The Viking Ship Museum - Press information

The Five Original Ships

The exhibition of the Viking Ship Museum includes five, unique Viking ships, discovered in 1962 during excavations in Roskilde Fjord, near the village of Skuldelev. The end of the Viking period (the late 11th century) saw the construction of a barrier system to protect the Cathedral and royal city of Roskilde. The five Skuldelev ships originate from a barrier approx. 20 km north of Roskilde. The ships were lowered across the fairway, thus contributing to an efficient fortification.

The Reconstructions

At the Viking Ship Museum boatbuilders reconstruct full-scale Viking ships, using replicas of the Vikings’ tools. They reconstruct the form of the ships on the basis of the original, preserved ship parts. During the summer, the reconstructions are moored in the Museum’s harbour, unless they are out sailing.

Exhibitions and activities at the Viking ship Museum

Feel the presence of history when you stand before the five original Viking ships that bear witness to war, trade and sea voyages to distant places.

The Viking Ship Museum focuses on the Vikings maritime craftsmanship and their impressive ships. Follow the work in the Boatyard, visit our large boat collection in the Museum Harbour and try your hand at Viking crafts.

Wikingerschiffe in Roskilde
Erleben Sie die fünf originalen Wikingerschiffe, die Zeugnis von Krieg, Handel und Seereisen zu weit entfernten Orten tragen. Das Museum konzentriert sich auf die maritime Handwerkskunst der Wikinger und ihrer eindrucksvollen Schiffen. Folgen Sie der Arbeit auf der Bootswerft. Besuchen Sie unsere Grosse Bootssammlung im Museumshafen und probieren Sie selbst das Handwerk der Wikinger aus.

Go sailing on Roskilde Fjord!

Step on board a Viking ship, row out into the fjord and set sail. If you are over 4 years old, you can go sailing with us. Daily boat trips from the Museum Harbour from 1 May until 30 September.

Segeln Sie hinaus auf den Roskilde Fjord!
Steigen Sie an Bord eines Wikingerschiffes, rudern Sie raus auf den Fjord und setzen Sie das Segel. Bist du über 4 Jahre, kannst du mitsegeln kommen. Tägliche Segeltörns vom Museumshafen 1. Mai bis 30. September.

Museum for all – year round!

Exciting exhibitions – Films about the Viking ships and Sea Stallion from Glendalough – Dress as a Viking and imagine yourself back in the Viking Age - Go on board Viking ships – Activities for children – Boatyard – Museum Harbour – Museum Shop with Scandinavian design – Eat New Nordic Viking Food.

History for all the senses

Look, feel, smell and try. From May until September you can meet the museum’s craftsmen and try your hand at making rope, creating wickerwork, carve patterns in wood or shape glowing iron at the blacksmith.
The Museum’s boatyard is open on weekdays year round and from 1 May until 30 September also during weekends.

Group visits

The Viking Ship Museum is a popular destination for groups and offer a perfect setting for new experiences. We organize exclusive sailing trips, guided tours and activities for your group excursion, family or business arrangement. Enjoy our special group offers including food with flavours from the Vikings’ World.

New Nordic Viking Food

Eat New Nordic Viking Food with flavours from the Vikings’ World at Café Knarr or Restaurant Snekken, or bring your own picnic to enjoy outdoors.

Transport. Free car park. Train to Roskilde. From Roskilde station bus route 203 or about 20 minutes’ walk.