodega

5.4 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.

PAUSE

5.5 km

Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.

Ruder Konge Bodega

5.6 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.

28 Live

5.6 km

A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.

PROP Vin og Tapasbar

5.8 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

5.8 km

An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.

Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar

6.1 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

6.2 km

Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.

Mulligans Irish Pub

6.3 km

Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.

Copé Lounge

6.3 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

6.3 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.

Musicon Mikrobryggeri

6.7 km

Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.

Vinbaren Muicon

6.8 km

An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.

Charlie Chaplin

7.2 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

Danseriet

5.3 km

Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.

Garbos Roskilde

6.1 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

6.2 km

Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.

Klubhuset

7.3 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

7.4 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

16.6 km

High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.

Club El Diablo

22.0 km

Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.

The Flame

26.2 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

26.2 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

26.2 km

Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.

Falafelberg

33.4 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.

Haven - Events

33.4 km

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

Afrobeat Palace Nightclub

33.7 km

Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.

The Union

35.0 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.

Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub

35.0 km

Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.

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Skjoldungernes Land National Park

A brief summary to National Park Skjoldungernes Land

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Regional train and bus from Copenhagen

Car from Greater Copenhagen and Zealand

Cycling from nearby towns

National Park Skjoldungernes Land location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of National Park Skjoldungernes Land

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about National Park Skjoldungernes Land

Ice Age Landscapes Shaped by Water and Time

The Blue Fjord and Its Bird-Filled Marshes

Green Forests, Lakes and Quiet Campsites

Stories of Kings, Vikings and Rural Estates

Everyday Life Within a Protected Landscape

Exploring by Trail, Paddle and Bicycle

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sct Hans Have

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

Roskildekrukkerne

Masterhøj udsigtspost

Køge Nord

Jægerspris Castle

Thomas on the Mountain, The 6 Forgotten Giants

Køge Å

LegeJunglen

Pangea Park

Køge Ås

Bronzestien - Køge Ås

Gammel Køgegård

Søndersø

Unmissable attractions to see

Boserup skov

Nationalpark Skjoldungernes Land

Kornerup Å Trækfærge

Kattinge Vig

Rørmosen sti

Trolden Runde Rie

Lynghøj Lake

Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie

Koncertkapellet

Vigen Strandpark

Roskilde Harbour

Puppe

Helligkors Kilde

Viking Ship Museum

RoS Gallery

Essential places to dine

Svogerslev Kro

Restaurant Store Børs

M/S Sagafjord - Restaurant Roskilde

Snekken Trattoria

Café Fjordliv

Disotto

Restaurant Vigen

An No

Viking Pizza Roskilde

Restaurant That's Amore

Café Korn - Roskilde

Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde

Halifax Burgers Roskilde

Restaurant Mumm I/S

Pipers Hus

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Hobbii

Friluftsland

Guldfuglen A/S

Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde

Normal

Den franske vinhandel

Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth

Bog & Idé

Perssons Roskilde

Red Cross Op Shop

Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)