"Roskilde in 1000 years" a Roskilde Travel Page by shiran_d

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.