Viking Ship Museum is located outside Copenhagen so you need to ride the train and bus in order to reach the museum. For our second day in Copenhagen, we woke up early and left the hotel before 9AM. From Copenhagen Central Station we took a train to Roskilde Station, travel time is more or less 30 minutes. From Roskilde Station, you can ride Bus 203 or walk. Since we did not see any bus, we decided to walk than waste our time waiting for the bus. It was a long 2 kilometers walk with a kid in tow, we reached the Viking Ship Museum before it opened.
On your way to the Viking Ship Hall, you will already see the Boatyard, Museum Harbour and Labyrinth or Trojaborg. So while waiting for the Museum, my son tried this Trojaborg. According to the signboard, “In Scandinavia, Trojaborg is often associated with the superstitions of sailors and fishermen. It could help to contain ominous winds or act as a trap for the fairy folk, who persecuted people and brought bad luck. Today, it is used as a form of meditation which gives focus and inner peace.”
Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde was built in 1969, it focuses on the Viking’s Maritime craftmanship, boat collection, and of course, it showcases the five original Viking ships that were excavated in 1962. These Skundelev ships were deliberately sunk in Roskilde Fjord, it served as a protective barrier from their enemy. The five ships range from cargo to warships and they are witnessed to war, trade and sea voyagers during 1070.
Viking Ship Museum is FREE if you have the Copenhagen Card. Just show your pass and the staff will give you a bracelet. We watched the 14 minutes introduction film at their cinema, just ask the staff for the schedule if you prefer a specific language. Available languages are Danish, English, French, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and German.
The Viking Ships
Then we started exploring the Museum Exhibits, we saw the different type of Skuldelev Ships. Imagine these ships were sunk and now you can still see some parts that have survived throughout these years.
Skuldelev 1 - Ottar - The Ocean-Going Trader
It is the large ocean-going cargo ship from Sognefjord in Western Norway. It sailed over the North Sea, Baltic Sea and North Atlantic.
Skuldelev 2 - Havhingsten fra Glendalough - The Great Longship
It is a war machine that is built to carry 65-70 warriors manning the oars at high speed. The ship moves even without the wind.
Skuldelev 3 - Roar Edge - The Coastal Trader
A small, elegant, and sturdy trading ship that was built for transporting goods in Danish Coastal waters and Baltic Sea.
Skuldelev 5 - Helge Ask - The Small Longship
It is one of the smallest longships in war fleet and ideal for sailing in Danish coastal water and Baltic Sea.
Skuldelev 6 - Kraka Fyr and Skjoldungen - The Fishing Vessel
It is a fishing boat and transport boat that was built in the Sognefjord in Western Norway.
Climb Aboard and Dress Like a Viking
At the end of the exhibitions, there is Climb Aboard where you can see, hear, feel and sense how Vikings sail across the open sea. There are two ships complete with equipment and trading goods which guest can explore. To complete the experience, you can also wear a costume and take a picture with the Viking Ships. It is just hard to take photos because there are also other guests.
Special Exhibitions and Museum Shop
There is also a special exhibition which showcases the history of Skuldelev Ships, how they preserve and reconstruct it. Before going out, you can also buy souvenirs at their souvenir shops, you can buy books, jewelry, decoration, and textile.
The Viking Ship Hall is not that big, you only need at least an hour to explore it. I chose the Viking Ship Museum in Denmark because I thought that we could ride the Nordic boat and sail out on Roskilde Fjord but unfortunately, it is only open from May 1 to September 30. During high season and holidays, they also offer some activities and workshops such as woodcutting and willow weaving.
Anyway, we’re still happy to see the Viking Ship Museum. From here, you can also visit The Roskilde Cathedral which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Watch the video here
Read: Day 1 in Copenhagen Denmark
Roskilde Cathedral
Viking Ship Museum Admission Fee
DKK150 Adult
FREE Child (0-17 yrs old)
FREE - Copenhagen Card
Opening Hours
01.01 - 30.04 10AM to 4PM
01.05 - 21:10 - 10AM to 5PM
22.10 - 30.12 - 10AM to 4PM
Closed on December 24, 25 and 31.
Winter and Easter Holidays 10AM to 5PM
Boat Trips -01.05 - 30.09
Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde Denmark
Vindeboder 12, 4000, Roskilde
Train: Roskilde
Bus: 203 (From Roskilde Station)
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