Roskilde

One of Denmark’s oldest and most historic cities is Roskilde, located on the island of Zealand just 30 kilometres west of the capital, Copenhagen. Roskilde exceeds all expectations. The city is known not only as a university and trading town. With a touch of playfulness, it likes to show its youthful side, leave holidaymakers with a hint of luxury, and reveal its royal character behind the scenes. For several decades, the annual Roskilde Festival in July has also given the city an international reputation for wildness. During the festival, Roskilde is a mecca for partying, dancing and unrestrained good cheer. With more than 70,000 visitors, the festival always pushes the limits, and its wild freedom makes it a must for four days for everyone under 25—and those who feel that way.

There are many reasons to visit Roskilde, Denmark’s former capital. A thousand years ago, Roskilde, situated at the southern end of Roskilde Fjord, was a fishing village. Something of that heritage remains, as deep-sea anglers still come here to sail out to sea with the fishermen and bring home a rich catch. Roskilde’s maritime history is documented at the Viking Ship Museum. It houses five original Viking ships, once sunk for defensive purposes in a fjord inlet known as the Peberrenden and rediscovered only in 1962. Their discovery revolutionised everything that had previously been understood about historical shipbuilding.

The marina in Roskilde promises sophisticated technology, sailboats with their sails rigged, romantic evenings and the usual excitement of boats coming and going. In keeping with national traditions, the royal tombs are another must-see. The side chapel of Roskilde Cathedral is like a journey through eight centuries of Danish monarchy. The Bishop’s Palace and the royal residence next to the cathedral are often mentioned in the same breath. Following the Reformation, the residence first passed into royal hands and was later even occupied by the Hussars. The bishop’s seat has been established at the palace again only since 1923.