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ADVENTURES IN DENMARK
Who’s heard of Roskilde, Denmark? You might ask your kids. Europe’s largest rock concert gathering—modeled on Woodstock—occurs there annually over four days at the end of June. VIKING SHIP ON THE ROSKILDE FJORD
Roskilde traces its origin to the Viking Age around the 990’s. The area was densely populated throughout ancient times. Nearby Lejre was a central place of worship and a Zealand chieftain's seat. Viking King Harald Bluetooth is credited with the founding of Roskilde. He built the first wooden church – likely where the cathedral now stands – and is buried at the Cathedral.
THE LEJRE OPEN AIR MUSEUM The Viking Ship Museum is located on the waterfront of the beautiful Roskilde Fjord. Its existence results from the local discovery of five ancient Viking boats, now restored and on display in the museum. Watch boat builders working on the reconstruction of a 30-meter long Viking warship. Observe the archeological conservation of 9 more ships found near Roskilde. During the summer months short and long sailing excursions in the museum’s vessels are possible. The Museum Harbour is the home of a collection of Viking Ship replicas and other Nordic utility vessels. Roskilde Priory is an elegant 1560 manor house converted to a home for unmarried Danish noblewomen. The
Lejre Research Centre - just 15 minutes away by train or car from Roskilde - is a
living open-air museum devoted to Iron Age (Viking) life which once flourished here. ACTIVITIES: Sailing on the Roskilde Fjord is possible by Viking ship, cruise boat, or by ferry. Take along your bike on the ferry and ride back to Roskilde through the scenic Danish countryside. Swimming,
windsurfing, and sailing on the Roskilde Fjord. The museum also offers sailing in
the original Viking ships (on request). RIDE AN ANTIQUE TROLLEY IN THE
DANISH WOODLAND Spend a day riding, exploring, walking, and picnicking at the Skjoldenæsholm Tram (Trolley) Museum, not far from Roskilde. These trolleys are cute, but they’re not toys—they’re refugees from the now defunct city tram systems of Copenhagen, Odense, and Århus. See: http://www.sporvejsmuseet.dk/ TOURING: Riding Denmark’s longest narrow-gauge railway, the Hedeland Vintage Railway, a short trip from Roskilde. See http://www.ibk.dk/ ROMANTIC LEDREBORG PALACE
Exploring one of Denmark’s greatest manor houses, the 18th century Ledreborg Palace, called "the most romantic privately-owned palace in Denmark." A 10-minute drive from Roskilde. See: http://www.ledreborgslot.dk/uk/
The Roskilde Museum houses some 60,000 artifacts documenting 1,000 years of cultural history at Roskilde from pre-historic Viking times to the 1970’s. Museet for Samtidskunst (Museum of Contemporary Art) "Word, Image, Sound" housed in the Palace in Roskilde, a beautiful building from the year 1736. Exhibitions, performance, film, dance, concerts. See: http://www.mfsk.dk/ St. Joergensbjerg Church was a village church dating from 1040—making it one of Denmark’s oldest buildings. Gl. Vor Frue Kirke—another 1,000-year-old church originally a cloister for Benedictine nuns at the time the Vikings were converting to Christianity.
More information about Home at First's travel program to: SCANDINAVIA. |
ROSKILDE,
DENMARK—
But if that is more of a
reason NOT to go to this pretty, upscale, historic town on Zealand’s Roskilde Fjord
on the days just before July, then here are a few dozen reasons to add Roskilde to your
Scandinavia tour itinerary.
HISTORY:
CULTURE IN ROSKILDE: