Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
A striking yellow Baroque palace built in 1733–1736 on the site of a medieval bishop's residence, located immediately east of Roskilde Cathedral. Once a royal residence and later a venue for Denmark's constitutional assemblies, the palace now houses the Roskilde Art Society, contemporary art exhibitions, and serves as the official residence of the Bishop of Roskilde. The palace courtyard and gardens host concerts, cultural events, and exhibitions throughout the year.
A brief summary to Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
- Stændertorvet 3A, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning to experience the palace courtyard and gardens with fewer crowds. The space is most serene before midday.
- Combine your visit with Roskilde Cathedral (immediately adjacent) to fully appreciate the architectural and historical relationship between the two sites.
- Check the Roskilde Art Society website for current exhibitions and event schedules, as programming varies seasonally.
- The Gate of Absalon passage connecting the palace to the cathedral is a hidden gem—explore this 13th-century limestone link to medieval Roskilde.
- Summer months bring outdoor concerts and exhibitions in the palace gardens; plan an evening visit to experience the site's cultural programming.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
Direct trains depart Copenhagen Central Station westbound to Roskilde, with service approximately every 10–20 minutes. Journey time is 25 minutes. The palace is a 5–10 minute walk from Roskilde Station. Trains are included with a Copenhagen Card. Tickets cost approximately 60–80 DKK for a single journey.
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Car from Copenhagen
Drive west from Copenhagen via the E20 motorway toward Roskilde, approximately 30 km. Journey time is 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. The palace is located at Stændertorvet 3A in central Roskilde. Limited street parking is available near the palace; consider using public car parks in the city center, a 5–10 minute walk away.
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Bus from Copenhagen
Regional buses operate from Copenhagen to Roskilde, with journey times of 45–60 minutes depending on the route and number of stops. Buses arrive at Roskilde Bus Station, approximately 10–15 minutes' walk from the palace. Fares typically range from 40–70 DKK.
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Bicycle from Roskilde town center
The palace is centrally located in Roskilde. From the train station, a 2–3 km cycle ride through flat terrain reaches the palace in approximately 10–15 minutes. Roskilde has good cycling infrastructure and bike parking facilities near the palace.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
Royal Beginnings and Architectural Splendor
Det Kongelige Palæ in Roskilde stands as a masterpiece of Danish Baroque architecture, constructed between 1733 and 1736 by royal master builder Lauritz de Thurah. Commissioned by King Christian VI, the four-winged complex replaced a medieval bishop's residence that had occupied the site since the 12th century. The palace was designed as a fitting residence for the royal family during their visits to Roskilde, particularly for royal funerals and ceremonial occasions at the adjacent cathedral. Its distinctive yellow-washed masonry and red tile roofs create an immediately recognizable landmark in the heart of Roskilde's historic center. The architectural composition reveals careful classical planning: a two-storey main wing faces the courtyard with elegant pilasters and a median risalit crowned by a triangular pediment bearing the royal coat of arms. Two one-storey lateral wings and a curved gate wing opening onto Stændertorvet complete the ensemble. Curving galleries connect all four wings, creating a harmonious spatial flow. The Gate of Absalon, a 13th-century limestone passage linking the palace to the cathedral's apse, is the sole surviving element of the original bishop's palace and represents a tangible connection to Roskilde's medieval past.From Monarchy to Democracy: A Crucible of Danish History
The palace's historical significance extends far beyond its role as a royal residence. During the English siege of Copenhagen in 1807, the mansion served as headquarters for General Sir Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, marking a dramatic chapter in Napoleonic Wars history. More profoundly, the palace became the venue for the Stænderforsamlingerne (Assembly of the Estates), a pivotal institution that paved the way toward Denmark's adoption of its first constitution in 1849. These assemblies transformed the palace into a cradle of Danish democracy, where representatives gathered to debate the nation's future governance.A Living Center for Contemporary Culture
Today, Det Kongelige Palæ pulses with artistic and cultural energy. The Roskilde Art Society operates Kunsthuset Palæfløjen from within the palace's wings, presenting contemporary art exhibitions, literary salons, talks, and cultural programming throughout the year. The Bishop of Roskilde maintains official residence in one wing, preserving the palace's connection to ecclesiastical authority. The palace courtyard and gardens have become open-air venues for exhibitions, concerts, and seasonal events, transforming the historic space into a dynamic gathering place for the community.Gateway to Roskilde's Cultural Heritage
The palace forms a cornerstone of Kulturstrøget, a collaborative cultural route linking nine institutions across central Roskilde. Its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Roskilde Cathedral creates a powerful cultural axis in the city. A forthcoming World Heritage Centre within the palace will further strengthen this connection, offering exhibitions, café facilities, and learning spaces that contextualize Roskilde's significance within Denmark's broader historical narrative. The palace's courtyard remains accessible to the public daily from 9 AM to 6 PM (extended to 8 PM during summer months), inviting visitors to experience the blend of royal grandeur and contemporary cultural vitality that defines this remarkable site.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.0 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
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Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
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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
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Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Domkirkemuseet
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Roskilde Museum
0.2 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage 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
0.3 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Rektorkilden
0.3 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.
Klosterkilden
0.3 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
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.
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.
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.
Lovise Kilden
0.5 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
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.
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.
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.
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 Upstairs
0.2 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.2 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
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.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
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Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Bryggergården
0.2 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
0.2 km
Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
0.3 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.
Piazza Navona II
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Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Basilico
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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.
Burgerkilden
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Compact neighbourhood burger bar in central Roskilde, serving house‑made gourmet burgers, fresh buns and fries with a relaxed, local feel and vegan options.
Burgerklubben
0.3 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
No 1 Butik
0.1 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
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.
Red Cross Op Shop
0.2 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
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.
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.
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.
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
0.2 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
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.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
0.2 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Bahne
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Scandi-chic fashion, interiors and gifts gathered under one roof on Roskilde’s main shopping street, blending everyday practicality with laid-back Danish style.
Inspiration Roskilde
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Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
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.
Imerco
0.2 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.
Normal
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Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
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
0.4 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
0.4 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.4 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
0.5 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
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.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.6 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Teatercaféen
0.7 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Roskilde Bodega
1.3 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
1.7 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
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.
Dansebar Roskilde
0.5 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Danseriet
0.7 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
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
27.8 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.5 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.5 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
29.0 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
30.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
30.0 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
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly