Roskilde, which is one of Denmark's oldest cities, has Viking ships, a cathedral, a university, a national laboratory, and of course, Roskilde Festival.
Roskilde Festival. Photograph: Bent Næsby.
Vikings and royal tombs
Roskilde was a Viking trading place more than 1000 years ago. At the Viking Ship Museum, which is located at Roskilde Harbour, you can see remains of Viking ships from the 11th century and sail like a Viking out on the fjord. At Lejre Experimental Centre just outside Roskilde, you can chop wood with Stone Age axes and see aurochs.
In the centre of Roskilde is Roskilde Cathedral, the burial place of Danish kings and queens. The church is an early example of French-influenced gothic architecture and features on UNESCO’s list of world cultural heritage.
Music festival and university
Roskilde also offers a modern cultural life with pedestrianised shopping streets and squares. During the summer, Roskilde Festival, which is northern Europe's largest culture and music festival, attracts thousands of people.
Roskilde is also home to Roskilde University and Risø, which conducts scientific and technical research which provides Danish society with new technological opportunities.