Roskilde Fjord

Experience Roskilde Fjord

Roskilde Fjord, 4-5 meters deep in most places, is ideal for various types of sailing and has been used for transportation and fishing since ancient times. There are cosy harbours along the fjord, the national park’s numerous bathing sites offering the perfect spot to frolic in the water. Walk or cycle along the Fjord Path (Fjordstien) around the fjord and spend the night in a tent or shelter, or in less primitive conditions such as a hotel, hostel or campsite.

Nature of international significance

Roskilde Fjord has been designated an international nature conservation area (Natura 2000), committing us to protecting a large number of the fjord’s many bird species and special nature areas along the coast. Denmark’s largest bird, the white-tailed eagle (also known as the flying barn door due to its immense 2.45-meter wingspan), breeds in the surrounding landscape and can often be seen floating high above the fjord.

Bird watching

There are plenty of opportunities to experience the fjord’s birdlife, with the landscape providing resting and feeding grounds of international significance for waterfowl. Every autumn the area attracts 30,000 to 60,000 birds, often even more in the winter. In spring and summer gulls, terns, swans, eiders, geese, ducks and many other birds breed on the fjord’s islets and islands. As a result, these areas are closed to the public from 1 April to 15 July. Please do not disturb the birds when using or roaming around the fjord.

Fishing

Since the hunter-gatherer Stone Age, people have fished the waters of the fjord, which remains a favourite fishing spot for anglers and recreational fishermen. The fjord contains brackish water and is home to both saltwater and freshwater fish, but also migratory fish like eel and sea trout, which spawns in the national park’s streams in November and December.

By foot

Fjordstien, or Fjord Path, is 275 km of hiking and biking trails along Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord that follows old field and forest roads, often in close proximity to the coast.

On the water

Beautiful Roskilde Fjord offers kayaking, boating, bird watching, swimming and fishing. To take an organised sailing trip, contact the Viking Ship Museum, the Maritime Research Centre, Sagafjord, SS Skjelskør steamboat and M/S Svanen.

Sleep under open skies

There are excellent opportunities for primitive overnight stays at a campsite or in a shelter in the national park. Find the sites and booking at udinaturen.dk and friluftsguiden.dk.

Please be considerate

Because the birdlife is vulnerable to disturbances, please be considerate when you’re on or near the fjord. During the breeding season from 1 April to 15 July the islands and islets are off limits. Please also be mindful of the landowners and local residents. Greet the people you meet and follow the park rules. Please take your waste with you and leave only footprints behind.