Further afield from Copenhagen

10 am set off and one hour’s drive to the Viking Ship Museum at Roskilde. I am struck by the complete lack of rubbish on the pristine streets-no litter at all to be found. There is the odd poor soul scouring the litter bins for empty cans so perhaps money can be had for returning these. Bike lanes everywhere and woe betide those who step out to cross the road without looking out for cyclists. Motorway traffic was sparse to say the least as the outskirts of Copenhagen were left behind-a nice change from the M60!
Nice and sunny today but with a cool breeze. One and a half hour visit to learn about the Vikings and see the 5 long boats salvaged from the Roskilde Fjord. There was a film to give you the facts plus demos of boat building, rope making, sail making and you could even go for a ride on a long boat.
Onwards then to Roskilde Cathedral. Roskilde used to be the capital and 40 kings and queens are laid to rest there. Queen Marguerite II has designed her sarcophagus and has got her niche ready for the big day! Her father and mother are bizarrely outside of the cathedral in an unmarked but closed off area of their own. A quick smorgasbord again for lunch before going to visit Frederiksborg Castle, which comprises both the Museum of Natural History and the Danish National Portrait Gallery. This Renaissance Castle dates back to the time of Christian IV (1588-1648) who liked to gather lots of stuff and show it off! Impressive garden at the back too. Back at the hotel for 6pm.Read more