Ten centuries ago, at the end of the Viking era, five ships were sunk in the Roskilde fjord to create a dam near the village of Skuldelev. Today, after being refloated and carefully reconstructed, they are on display in the Vikingeskibsmuseet (Roskilde Viking Ship Museum), which presents the history of navigation and Scandinavian maritime culture between Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Young and old alike can climb aboard the replicas of these 1,000-year-old ships and take the whole family on a voyage back in time to the days of the Vikings.
👉 For an even more immersive experience, discover our guided tour “The Vikings at the National Museum“, a captivating experience where you will plunge into the world of these legendary warriors and explorers through authentic artefacts and fascinating stories. An ideal indoor adventure to round off your discovery of Denmark’s Viking heritage! 🔗 For more information, click here
The 5 ships of Skuldelev
In 1962, archaeological excavations were carried out near the village of Skuldelev and five Viking ships saw the light of day after nearly 900 years in the Roskilde fjord. Today, these five shipwrecks and their replicas amaze visitors.
What’s special about these ships is that each of them had a different role. This gives us an glimpse into Danish society during the Viking era. The Skuldelev 1 was a ship designed for the high seas.
With a crew of 6 to 8 men, it was probably used by merchants. The Skuldelev 2, around 30 metres long, was an ocean-going warship made of oak and could accommodate up to 70 warriors. Its narrow, tapering shape gave it great potential for speed.
The Skuldelev 3 was a small coastal vessel used to transport both cargo and people. It was mainly sailed, but during manoeuvres and over short distances in flat calm conditions, it could also be rowed.
The Skuldelev 5 was one of the smallest longboats in a war fleet. Finally, the Skuldelev 6 was probably built for fishing. However, alterations carried out on this boat suggest that it was used for transport rather than fishing. Replicas of these five boats are all on display in the museum’s harbour.
The Vikingeskibsmuseet
Vikingeskibsmuseet is an interactive museum run by an association of local volunteers. These maritime history and Viking enthusiasts bring the project to life and know their subject inside out. They are happy to answer questions from children and parents alike.
The museum can be divided into two distinct parts: firstly, the room housing the 5 boats, and secondly the shipyard where archaeological research is carried out. Start your visit with an introductory film session. The film about Skuldelev’s 5 Viking ships is shown in several languages and lasts 14 minutes. Go to the reception desk to find out when the next screening in French is. Who knows, we might even programme it just for you!
In the museum’s harbour, the whole family can climb aboard two of the five replicas. Would you prefer to discover the world of Viking merchants aboard the merchant ship loaded with goods, or would you dare to board the warship ready for battle?
Excursions on the fjord
During the warmer months, experienced instructors offer daily excursions on the Roskilde fjord. During this nautical escapade, they will introduce you to the fjord, the history of the Danish Vikings and their maritime techniques. First come, first served. Don’t delay in booking your place on board. An experience that will delight children aged 4 and over, as well as their parents! For safety reasons, participants are asked to understand and speak English.
A museum for all the family
For lovers of riddles and adventure, pick up a booklet from the ticket office or museum shop (available in English or Danish for 25 DKK) and set off to solve the various missions and learn more about the Viking era. Learn the art of the sun compass or decipher the language of the wind. Find out the differences between warships and merchant ships. With this activity, the Vikings, their clothing, their ships and the runic alphabet will no longer hold any secrets for you.
During the summer season, the museum also offers special activities for children. Outside, young and old alike can play as the Vikings did over 1,000 years ago. Enjoy games of strategy such as throwing Thor’s hammer or the mooring rope. Budding Vikings can show off their strength by trying their hand at tug-of-war or swinging heavy swords.
Creative activities have also been set up for the more hands-on. Children can try their hand at being a coin minter and minting their own coins. They can also decorate their own wooden shields. The more erudite can learn the runic alphabet and take Thor’s hammer and engrave their own name in runes. The more stylish can also make necklaces with beautiful Arabic beads.
How to get there
The Viking Ship Museum is located along the Roskilde fjord, around thirty kilometres from the Danish capital. By car, it takes around 40 minutes on motorway 21 (Holbækmotorvejen, which links Copenhagen and Holbæk via Roskilde) or around 45 minutes on the E20. The museum has a large free car park. If you prefer public transport, take one of the regional trains or the 203 bus to Roskilde station and then enjoy a pleasant 1.6-kilometre walk through the old town, Roskilde Cathedral and a small woodland path.
Marie-Cerise, 5 October 2020
Last updated: 27 March 2025
Source and inspiration: https://www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/
