Viking Ship Museum — Attraction in Skandinavia

The museum is great. Very different from any other museums I have seen. However, some of the staff were not of much help. I entered the building asking to purchase a ticket for the ship and it was hard to get directions from someone. When we finally found the ticket office a very nice lady told us the 11am ship was sold out, so we had to wait until 12:15. We had tried to book online earlier in the morning, but the website wouldn't let me check out. So we waited.

We visited some of the exhibitions and went to the meeting point at 12:05 as agreed. After waiting for 10 minutes, someone comes and tell us she doesn't really know much, but that our trip is delayed, so she tells us to come back later. That we do. We wait again, and after a little while someone else comes and tells us the trip is cancelled because of the weather.

Now, I'm not sailor, and I understand that even though it was a very beautiful day and It didn't feel windy, they know better and look for everyone's safety. What was a little upsetting was that we missed other things because of the very long and unnecessary wait, and the lack of information given. We spent over 4 hours in total just because we were waiting for the ship trip, otherwise It would have taken us no more than two, and in the end we couldn't make it.

They have a lot of very nice stuff there though, and the museum is great. We really enjoyed our visit despite the little situation, and didn't let that small thing ruin our experience or our day.

I'm still waiting for the refund of 280dkk...

While the museum facility and pieces themselves were beautiful and such an amazing treat to experience, do be careful in dealing with the museum store staff.

Due to the rains when I went there, I was forced to buy an umbrella that was DKK 199. I initially had not looked at the price, and having been told of Danish honesty, did not think much when I was charged DKK 279 for it. The umbrella was of good quality so I thought ok, that must be the price. It was only when I checked my credit card and the price tag on the umbrella that I realized the price discrepancy.

I went back to the store and tried to have a refund of the extra but the two older ladies in the counter refused to process anything unless I had a receipt, as they wanted to confirm if I had bought anything else. I wasn't given one, and I admit to a bit of a fault on my end here for not asking for one. They didn't even bother going out of their way to check the transaction records to help me out. They just didn't want to bother themselves with it.

So I guess that kills off any good experience I have with this place, which is a shameful introduction to a tourist like myself into Danish culture. It runs contrary to what I have generally experienced from Danish establishments - that I can feel secure knowing that I would receive help when clearly no ill intent on my part is evident, and not worry that I will be cheated on, or stolen from. But this incident basically leaves a bad taste in the mouth for me about the place, and I now chose not to...

An unforgettable experience for anyone who loves Norse history and mythology! The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde is not just a museum - it’s a journey into the heart of the Viking world. Standing face to face with actual ships that once sailed the seas over a thousand years ago gave me chills. These vessels, recovered from the Roskilde Fjord, are deeply tied to the seafaring spirit of the Norse people.

If you're passionate about Nordic mythology, this place is a dream. You can easily imagine these ships as the kind that carried warriors who worshipped Odin, sailed under Thor’s protection, and told tales of Loki’s mischief by the fire. The longships here evoke the legendary drakkars - dragon-headed ships said to sail across Midgard and into mythic battles.

The museum also shows how real Viking life blended seamlessly with the mythological world. The sea wasn't just water - it was sacred and feared, ruled by gods and creatures from the sagas. The craftsmanship of the ships reflects this reverence.

There are also live demonstrations of traditional boatbuilding using ancient tools, and you can even sail in replica Viking ships yourself - a truly immersive way to feel like part of a saga.

Beautifully located on the fjord, this museum is a must-visit. Whether you're a history buff, a mythology lover, or both, this is one of the most inspiring and atmospheric...