Churches to Visit in Denmark

Denmark is a country of brick churches and whitewashed village churches. This chapter begins with the most important of them, Roskilde Cathedral, where Denmark’s kings and queens have been buried for six centuries.

The red brick front and twin spires of Roskilde Cathedral — Roskilde Cathedral — where this guide to Denmark begins. Photograph by Johan Wessman / News Oresund on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

Roskilde is an easy half-day trip from Copenhagen, and the Viking Ship Museum is a short walk downhill from the cathedral.

Where to start

Roskilde Cathedral

About forty kings and queens, a medieval clock with St George and the dragon, and the King’s Pillar.

Roskilde, near Copenhagen

Practical notes

At a glance
Admission	Roskilde charges for the royal tombs; most parish churches are free
Closures	Working churches close for funerals, weddings and services; check calendars
Getting around	Roskilde is 25 minutes by train from Copenhagen

Coming next

Ribe Cathedral, often called the oldest in Denmark, and Copenhagen’s Marble Church are the obvious next additions.