Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Since Roskilde is so close to Copenhagen, you might think it would be so much
like Denmark's capital city that a day excursion there would be pointless. On the
contrary, Roskilde is as different from Copenhagen as night is from day. Known as
the “Town of Viking Ships and Royal Tombs,” Roskilde warrants a visit. In fact, it is
difficult to see all that you might want to see in Roskilde in just one day. We recom-
mend at least three things to do during your day excursion: (1) visit the cathedral,
(2) take a guided tour, and (3) visit the Viking Ship Museum.
Roskilde's twin-spired, redbrick Domkirke (cathedral) dominates the skyline. Its
construction was begun in 1170 on the same site where King Harald Bluetooth
erected a church in A.D. 960. Today it's considered Denmark's most important me-
dieval building and is inscribed on the World Heritage List. This international at-
traction has been the burial place of Danish royalty for centuries. Thirty-nine kings
and queens of Denmark are buried there, representing the longest reign of family
monarchy in the world. Tel: 46 31 65 65; www.roskildedomkirke.dk .
The cathedral is one of Denmark's first brick buildings, and it is said that it has
as many tales to tell as it has bricks in its walls. Originally, a limestone edifice was
erected on the foundation of Harald Bluetooth's church, only to be torn down and
slowly replaced by the current brick structure, which was completed in 1280.
Some less significant but nevertheless interesting features of the cathedral are
its granite measuring column and a 500-year-old clock. The column was used to
measure the height of royal visitors. The tallest, Peter the Great of Russia, checked
in at 6 feet 10 inches! The clock features Saint George and the dragon. For nearly
500 years, Saint George has mounted his trusty horse each hour and attacked
the dragon, which screams in pain before going off to dragon heaven to be refur-
bished for the next hour's performance. Hours (except when services are being
conducted): April-September: 0900-1700 Monday-Saturday, 1230-1700 Sunday;
October-March: 1000-1600 Tuesday-Saturday, 1230-1600 Sunday. Admission is
DKK 60 for adults; under 18 free. Guided tours available. Tel: 46 35 16 24.
If you visit Roskilde on a Wednesday or a Saturday morning, you will find the
city's market in full operation. The market is unique in that it isn't limited to the sale
of meats, poultry, fish, and produce—the usual bill of fare that you find throughout
Europe. The market activities include a flea market that could rival the best Amer-
ican garage sale ever held. All of this activity takes place in the town square, the
Staendertorvet, fronting the Town Hall.
Copenhagen (København)—Roskilde
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