Roskilde Viking Museum and sailing

This adventure took place on Saturday, May 14th 2011.

While at Roskilde Cg, Cx and I made our way to the Viking museum near the inlet. When we got there we found out that the museum offers a sailing trip. We all thought it would be a great thing to do. However the lady at the front desk said that there were only two seats left but she would ask the captions when they arrive if it was ok to add another passenger.
I volunteered to be the one to sit out cause there was a jewelery workshop that I could do instead. We told the lady at the front desk that we will be at the cafe getting some lunch. Just as we were about to finish lunch the lady from the front desk come by and said that I was able to join in on the sailing trip. Yeah!!!

The sailing trip was not until 3:30 so we still had time to check out the jewelery workshop. We noticed that the jewelry workshop was more geared towards children but that did not stop Cx and I.  Both of use made some cool necklaces with a Thor's hammer charm. I think the guy who was working at the jewelery workshop got a kick out of two 20 something women making Thor hammer necklaces.

Then it was time to go SAILING!!

The caption was giving us instructions about how to row the boat.

We are all in the boat, and we are getting ready get the oars out of the boat and into the water.

Those oars were solid wood and really heavy but once we got then the oars into the water they were much easier to handle.

We had some great wind that day and a full sail. It was just amazing on how fast we were going once we got the sail up.

You can see in this picture that there was a storm coming. Actually soon after I took this picture we heard a roll of thunder.

Picture of the sail and the Roskilde harbor.

It was just amazing this was my first sailing adventure and even better yet it was in an old Norwegian sailing boat.  It was just amazing.  I am so glad that I was able to do this!!!

After sailing the three of us when into the other building on the museum site where all the old viking ships were on exhibit. 

Roskilde Cathedral

Ever since the early Middle Ages, Roskilde Cathedral has been on of Denmark's most outstanding churches, being cathedral for the diocese of Zealand and from 1923 for the diocese of Roskilde.


At least two churches have preceded the present catedral on the very same site. The first one was a wooden church erected by Harald Blaatand (Bluetooth). During the 11th century it was replaced by one or perhaps two consecutive churches made of travertine. Around 1080, however the church was a three-aisled basilica built by bishop Svend Normand.


In the 1170's bishop Absalon began the erection of the brick church as romanesque church with long and wide transepts. Still, the construction was changed by Peder Suneson (bishop 1191-1214) who was inspired by Gothic cathedral construction in France. The actual church was finished a. 1280, but since then each century has added its own extensions in various styles.


Also the interior oh the cathedral has been considerably changed in the course of time. Before the Reformation in 1536 the cathedral was Catholic. Almost half of the interior formed a closed choir including stalls for all the canons and farthest to the east, the High Altar, Spread in the cathedral and the chapels there were furthermore a considerable number of side alters. After the Reformation the side alters were removed, new furniture was installed for the new Protestant service, and later the choir was opened to the west.


Since the Reformation all Danish Kings and almost all queens have been buried in Roskilde Cathedral; many of them in special Royal Sepulchral Chapels. The Cathedral, however, also holds a few medieval Royal tombs. On the most dignified place, in the middle of the situated the magnificent sarcophagus of Queen Margrete I. 

When Cx, Cg and I walked into the main square where the farmer's market was you could already the top of the church.  Once we got closer we realized how big this place was, it took us a while to walk around the entire building.

While walking around the church it seemed as if portions of it were added in different eras, some sections were very detailed and just amazing. 

 

While walking around we could not find the door which was open to enter inside the church. There were many beautiful doors but we did not see any people come in or out of any of these doors. 

When we finally reached the front of the church it was truly amazing to see the size of front door, and the art work on the door.  I also was amazed by the size of the church it was truly a large beautiful building. 

Cx, Cg and I got frustrated about not finding a way inside (we honestly thought it was closed) decided to go off to the Viking museum.  The Viking museum will get its blog post because it was so much fun.  

After spending hours at the Viking museum we walked past the Roskilde Cathedral again; Cx found a small door on the South side of the church. She said "I am just going to try this door." As she walked closer to the door it suddenly opened and the look of shock on Cx face was priceless. "I was expecting it to be locked" she said.  Cg and I could not stop laughing.

We looked inside and there was a small front desk and the entrance to the church. We ask the lady at the front desk if the church was still open for viewing and she mentioned that only the main portion is open for viewing at no cost. If we wanted to see the burial sites of the all the Kings and Queens it would cost 50 kr and we would have to wait a half an hour. We were already exhausted and did not feel like waiting that long so we just looked inside the main portion. HOWEVER I do plan on going back to see the full tour of the church, I want to see where the majority of the Danish Kings and Queens are buried.

Inside this place was magnificent and huge!

The alter was amazing... it was beautiful and very detailed.

I was able to get a quick glimpse of some burial sites. I am really looking forward to going back to see all the history at this church. I promise there will be tons of pictures.

Thank you for all your love and support.

Prayer day and Borreby Castle

 A bit of history:

Many years ago there were many prayer days throughout the year each on for a different reason may it be a saint or a particular religion. For each one of these prayers day it was a national holiday and some people said it did not make sense to have all the prayer days so instead they made one big prayer day.  The day before this big prayer day it is tradition to walk around a park with a castle or church and then enjoy a piece of bread and a cup of tea. Every one I talked did not know why walking around a park eating bread and having tea is a must on the day before national prayer day.

