Roskilde tourist information
Should you wish to become acquainted with the history of Denmark, it is natural to start in Roskilde. Through the ages Roskilde has played an important role politically as well as culturally, manifesting itself in the many different cultural activities in this area today.
Legend has it that King Ro founded Roskilde, but historically the town goes back to the Viking Age around the 990s. The many barrows in the area indicate that Roskilde was densely populated throughout ancient times. Lejre is inscribed in the history of Denmark as a central place of worship and a Zealand chieftain's seat.
King Harald Bluetooth, who erected the rune-stone in Jelling, was the founder of Roskilde. He buiit the first church of wood here, probably on the site of the present cathedral - and was buried here.
Rapidly the town became the centre of the Crown and the rich Catholic Church held a strong position in Roskilde. About 1020 the see of Roskilde was established, and before long there were 14 parish churches and five convents and monasteries besides the cathedral. In the Middle Ages Roskilde was considered one of the biggest and most important cities in Northern Europe with a population of 5,000-10,000.
At that time the cathedral on the plateau was surrounded by the town. Outside the ramparts by the fjord was a small fishing hamlet, Skt. Jørgensbjerg. In the Middle Ages there was a leper hospital here, and in the small village church from about 1080 there are remains from about 1035. It is thus the oldest preserved stone building in the country.
Queen Margrethe l was interred in Roskilde Cathedral about the year 1413, and the cathedral has been the favourite burial place of the Royal Family since that time. Today no less than 38 Danish kings and queens are buried here. The Reformation in 1536 marked a turning point in the history of Roskilde. The Catholic Church administration disappeared and all the convents and monasteries and most of the parish churches were abolished.
Decline was rapid, and by the mid-18th century there were only 1500 inhabitants in Roskilde.
In 1847 the first railway line in Denmark was built between Roskilde and Copenhagen. This infused new life into the town, which grew as a commercial centre, and it has since become a traffic junction and a centre of education, research, trade and tourism.
At Destination Roskilde you will find many exciting activities. The beautiful and very varied surrounding landscape is ideal for hikes and bicycle trips. There are plenty of opportunities for everybody. Go fishing at Roskilde Fiskeland, rent a bike from Borrevejle Centret, go horse riding in the beautiful nature around Roskilde or spend an evening at Roskilde Bowling Center. These are just some of many activities.
Experience Roskilde and the surrounding area in a different way. Sail in the wake of the Vikings on a Viking ship, or enjoy lunch on the fjord on board an authentic “Old Timer”. Ride into the woods on a tram, or take a veteran train into the unique landscape of Hedeland.
Roskilde aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Roskilde aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Roskilde.
Roskilde weather forecast
Africa | Asia | Caribbean | Central America | Europe | Middle East | North America | Oceania | South America
