Skjoldungestien Trail, Lejre

A historic Danish hiking trail weaving between Roskilde Fjord, forests and ancient Lejre landscapes, offering tranquil day walks and rewarding multi-day adventures.

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Skjoldungestien

Skjoldungestien is a historic long-distance hiking trail weaving through Skjoldungernes Land National Park between Roskilde, Lejre, Hvalsø and surrounding villages on Zealand. Around 40–50 km of waymarked paths lead you past fjord views, lakes, meadows, ancient burial mounds and forests shaped by the last Ice Age. Close to Copenhagen yet strikingly tranquil, it is ideal for day hikes or multi-day walks, with sections suited to most reasonably fit walkers.

A brief summary to Skjoldungestien

Lejre, 4320, DK
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Local tips

Wear waterproof hiking boots with good grip, as sections near rivers and marshes can be muddy or flooded after rain.
Carry sufficient water and snacks; facilities are sparse once you leave towns like Roskilde, Lejre and Hvalsø.
Check recent trail and weather information, especially in wet seasons when low-lying stretches may be temporarily impassable.
Plan your section to fit daylight hours, as there is little artificial lighting on forest and fjordside paths.
Bring a light extra layer; exposed stretches by Roskilde Fjord can feel significantly cooler and windier than inland sections.

Getting There

Train and local walk from Roskilde

From central Copenhagen, regional trains to Roskilde typically take 25–30 minutes and run several times per hour, with standard adult one-way tickets usually in the range of 80–110 DKK. From Roskilde station, Skjoldungestien can be accessed by a short urban walk towards the outskirts and Boserup Forest. This option suits most visitors, though paths quickly become unpaved and can be muddy in wet weather, so it is less convenient for wheelchairs and strollers.
Train to Lejre or Hvalsø for mid-trail access

To start in the countryside, regional trains from Copenhagen to Lejre or Hvalsø generally take 35–45 minutes, with similar fares to Roskilde, around 80–110 DKK one way. From either station, you can reach marked sections of Skjoldungestien on foot via local roads and paths. Services usually run at least twice per hour during the day, but evening and weekend frequencies may be lower, so check timetables if you plan a long hike.
Car access from Zealand

Drivers based elsewhere on Zealand can reach Skjoldungestien via Roskilde, Lejre or Hvalsø in roughly 30–60 minutes depending on starting point. Parking is typically available near forest entrances and trailheads around Boserup Skov, Gl. Lejre and other access points, though spaces may be limited on fine weekends. There is no entrance fee for the trail itself, but standard fuel and any city parking charges apply. Surfaces vary from gravel to dirt tracks once you leave your vehicle.

Skjoldungestien location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Hot Weather
Any Weather

Discover more about Skjoldungestien

Ancient landscapes between fjord and forest

Skjoldungestien threads through Skjoldungernes Land National Park, a gently rolling landscape of beech forest, open fields, lakes, streams and the shores of Roskilde Fjord. Formed by retreating glaciers after the last Ice Age, the terrain undulates in soft ridges and hollows, with kettle lakes and marshy pockets that bring varied colours and textures through the seasons. You are never far from water: quiet stretches of river, small woodland lakes and glimpses of the broad fjord that once linked inland settlements to the sea. Despite its proximity to towns such as Roskilde and Lejre, much of the trail feels surprisingly secluded. Long sections run on narrow, sometimes muddy paths between trees or along the edges of meadows, where birdsong and wind in the branches tend to drown out any distant traffic. The light can be especially beautiful in early morning and late afternoon, when low sun filters through the canopy or glints across the fjord.

Following the Skjoldunge path

The Skjoldungestien is a network of roughly 40–50 km of waymarked routes, with the main line connecting Roskilde, Gl. Lejre, Hvalsø, Gevninge and Osted. Some walkers tackle it over several days, linking shelters or simple campsites, while others choose shorter day sections of 2–5 hours. Wayfinding is generally straightforward thanks to coloured markers, but paths can be uneven, with roots, wet patches and gentle inclines that call for sturdy footwear rather than street shoes. Difficulty is typically described as moderate: the gradients are never extreme, but the overall distance, mud and occasional flooded sections can be demanding if you are unused to longer walks. After rain, low-lying stretches near rivers and marshes may be waterlogged, adding to both the challenge and the sense of being close to untamed nature. Planning your length for the daylight hours is sensible, as artificial lighting is limited away from towns.

Traces of Denmark’s early kingdoms

Beyond scenery, the trail is rich in cultural history. It passes through Gl. Lejre, long associated with the legendary Skjoldung dynasty that gives both the national park and the path their name. Around these gentle hills lie burial mounds, ancient field systems and archaeological sites that tell of power centres dating back more than a thousand years. Walking here, you move through a landscape that has been cultivated, contested and celebrated since the early days of the Danish kingdom. Occasional viewpoints allow you to see how old manor estates, church towers and farmsteads sit within this historic terrain. Interpretation boards in some spots explain how glaciers carved the land and how later generations adapted it for farming and trade. The combination of mythology, archaeology and living rural life gives the route a quiet depth that rewards unhurried exploration.

A trail for slow travel and simple comforts

For many, Skjoldungestien is an ideal setting for slow, low-key adventure. Multi-day hikers often combine sections with rustic shelters, simple campgrounds or small local accommodations in nearby towns. Even on a short visit you can bring a picnic and pause at lakesides or forest clearings, using benches or informal rest spots where available. Wildlife is present but subtle: you may spot roe deer in the fields, herons along the water or rich birdlife near the fjord’s reed beds. There are relatively few facilities directly on the wilder stretches, so carrying water, snacks and basic layers is wise. Mobile reception is generally workable near towns but can weaken in dips or dense woodland. The trail’s closeness to urban centres makes it easy to walk a portion in a single day and return to more comfortable amenities in Roskilde or Lejre.

Seasons, weather and choosing your section

Skjoldungestien is technically accessible year-round, but late spring to early autumn usually offers the most pleasant conditions, with longer daylight, milder temperatures and drier ground. In wet periods, some areas may become boggy or temporarily impassable, particularly near rivers and fjord-side meadows. Winter brings a starker beauty, with bare trees revealing broader views, but also colder winds and potentially slippery surfaces. Because public transport links several points along the route, it is easy to select a stretch that matches your energy and the day’s weather. Shorter loops near towns suit families or casual walkers, while longer linear sections between villages appeal to more experienced hikers seeking a full day outdoors. Whichever part you choose, the character of the trail remains the same: a quietly atmospheric journey through one of Zealand’s most historically layered and naturally varied regions.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

9.7 km

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

Roskildekrukkerne

9.8 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.

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

9.8 km

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

Sct Hans Have

10.1 km

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

Masterhøj udsigtspost

13.0 km

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

Køge Nord

15.1 km

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

Visit

18.5 km

Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.

KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces

18.6 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.

Køge Church

18.6 km

Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.

Mindesten for Træskoslaget

18.6 km

A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

18.6 km

An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.

Køge Torv

18.7 km

Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.

Køge Museum

18.7 km

Step into Skagen Bamsemuseum to explore a magical universe of teddy bears, historic dioramas, and Scandinavian charm in Denmark’s northernmost town.

Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv

18.8 km

Explore Skagen’s iconic Grey Lighthouse, where sweeping sea views, birdlife, and maritime history converge at Denmark’s northernmost point.

Befrielsessten i Køge

18.8 km

A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.

Unmissable attractions to see

Ledreborg Park

3.3 km

Sweeping baroque terraces, wooded hillsides and long lime avenues create a serene historic landscape around one of Denmark’s finest private castles at Ledreborg.

Ledreborg Castle

3.4 km

An elegant 18th‑century baroque palace at the end of a grand avenue, where pastel façades, terraces and quiet woodland paths reveal layers of Danish noble life.

