"Roskilde, City of Springs" Roskilde by bpacker

Roskilde Travel Guide: 209 reviews and 585 photos

The Altar that took my breath away - Roskilde

Roskilde rocks even without the Music Fest!

After singing endless rounds of "Wonderful, Wonderful Copehagen! " , Liz and I decided to give the Salty Queen of the Sea and the unfortunate ears of the Danes a little break by venturing northwards to Roskilde. Turned out to be a good decision, Roskilde rocks, even without its reknown Music Festival in Summer ! We had a really good, relaxing time there as it was one of the most scenic areas in Denmark. Everywhere we looked , there were rolling and lush green fields and cool, natural springs . Seems that we had the same thoughts as the ancient founder, old King Ro. Well, we had a field day hunting down all the springs in the region and taking lots of pictures of the pastoral landscape.Other than the famed springs, there was also a large and imposing church that dominated the whole landscape. The church, which we found out much later, was a UNESCO-recognised cathedral called the Roskilde Domkirke . It had hauntingly beautiful artefacts. Yes, beautiful and haunting, all at the same time. The sheer beauty of the golden alter and wooden reliefs all around the Church could steal your breath away for a few seconds. So would the creepily life-like stone likeness of the many statues that lay on the coffins in the many crypts around the church. Yes, you can say that I was spooked by the beauty in the church. So was Liz . So we clung to each other like a koala to a tree the whole time we were there ....making the Danish locals think we were gay and away from China. Well, gay or otherwise, we gals had a good time exploring this place before we proceeded to ol' Hamlet's castle in Helsingor.

The Byparken and elsewhere..

A stream runs thru the Byparken

Other than Roskilde Domkirke,there's also a supberb Viking and a Psychiatric musuem near the coastal hostel where we lived. No, no, those two are seperate places, there were no demented Viking in those days. Violent , yes, but not demented. Also, there is a lovely, lovely city park or "Byparken" near the Musuems. It's so pastoral than a stream runs through it. You can read more of these places in my " must do " activities...

The Best Things in Roskilde

Roskilde Harbour at Dusk

Yeah, we had a good time at Roskilde. Perhaps, the best thing about this place is its natural beauty. The parks, springs and harbour are the best places to go to to get a little respite from all the lights and all the razzle-dazzle from Copenhagen

Pros and Cons

Pros:Pastoral town with lush fields and natural springs. Fascinating past reflected in ancient facades in town. Newly-built hostel just next to Viking musuem.
Cons:Can't think of anything at the moment.
In a nutshell:Definitely worth a visit if you're a nature/history buff

Last visit to Roskilde: Sep 2002
Intro Updated Sep 6, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (14)

To drink or not to drink, that is the question - Roskilde

Toe-Dipping and Springs Warnings Or Dangers (1)

You're in the City of Springs and upon discovering a spring, you're likely to drink from one, right? Don't ! I was told... more travel advice

Origin of Roskilde's name Local Customs (1)

Legend has it that Roskilde was founded by this chap called King Ro and that he built a little town around a spring he... more travel advice

From Copenhagen to Roskilde Transportation (1)

Trains from Copenhagen Central Station leaves for Roskilde Station every 5 - 6 times per hour during rush hours. The... more travel advice

Wonder what the hell are in those vases? - Roskilde

Giant Vases Near the Railway Station Things to Do (5)

Here's your chance to feel like Gulliver in Lilliput. Go south of the railway station till you see the giant vases and... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Dusky Dreams
Restaurants (1)
Don't miss the delicious fried chicken...
Been to Roskilde?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (14)

angiebabe Jan 2, 2012 at 10:49 AM Report Abuse

what a stunning altar and interior of the cathedral that I missed seeing inside! I have to find my pics though of the lovely grass roofed old houses just above the harbour as they are missing from my page. the viking museum is excellent - interesting to hear theres a psychiatric museum!
mindcrime Jan 2, 2012 at 10:15 AM Report Abuse

great page! I didnt know about the H.C. Hospital museum and we missed it
OH_DK Jan 5, 2007 at 5:33 AM Report Abuse

It's really funny to read your comments and tips about my hometown Roskilde :-) and I like your photos as well
Jim_Eliason Apr 30, 2006 at 3:32 PM Report Abuse

Great tips Glen!
bkoon Feb 27, 2006 at 8:23 PM Report Abuse

Spring hopping sounds like fun. I regret not seeing more when I was there. Bee :)
umashanker Sep 21, 2005 at 7:40 AM Report Abuse

Haunting Pictures by Psychiatric Patients of Saint Hans Hospital deserve due regards.Tribute to the artists & thanks to you.
BluBluBlu Sep 19, 2005 at 2:47 AM Report Abuse

Liked the 'Bluetooth City' comment!;) Nice pages...Blu
CliffClaven Feb 3, 2005 at 3:51 AM Report Abuse

And she told her mother she was going to look at hulks.....
ginte Nov 21, 2004 at 6:25 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful page on Roskilde! Thanks for sharing! I'm going to be there soon also;-) Best wishes and happy travelling!
truus_s Apr 21, 2004 at 5:31 AM Report Abuse

Roskilde is a great place!!