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Famous for its high energy Roskilde Festival, Roskilde is a Danish town that is a major player on Europe’s modern music map. Beyond the raucous festival scene, the likes of Metallica and Nirvana aren’t its only talents, as Roskilde is brimming with history, culture and Scandinavian allure. It’s home to a wonderful Viking Ship Museum, as well as a towering cathedral that’s favoured as a burial site by Danish royalty.

Thanks to two centrally located pedestrian shopping streets, Roskilde has become a mecca for those craving a little retail therapy. Algade and Skomagergade are lined with both local and international brands, while the city’s old town never fails to enchant visitors with its Nordic style architecture.

Just 30-kilometres from Copenhagen, Roskilde is a popular day trip from the Danish capital. It’s a 35-minute drive west, or an even shorter 30-minute train journey. Walking is the best way to explore the city, with its pedestrian-friendly streets making it easy for visitors to wine, dine and shop.

As the former capital of Denmark, Roskilde has roots that date back to the Viking Age. During medieval times it was a vibrant trading centre, as well as the beating heart of Danish Catholicism. When Copenhagen was renamed as capital in the early 15th century, Roskilde experienced a population slump, though it’s this administrative shift that has helped the city retain its original charm.