Roskilde Museum
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Roskilde Museum is Denmark's premier city museum, housed in two protected heritage buildings in the heart of Roskilde. Since 1929, it has chronicled one of Denmark's oldest and most significant cities through compelling exhibitions spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era. Visitors encounter remarkable archaeological finds including a prehistoric auroch skeleton, medieval artifacts, and treasures from Viking times, all presented in Danish and English across interactive galleries and family-friendly spaces.
A brief summary to Roskilde Museum
- Sankt Ols Stræde 3, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546316500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- 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 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Children and youth aged 0–17 receive free entry, making this an excellent family destination. The interactive floor and creative workshops are specifically designed for younger visitors.
- Plan 1–2 hours for a meaningful visit. This allows time to explore both buildings, examine key artifacts, and enjoy the café without rushing through the exhibitions.
- The Copenhagen Card is accepted for admission, providing savings if you're visiting multiple attractions in the region.
- Service dogs are always welcome. The museum is accessible and accommodating for visitors with disabilities, including free entry for disability companions with valid documentation.
- Visit the museum shop and café even if you're short on time—both are open to the public without requiring museum admission, and they offer quality refreshments and unique souvenirs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
Direct trains depart Copenhagen Central Station (København H) to Roskilde Station (Roskilde St) every 10–20 minutes throughout the day. Journey time is approximately 25 minutes. From Roskilde Station, the museum is a 20-minute walk through the city center, or a short taxi ride. Single tickets cost approximately 80–120 DKK depending on time of booking. This is the most convenient and frequent option for visitors from Copenhagen.
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Car from Copenhagen
Roskilde is approximately 30 km west of Copenhagen via the E4 motorway, a drive of 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Street parking is available near Sankt Ols Stræde, though spaces can be limited during peak hours. Paid parking facilities are located within walking distance of the museum. Petrol costs and potential congestion should be considered, especially on weekends.
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Bus from Copenhagen
Regional buses operate from Copenhagen to Roskilde, with journey times of 45–60 minutes depending on route and stops. Services run regularly throughout the day. Fares are comparable to train travel. This option is slower than the train but offers flexibility for travelers with luggage or those preferring a different travel experience.
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Bicycle from Roskilde city center
If already in Roskilde, the museum is accessible by bicycle or on foot from most central locations. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with bike lanes throughout. A 10–15 minute cycle or 25–30 minute walk from the railway station brings you to Sankt Ols Stræde. Bike rental is available at several locations near the station.
Roskilde Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Roskilde Museum
A Portal to Roskilde's Thousand-Year Legacy
Roskilde Museum stands as the definitive gateway to understanding one of Denmark's oldest and most historically important cities. Since its establishment in 1929, the museum has served as the custodian of Roskilde's story, spanning from the Ice Age through to contemporary times. The exhibitions are meticulously curated to reveal how this city shaped Danish history and culture across multiple centuries, from prehistoric settlements and Viking enterprises to medieval prominence and modern transformation.Historic Buildings with Living Heritage
The museum occupies two remarkable protected buildings that are themselves historical artifacts. Sukkerhuset, the Sugar House, was constructed in 1761 as a sugar refinery and operated until 1779 before serving as Roskilde's fire station from 1925 to 1984. Liebes Gård, named after the merchant family who inhabited it, was built around 1800 by merchant Jacob Borch and later housed a soldier home when Roskilde became a garrison town in 1913. These authentic period structures create an immersive atmosphere that transports visitors directly into the eras they explore.Archaeological Treasures and Remarkable Discoveries
The museum's collections showcase extraordinary finds from excavations throughout Roskilde and its surrounding region. Visitors encounter the complete skeleton of a prehistoric auroch, mysterious burial sites such as the tomb of Gerdrup, medieval silver coins, intricately carved chess pieces, and weapons spanning centuries. These tangible connections to the past bring history vividly to life, allowing visitors to grasp the daily realities, conflicts, and achievements of people who lived here across millennia.Engaging Experiences for All Ages
Beyond static exhibitions, the museum offers dynamic programming designed to engage diverse audiences. Children and families benefit from creative workshops and an entire interactive floor dedicated to storytelling about school life a century ago. Guided tours are available both within the exhibitions and throughout the city itself, led by knowledgeable interpreters who connect archaeological evidence with living history. The museum café, Jampa, emphasizes quality and guest experience with modern design and honest communication, welcoming both ticketed visitors and casual drop-ins. A thoughtfully curated museum shop offers distinctive gifts and inspiration.Comprehensive Historical Narratives
The permanent exhibitions are complemented by rotating temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes and periods in greater depth. From Ice Age artifacts and Iron Age settlements through medieval prosperity and the turbulent twentieth century, the museum presents Roskilde's evolution within broader European and Scandinavian contexts. This comprehensive approach ensures that whether visiting for the first time or returning, guests discover new perspectives on familiar periods and encounter lesser-known chapters of the city's past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.2 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
0.4 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
0.4 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
3.3 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
17.0 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
19.9 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 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.
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
Klosterkilden
0.2 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.2 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.
Stændertorvet
0.2 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.
Byens Hus
0.2 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Skt. Laurentius
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.3 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
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.
Hestebrønden
0.4 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Lovise Kilden
0.4 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
Roskilde Jars
0.4 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.4 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.
Kildehuset
0.4 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Rektorkilden
0.4 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
0.5 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.
Essential places to dine
Rib House
0.1 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Bryggergården
0.1 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.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.1 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Restart
0.1 km
Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Piazza Navona II
0.1 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Burgerklubben
0.2 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
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.
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.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.2 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Burgerkilden
0.2 km
Compact neighbourhood burger bar in central Roskilde, serving house‑made gourmet burgers, fresh buns and fries with a relaxed, local feel and vegan options.
Café A Roskilde
0.3 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 Upstairs
0.3 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
0.3 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Røde Port Bistro
0.4 km
Cosy central Roskilde bistro where house-brewed beer, classic Danish comfort food and live music come together under one laid-back, brick-and-wood roof.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
0.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
No 1 Butik
0.0 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Red Cross Op Shop
0.1 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
Hos Simone
0.1 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.
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.
Metropol
0.1 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Feelfash
0.1 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
Bahne
0.1 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.
PURE Copenhagen
0.1 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Imerco
0.1 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.
Inspiration Roskilde
0.1 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Lili-Marleen
0.2 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
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.
Rud & Vester
0.2 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Vinylfreak
0.2 km
Characterful Roskilde record shop where packed crates, local music stories and thousands of new and used titles turn casual browsing into a slow, satisfying dig.
Femilet
0.2 km
Central Roskilde lingerie boutique specialising in comfortable, well-fitted underwear, nightwear and swimwear with personal fitting service on busy Algade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.3 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.
Klosterkælderen
0.3 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
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.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.3 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.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.4 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.5 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
0.5 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
28 Live
0.6 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Teatercaféen
0.9 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Roskilde Bodega
1.4 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.
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.
Charlie Chaplin
1.6 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.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
1.6 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
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
0.4 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Danseriet
0.8 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
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
15.5 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
27.9 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.3 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
29.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
29.9 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
- Cultural Heritage
- Educational
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
