Visiting Roskilde Cathedral and The Viking Ship Museum

One of the main objectives of our Study Abroad Program included studying Danish culture. Roskilde Cathedral plays a significant role in the history and culture of Denmark. We walked through the center of the city towards Roskilde Cathedral and passed through some beautiful shopping areas.

The shopping district in Roskilde was quaint! Caution, shopping in Roskilde and Denmark in general is very expensive.

Roskilde Domkirke (or Roskilde Cathedral in English) is an amazing monument to and showplace of Denmark history. Since the 12th century, Roskilde Cathedral has served as a royal burial place for nearly 40 Danish Kings and Queens.  It has at least 11 chapels and crypts that branch off from the main cathedral area.

Roskilde Cathedral is very old. It was built in the 12th century and has been expanded many times over the years.

The interior of Roskilde Cathedral was stunning! Our tour guide gave us individual headsets so we can hear the dialogue despite our position in the group. This allowed each tour group some privacy as we progressed through the cathedral. When you have multiple tour groups moving through the cathedral, it can be distracting. The Danish were focused on using innovative technology to ensure tourists have a positive experience.

Here is the monument to Christian III in Roskilde Domkirke.

Here is the sarcophagus at Roskilde Domkirke for King Frederik V.

Here is the sarcophagus of Danish Queen Margrethe. Margaret was the first queen of Denmark, although Danish law did not officially recognize her as a queen. She ruled over Denmark, Norway and Sweden and she fought to win back terrorities that Denmark has lost previously. She was a powerful woman and fought strongly for the country.

As you can see from the photos, the Danish pay a great deal of attention to detail. Creativity and artistry are key artifacts of the Danish culture.

We proceeded to walk down the steep hill to the Viking Ship Museum and the Roskilde Fjord. It was a beautiful journey through a lush, green walking path. Roskilde has invested significant resources in ensuring they have plenty of green space available for residents, students and tourists.

The Viking Ship Museum was built in 1969 as a monument to the five ships that were sunk at Skuldelev in the Roskilde Fjord. Around the year 1070, the king ordered the sinking of five viking ships to protect Roskilde from enemy attacks. Excavations began in the 1960’s and all five ships were successfully excavated and restored.

This Viking Ship is ready to set sail in the Roskilde Fjord!

These two ships have been repaired and are on display in the museum.

Roskilde’s Viking Ship Museum was impressive. It is interesting to think that these ships that were built around 1070, spent years sitting at the bottom at the Fjord and yet they were able to be successfully restored. It is a true testament to Denmark’s focus on and commitment to high quality building processes and supplies. How many products that are produced now could withstand this test of weather and time?