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Roskilde Cathedral

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Roskilde Cathedral is a masterpiece of Brick Gothic architecture and the traditional burial site for Danish monarchs. Construction began in the 12th century under Bishop Absalon on the foundations of an older wooden church. It was the first Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia to be built almost entirely of brick, which popularized this architectural style throughout the Baltic region. Within the cathedral's chapels and crypts rest nearly 40 Danish kings and queens, including Harald Bluetooth, Christian IV, and Margrethe II. The architecture reflects eight hundred years of Danish history and evolving artistic styles, from Romanesque remnants to modern burial chapels. Since 1995, the cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beyond its religious significance, it serves as a symbol of the continuity of the Danish monarchy. Visitors can admire the magnificent interior, the Antwerp altarpiece, and the artistically crafted sarcophagi. The cathedral towers over the Roskilde Fjord, forming the spiritual heart of the former Danish capital.

Location: Denmark
Top sights: Museet for Samtidskunst · Roskilde Cathedral · Roskilde Museum
Nearby: Taastrup (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	1	3	7	12	15	18	18	15	10	6	3
Rain mm	60	48	43	35	48	68	70	82	55	69	61	63

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Roskilde Cathedral is an active church and open to visitors. Admission is charged, and you can see the interior including the royal tombs.

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Typical hours

Opening hours vary by season; the cathedral is typically open from morning until late afternoon. Sundays and public holidays often have reduced hours.

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Photography

Photography inside is allowed without flash. The magnificent royal tombs and Gothic architecture provide excellent subjects.

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Time needed

Visiting the interior takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you also want to see the crypt and the adjacent museum, allow one hour.

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Combine with

Combine the cathedral with the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde. The town also provides a photogenic harbor and good restaurants.

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Getting there

The cathedral is centrally located in Roskilde, within walking distance of the station. By car, there are parking lots nearby, which may charge a fee.

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Insider tip

Visit the cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds. The crypt is especially impressive and often quieter than the main nave.

Geography

Coordinates

55.64210, 12.08090

Facts

UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995
Final resting place of 39 Danish monarchs
First major Gothic brick building in Scandinavia
Constructed primarily between 1170 and 1280
Home to the elaborate tomb of King Christian IV
The cathedral towers reach a height of 75 meters

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Roskilde<1 km · SWExplore →

Roskilde Bakke2 km · NWExplore →

Boserup4 km · WExplore →

Skjoldungernes Land National Park9 km · WExplore →

Taastrup13 km · EExplore →

Karlslunde14 km · SEExplore →

Greve14 km · SEExplore →

Solrod14 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Roskilde Cathedral (10)

Museet for Samtidskunst 🏛 museum

Institution in Denmark, museum of contemporary art in Roskilde.

🌐 samtidskunst.dk

Roskilde Cathedral

Cathedral in Denmark, Gothic brick building, burial site of Danish kings.

🌐 roskildedomkirke.dk

Roskilde Museum 🏛 museum

Cultural history museum in Roskilde, Denmark, about the city's history.

Maglekilden

Building in Denmark, a spring in Roskilde.

Ayasofya Moské

Mosque in Roskilde, place of worship for the Muslim community.

Sct. Hans Kirketomt

Foundations of St. Hans Church and cemetery, including canon residence.

Skt. Laurentii Kirke

Church building in Roskilde Municipality, a medieval church.

Roskilde Kloster

Dominican priory in Roskilde, Denmark, a medieval monastery.

Roskilde Klosterkirke

Church building in Roskilde Municipality, the monastery church.

Håndværksmuseet🏛 museum

Museum in Roskilde, showcasing traditional crafts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are Danish kings buried here?

Yes, the cathedral is the traditional burial site of Danish monarchs, with nearly 40 tombs.

How much is the entrance fee?

Adults pay about 70 DKK. Children under 18 usually have free entry.

Is the cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes, it was listed in 1995 as one of the earliest brick Gothic structures in Northern Europe.

How long is the trip from Copenhagen?

The train ride takes about 20-30 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station to Roskilde.

Is photography allowed inside?

Yes, private photography without flash is allowed, except during church services.

Roskilde Cathedral: where is it located?

Roskilde Cathedral is located in Denmark.

Roskilde Cathedral: what is there to see?

Highlights include Museet for Samtidskunst, Roskilde Cathedral, Roskilde Museum.

Roskilde Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Roskilde Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?

Roskilde Cathedral is a masterpiece of Brick Gothic architecture and the traditional burial site for Danish monarchs.

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Roskilde Cathedral

Best time to visit & climate