Last Updated on May 14, 2025 by Sarah Wilson
If you’re looking for an easy day trip by train from Copenhagen, Roskilde is the perfect choice. Located just 30 minutes away by train, it offers a lovely blend of history, charm, scenic beauty, and shopping.
If your visit happens to align with early July, you might also experience Roskilde’s modern claim to fame: the Roskilde Festival.
This annual music festival is one of Europe’s largest, attracting top international artists and over 120,000 fans. Sadly, I was a few days too late, but then again, it was really nice being able to explore a town without the crowds.
Here’s how to make the most of a day in this historic town.
How To Get To Roskilde From Copenhagen
Catching a train to Roskilde is really easy from Copenhagen Central Station. Trains run frequently, and you will be in Roskilde within half an hour.
You can purchase tickets through the DOT Tickets app or at ticket machines at train and metro stations.
Once you arrive at the Roskilde train station, the town centre and the major sites are all within walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot.
First Stop: Roskilde Cathedral
Begin your day at Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial place of Danish royalty for nearly a millennium.
Its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate tombs tell stories of Denmark’s monarchs and offer insights into Scandinavian history. Even with my limited knowledge of Danish royalty, I still found it a fascinating place to explore.
Just take time to explore the cathedral’s interior and admire the high ceilings, medieval decorations, and the impressive chapel dedicated to King Christian IV.
The cathedral’s grounds also provide a peaceful spot for a quick rest or a coffee break.
Opening Hours For Roskilde Cathedral
Check here for opening hours, as times vary throughout the year, but as a rough guide, the cathedral opens at 10 am Monday through Saturday and at 1 pm Sunday.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Roskilde Cathedral
Roskilde Cathedral does charge admission to visit the royal tombs, royal chapels, museum and gallery.
Adults: 70 DKK
Children: (0-17 years) free
Senior (67+) and students: 50 DKK
Visit the Viking Ship Museum
After visiting the cathedral, the Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet) is the next stop, and it’s just a ten-minute walk away.
The museum’s main attraction is its collection of five authentic Viking ships excavated from Roskilde Fjord.
You can walk right up to these well-preserved ships and even participate in interactive exhibits.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, the museum offers boat rides on the fjord in Viking-style ships—a perfect way to experience life as the Vikings did! But I recommend booking this in advance as it’s a popular tour.
Opening Hours For The Viking Ship Museum
The museum is open daily from 10 am until 4 pm.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Viking Ship Museum
Summer Season (From 1 May to 30 September)
Adults (+18 years) 160 DKK
Children (0-17 years) Free entry
Family Ticket 300 DKK
Students (with student ID) 105 DKK
Winter Season
Adults (+18 years) 125 DKK
Children (0-17 years) Free entry
Family Ticket 230 DKK
Students (with student ID) 80 DKK
If you want to go on a boat trip on the fjord (from 1 May to 30 September), you can buy tickets online or at the ticket booth on the day. But as I previously mentioned, if you are really keen on going on a boat trip, I recommend booking in advance.
Take A Stroll Through Byparken
Make your way back to the town centre from the Viking Ship Museum through the Byparken.
It is a lovely park with pathways, green spaces, scenic views of Roskilde Fjord and glimpses of the cathedral’s towers.
Stroll Through Roskilde’s Charming Old Town
Once you’re back in the town, take a leisurely stroll through Roskilde’s picturesque old town. The area is filled with cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and charming shops and cafes.
Time To Return To Copenhagen
You can return to Roskilde train station by late afternoon, with plenty of time to catch a train back to Copenhagen.
Roskilde is a delightful mix of history, culture, and nature—all in one easily walkable, compact town. I really enjoyed my day here. It was such an easy day trip by train from Copenhagen to Roskilde. It’s so easy to visit independently, and it makes for a lovely day out from Copenhagen. I highly recommend it.
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