Ruder Konge Bodega, Roskilde
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
Ruder Konge Bodega, affectionately known as “Kongen”, is a classic Danish pub on Skomagergade, the main shopping street in historic Roskilde. Open since 1973, this spacious, low-priced bodega is all about cold beer, card and billiard tables, and a no-frills, down-to-earth atmosphere. Locals of all ages mingle at the long bar and simple tables, with TV sports, jukebox vibes and plenty of old-school charm making it an easy, sociable stop before or after exploring the nearby cathedral and old town.
A brief summary to Ruder Konge Bodega
- Skomagergade 25, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546360415
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-11 pm
- Thursday 9 am-11 pm
- Friday 9 am-12 am
- Saturday 9 am-11 pm
- Sunday 9 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Bring cash or be prepared for simple card payments, as this is a no-frills bar focused on drinks rather than table service or tabs.
- If you enjoy billiards or card games, arrive earlier in the afternoon or early evening to secure a table before it gets busier.
- Combine a visit with nearby sights like Roskilde Cathedral and the old town, using the bodega as a relaxed stop before or after sightseeing.
- Expect a smoking-friendly crowd on the terrace or just outside the entrance and a classic pub feel inside, including lingering bar aromas.
- Food options are limited, so eat beforehand or plan to pair your drinks with snacks from nearby takeaways on Skomagergade.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Restrooms
Ruder Konge Bodega location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Ruder Konge Bodega
Old-School Pub Culture in the Heart of Roskilde
Ruder Konge Bodega has been pouring beers on Skomagergade since 1973, and you feel that lived-in history the moment you step inside. The bodega sits right on Roskilde’s central pedestrian street, wrapped into the rhythm of daily shopping traffic, market days and evening strolls. Inside, light from the street filters through to a long, classic bar counter, worn tables and a room designed more for conversation than for posing. Rather than polished design, the charm here lies in its patina: dark wood, old signs, beer ads and small details that hint at decades of regulars and late nights. It is the kind of place where time seems to move a bit slower, even though modern Roskilde continues to bustle just outside the door.The Story Behind “Kongen”
The bodega’s nickname, “Kongen” – “The King” – reflects both its name and its status in town lore. Since the early 1970s it has been a fixture of Roskilde’s social life, weathering changing trends in nightlife while staying remarkably true to its roots. Generations have met here after work, during festivals and on ordinary weekdays, giving the bar a continuity that is rare in more fashion-driven venues. Over the years, ownership and staff have curated a straightforward, welcoming style: affordable drinks, familiar faces behind the bar and a layout that encourages people to sit, talk and stay. This continuity is part of why it feels immediately lived-in and local, even to first-time visitors.Atmosphere: Card Games, Billiards and Banter
Ruder Konge Bodega is spacious by Danish pub standards, with room for card games, billiard tables and small groups gathered around beer-stained tables. The soundtrack is a mix of TV sports, quiet chatter and the clack of pool balls, sometimes punctuated by laughter from a corner card game. Lighting is soft rather than dramatic, and there is no attempt at themed décor or curated playlists. This is a classic “brown bar”: smoke-stained tones (even in a post-smoking era), simple chairs and a bar dominated by draft beer taps and bottles. It is a setting that invites easy conversation, unhurried rounds, and the feeling of being in a local living room rather than a polished cocktail spot.Drinks, Prices and Daily Rhythm
The bar is known for keeping prices low, with a selection that leans toward draught beers, bottled lagers, simple spirits and classic schnapps. Rather than elaborate cocktails, the focus is on straightforward pours and generous refills, ideal if you are looking for a long evening without straining your budget. Opening hours start in the morning and run through to late evening most days, with extended hours at the end of the week. Mornings and mid-day can feel relaxed and almost café-like, while late afternoons bring in regulars, and evenings grow livelier as groups drift in from the surrounding streets and nearby venues.Who You Will Meet Inside
Part of Ruder Konge Bodega’s appeal is its broad cross-section of guests. You might find older locals at their usual seats, younger groups playing pool, or visitors dropping in after exploring Roskilde Cathedral and the old town. The shared denominator is a preference for informal surroundings and conversation over spectacle. The pub’s size makes it suitable for both solo visitors and larger groups. Solo travelers can comfortably sit at the bar, strike up a chat with staff or neighbors, and get a feel for everyday Roskilde away from museum galleries and formal restaurants.A Laid-Back Stop on a Roskilde Evening
Because of its central location, Ruder Konge Bodega works naturally into an evening that might include nearby eateries, cultural events or simple wandering through the pedestrian streets. It offers a change of pace from more modern wine bars and restaurants: here the focus is on inexpensive beer, familiar rituals and a casual, unselfconscious night out. For anyone curious about Danish bodega culture, “Kongen” offers a tangible, lived example: a large, traditional bar where history, habit and hospitality quietly blend into a very local kind of nightlife.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.4 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
0.7 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
0.7 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
3.7 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
17.3 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Køge Å
18.7 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.
Roskilde Fjord
18.9 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 Ås
19.8 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Gerlevparkens Venner
20.0 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
20.8 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
20.9 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kildehuset
0.3 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
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.
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.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.4 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.
Helligkors Kilde
0.5 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.
Roskilde Museum
0.5 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Klosterkilden
0.7 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Hestebrønden
0.7 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Roskilde Jars
0.7 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
Café Korn - Roskilde
0.1 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.
Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde
0.1 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
0.1 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.
Basilico
0.1 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.
Nua Mama's Secret
0.1 km
Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.
Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria
0.1 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort food in the heart of Roskilde, serving generous pizzas and hearty mains in a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood setting.
Restaurant That's Amore
0.1 km
Cozy, candlelit Italian restaurant in central Roskilde, serving wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta and Italian wines in a warm, romantic yet relaxed setting.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
0.1 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.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
0.2 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Restaurant Upstairs
0.2 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
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 Raadhuskælderen
0.3 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.3 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
0.3 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.
An No
0.4 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in Roskilde, serving fresh homemade dishes from scratch with genuine Saigon spirit.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hobbii
0.0 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Friluftsland
0.1 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Guldfuglen A/S
0.1 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Normal
0.2 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
0.2 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
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.
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.
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.
Perssons Roskilde
0.3 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
NORII Roskilde
0.4 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
PURE Copenhagen
0.4 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
0.4 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
0.4 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Inspiration Roskilde
0.4 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Bahne
0.4 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
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.0 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
0.1 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
28 Live
0.2 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
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.
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.
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
0.7 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Teatercaféen
0.8 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Georges Bodega
0.8 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.
Copé Lounge
0.8 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
0.8 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Roskilde Bodega
0.9 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
1.5 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
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.
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
Danseriet
0.3 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
0.6 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
0.6 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Klubhuset
2.7 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
2.8 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
15.8 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
21.8 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
21.8 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
21.8 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
27.6 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.9 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
29.4 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
30.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
30.3 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
- Casual
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
