While visiting Copenhagen, don’t limit your sightseeing strictly to the capital city—unless you only have 48 hours. In that case, you’ll just have to come back. (Trust me, Denmark has a way of making that decision for you.)
If you have an extra day, book a tour and let someone else do the driving while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the Danish countryside rolling past your window. My recommendation? The Roskilde, Frederiksborg & Kronborg Day Tour—a full day of Viking history, royal splendor, and Shakespearean drama.
Roskilde Cathedral: Kings, Queens…and Bluetooth?
Our first stop was Roskilde Cathedral in—surprise—Roskilde. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 12th century and has served as the burial place for generations of Danish monarchs.
Legend also claims that Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson is buried here…maybe. Historians still debate his final resting place, but yes, THAT Bluetooth. The wireless technology on your phone is actually named after the Viking king because, much like the technology, he united different things—in his case, Denmark and Norway. Suddenly pairing your earbuds feels a little more medieval.
During the Middle Ages, Roskilde became an important pilgrimage stop along routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims followed the now-famous Camino de Santiago, often recognizing the route by its iconic scallop shell symbol. Standing in the cathedral, it’s easy to imagine weary travelers arriving centuries ago, grateful for a place to rest before continuing their journey.
The Viking Ship Museum
Next came one of my favorite stops—the Viking Ship Museum, also in Roskilde.
The museum is home to the five famous Skuldelev ships, which were deliberately sunk over 900 years ago to help block an important shipping channel. They were rediscovered in the 1960s during construction work and painstakingly excavated and preserved.
One of the highlights of the museum is the working boatyard, where skilled craftsmen recreate Viking ships using traditional techniques. Unfortunately, things were fairly quiet during my visit, but we could still see ongoing projects taking shape. Watching history literally being built by hand is fascinating.
The museum also features excellent permanent exhibits and rotating special exhibitions, making every visit a little different. Needless to say, my Scandinavian Viking ancestry was absolutely loving every minute of it. I resisted the urge to start introducing myself as Sarah Haraldsdóttir.
Frederiksborg Palace: Fit for a King (and Your Camera Roll)
Our journey then jumped forward a few centuries to Frederiksborg Palace, completed in the early 17th century by King Christian IV. As the largest Renaissance palace in the Nordic region, Frederiksborg has housed Denmark’s Museum of National History since 1878. Every room feels grander than the last, filled with portraits, historical paintings, ornate furniture, stained glass, and enough royal décor to make your own living room feel slightly underdressed.
One piece of advice: LOOK UP. Seriously. Some of the most impressive artwork is on the ceilings.
When you reach the Palace Chapel, head up to the second-floor gallery and take another look upward. The beautifully decorated rib-vaulted ceiling is easily one of the highlights of the palace. If you’re visiting during warmer months, save a little time to wander the Baroque gardens as well—they’re every bit as impressive as the palace itself. Lunch is also available here, but don’t linger too long over dessert. You’ll want every extra minute you can squeeze out of this stop.
Kronborg Castle: Hamlet, Holger Danske & a View of Sweden
Our final stop of the day was Kronborg Castle, better known to many as Hamlet’s Castle. Standing at the narrowest point of the Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden, Kronborg has guarded this strategic waterway since the late 1500s. It also happens to be home to one of Denmark’s greatest legends. Deep beneath the castle sleeps the Viking hero Holger Danske. Legend says he will remain asleep until Denmark faces its greatest threat, at which point he’ll awaken, sword in hand, to defend the nation. Let’s all hope he enjoys his nap.
Completed in 1585, Kronborg is surrounded by impressive fortifications, barracks, and massive ramparts that remind visitors this wasn’t just a royal residence—it was a fortress. Unlike Frederiksborg, Kronborg isn’t filled room after room with museum exhibits. Instead, the castle itself is the masterpiece.
Its grand ballroom was once the largest in Northern Europe. Although fires and invading armies claimed much of its original furnishings over the centuries, the beautiful marble floors remain. It’s hard not to imagine centuries of kings, queens, nobles, and perhaps the occasional terrible dancer crossing that very floor.
Before you leave, climb the spiral staircase for sweeping views across the water. On a clear day, you can literally see Sweden. Not many countries let you casually wave at another nation before heading back to your tour bus.
One Last Ride Through History
As we settled in for the relaxing drive back to Copenhagen, I couldn’t help but think what an incredible day it had been. In just one day we explored Viking history, medieval pilgrimage routes, Renaissance palaces, Shakespeare’s famous castle, sleeping heroes, and enough royal history to make even the Tudors jealous.
Not bad for a day trip!
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