Land of Legends | A Land to Explore

4.6 km

Step into 13,000 years of Danish history at an immersive open‑air archaeology park of Viking halls, ancient villages, wild landscapes and hands‑on experiments.

Viking Kings Hall

4.6 km

Step into Denmark’s largest reconstructed Viking royal hall, where carved oak beams, sagas, and archaeology meet on a glacial hill in the heart of Lejre.

Sacrificial bog

4.7 km

A quiet hollow of water and peat where Iron Age beliefs surface again, the Sacrificial Bog at Lejre turns archaeology into an evocative ritual landscape.

Trolden Runde Rie

6.0 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

6.0 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

6.5 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.

Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania

7.1 km

A long, tree-lined Baroque avenue stretching through rural Zealand, guiding travellers in stately symmetry towards the distant silhouette of Ledreborg Palace.

Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania

Kornerup Å Trækfærge

7.9 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.

Museum of Contemporary Art

8.5 km

Denmark’s nomadic museum for performance, sound and time-based art, transforming Roskilde’s spaces into ever-changing stages for contemporary creativity.

Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead

8.6 km

Volunteer-run jazz and world-music association energising Roskilde’s Musicon district with intimate concerts, creative collaborations and open jam sessions.

RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur

8.6 km

A dazzling gold rock museum in Roskilde’s Musicon district where immersive sound, bold architecture and youth culture history collide in a full‑volume experience.

RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur

Musicon-bydelen

8.7 km

A former concrete factory reborn as Roskilde’s bold creative district, where architecture, skateparks, art and music fuse into a constantly evolving urban playground.

Helligkors Kilde

8.9 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.

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.

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

Roskilde Bodega

8.4 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.

Musicon Mikrobryggeri

8.7 km

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

Vinbaren Muicon

8.7 km

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

28 Live

9.1 km

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

PAUSE

9.3 km

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

Ruder Konge Bodega

9.3 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.

Charlie Chaplin

9.4 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.

Gullanden

9.4 km

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

PROP Vin og Tapasbar

9.5 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.

Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar

9.6 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.

Teatercaféen

9.6 km

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

Georges Bodega

9.8 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.

Klosterkælderen

9.8 km

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

Copé Lounge

9.8 km

Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.

Mulligans Irish Pub

9.9 km

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

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Skjoldungestien Trail, Lejre

A brief summary to Skjoldungestien

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and local walk from Roskilde

Train to Lejre or Hvalsø for mid-trail access

Car access from Zealand

Skjoldungestien location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Skjoldungestien

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Skjoldungestien

Ancient landscapes between fjord and forest

Following the Skjoldunge path

Traces of Denmark’s early kingdoms

A trail for slow travel and simple comforts

Seasons, weather and choosing your section

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

Roskildekrukkerne

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

Sct Hans Have

Masterhøj udsigtspost

Køge Nord

Visit

KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces

Køge Church

Mindesten for Træskoslaget

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

Køge Torv

Køge Museum

Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv

Befrielsessten i Køge

Unmissable attractions to see

Ledreborg Park

Ledreborg Castle

Land of Legends | A Land to Explore

Viking Kings Hall

Sacrificial bog

Trolden Runde Rie

Lynghøj Lake

Lynghøjsøerne Runde Rie

Ledreborg Allé (Ringstedvej), 4000 Roskilde, Dania

Kornerup Å Trækfærge

Museum of Contemporary Art

Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead

RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur

Musicon-bydelen

Helligkors Kilde

Essential places to dine

Svogerslev Kro

Leo’s Wok Café

Disotto

An No

Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria

Nua Mama's Secret

Gusto Giusto

Restaurant That's Amore

Primo Piano

Café Korn - Roskilde

Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde

Halifax Burgers Roskilde

Sushi2500 Roskilde

Basilico

Restaurant Mumm I/S

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Hobbii

Friluftsland

Guldfuglen A/S

Ros Bazar

Normal

Den franske vinhandel

Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde

Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth

Bog & Idé

Perssons Roskilde

NORII Roskilde

PURE Copenhagen