Day 4

Trip Start Jul 12, 2004

Trip End Jul 18, 2004

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Flag of Denmark Roskilde, Denmark
Friday, July 16, 2004

About 20 minutes by train from N�rreport station is the town of Roskilde. The first capital city of Denmark, it boasts a wealth of history, far surpassing its first appearance as a small sleepy market town.

The main reason for our visit was the Vikingeskibs Museet (Viking Ship Museum). Housed in a listed late-60's concrete brutalist building are the well-preserved remains of five Viking ships scuttled at the entrance to the shallow Roskilde fjord around 1060 AD. These were carefully lifted off the sea-bed in 1962, after which the timbers underwent a long series of treatment and conservation processes. Five different types of Viking vessel are represented from the massive 30 foot longship - capable of transporting a force of 80 Viking warriors across the sea to the UK, the rest of Europe and beyond, to trading ships and fishing boats. The excellent guided tour was conducted in English by an enthusiastic student from Copenhagen University

1] Restored Viking Boat

. All aspects of the boat-building process are documented in the galleries, from selecting the correct timber, the tools that were used in construction and the sails and rigging. There is also a temporary exhibition detailing the Vikings relationship with Ireland.

Across a small bridge is the Museum island, where a collection of replica boats is on display. The team there are currently building a replica of the 30 metre longship, due to be launched in September 2004, and they are planning to sail it to Dublin in a couple of years time. For an additional charge you can join a group for a sail out into the fjord, and so far this has been the highlight of our trip. Skippered by a kiwi called Dylan, who instructed us in Danish and English, we rowed our Viking vessel out into the fjord and then raised the large linen square sail. Even in a slight breeze, we got up to about 8 knots. It was an amazing experience: you could really feel how a Viking ship could function, and we would thoroughly recommend the whole experience to any visitor to Denmark.

We were so enthralled by the Viking ships, we left little time to explore the rest of the town. The Domkirke (Cathedral) is worth a visit: it is the burial place of Danish kings and queens since approximately Viking times. Unlike in the UK, the Danish monarchy seem to go in for big flashy coffins (black velvet seems to be a particular favourite!) and marble mausoleums.The cathedral itself looks huge outside, but the main nave is surprisingly narrow. The external appearance is due to the addition of numerous chapels to house the bodies of the royals.

This evening we will be heading to Tivoli to see what all the fuss is about!

Roskilde hotels Slideshow