 The Copenhagen Post wrote:

The Danish nation has [King] Christian V to thank for the holiday, which is celebrated on the fourth Friday after Easter, after he decided in 1686 to group together a number of Roman Catholic feast days, particularly as the country had converted to Protestantism over a century earlier. Traditions include eating a bread called varme hveder, a walk along Langelinie and lots of bell ringing.


Cx found out about an event at a near by castle on the evening before prayer day. The tourist office did not have a lot of info about this event and even after a few phone calls we were not any closer to determining what this event was all about. All we could determine was that every one we spoke to was really excited about the 'old fashion' bus ride to the castle.  But we were both very curious so we had to go.

On Thursday May 19th, After work we got on the bus and took a 30 minute ride to a town call Skælkør. The town is right next to an inlet from the ocean it was a beautiful view.

During our phone calls we found out the a hotel in Skælkør was serving dinner and had an 'old fashion' bus ride to the castle about 2 miles away. When we arrived we were served a nice dinner with bread and wine while eating dinner Cx and I determined that we were the youngest people at this dinner and on the bus ride. We did not mind both of us just wanted to relax and enjoy ourselves.

Once Cx and I arrived at the castle we were pleasantly surprised on how many people were there. We also noticed many people dressed up in Victorian era clothing. The castle was not one of those huge castles you think of but it was still impressive and well preserved.

Chancellor Johan Friis erected this castle in the year 1556, on a little islet, the renaissance castle which - with some alterations over the years -- can still be seen to-day, being one of the oldest buildings in the country. Originally BORREBY had renaissance gables. They were, however, removed - and so were the watchman's gallery in the third story along the north and south walls.  Early in the 17th century the subsequent owner built the east and the west wings of the castle as well as the gatehouse and (to the west) the cart building. All buildings mentioned are under protection. In 1783 major general J.M.H. Castenschiod took over BORREBY, and since then it has been passed on from father to son. The garden with lime tree alleys, bridges and sandstone monument is surrounded by stone fences.

While walking around the castle grounds we watched this gentleman row the little boat up and down the molt around the castle. The castle ground were well kept and some parts were kept wild while walking Cx and I saw a couple deer running through a field along with a great view of the inlet of the ocean.

We were not able to enter the castle but there was plenty of things to see and entrainment that we had plenty of fun.

Here is a video of this small band on horse back:

After crossing the castle bridge of the molt we entered the castle courtyard where we found some really nice cars on view for all to see.

Around the castle grounds we saw a many horseback riders with nice costumes. There was also a small band that played while on horses.  Other entrainment included a marching band and a small choir.

After walking around Cx and I went to get some refreshments and some bread. The problem was that the bread would arrive from the kitchen inside the castle and they would be gone in less then 30 seconds. I was so determined that we were going to get bread that we just stood there at the refreshment table until the next batch came. Some of the cute serving ladies were giggling at us since we were so determined. After waiting another four to five minutes we were able to get our bread and more wine.

After spending about two and half hours at the castle were rode our 'old fashion' bus back to Skælkør and then we rode the back to our apartments.  I am glad that I was able to participate in a Danish national holiday.

Thank you for all your love and support.

Roskilde

Roskilde is one of the oldest cities in Denmark.
More than 1000 years ago the Vikings established a trading post that developed into a major town. In the medieval period, Roskilde was one of the most important cities of northern Europe, the seat of the Danish crown and an episcopal residence.

Today, the city is rich in historical and cultural sights and attractions. In the beautiful red-brick Roskilde Cathedral the kings and queens of Denmark are buried.

The islands and islets of Roskilde Fjord can be viewed from a viking ship or a small cruiser docked at Roskilde Harbour the atmosphere of which hums with activity. The former gasworks at the same location now houses one of the many art galleries of the town and a glassblower.

The city centre offers a pedestrian precinct as well as a market square with plenty of commercial life. Culture flourishes all year round and the city has a rich musical life ranging from summer concerts at the cathedral organ dating back to 1554 to the Roskilde Festival.

The lovely scenery around Roskilde offers numerous historical sights as well as a landscape perfect for biking and trekking.

On Saturday, May 14th, Cx, Cg, and I went on a day trip to Roskilde which is only a 30 minute train ride from where I live.  Once leaving the station at Roskilde we saw these three huge vases,  near the center of town is not far from the station. Not far from these vases was a small church behind a old brink wall and gate. I looked around for information about this small church but I could not find anything, but at least I got some good pictures. 

 

The brick wall and gate of the church.

The church behind the gate.

The three of us continued walking towards the center of town we passed many shops and restaurants and the farmer's market. We did not have time to go through the large farmer's market, but did Cx purchased some fresh cherries.  There were also many different crafts for sale and many flea markets, there was one wood craftsman that was selling these beautiful hand carved bowls. 

 Walking through Roskilde you could get the sense that is such a beautiful clean, and relaxing town. The houses were in typical European style, small but cute with flower gardens.  Just by looking at the buildings you cold get a sense of the history and heritage in the town.

While walking around town we found an interesting fountain inside a brick wall along side the street. Over the top of fountain it said the word maglekide, which means "The Large Spring." The one thing that we really noticed was the creepy red eyes.

This spring yields 15,000 liters of water an hour, about one sixth of what is used to. The spring supplied 5 mills in the beginning of industrial life in Roskilde. In 1842 a hydro was built in connection with the spring, and was pulled down again in 1972. The Neptune head at the outflow and the weather vane on the well house date from 1842.  The well house itself dates from 1927.

 

The Roskilde area has a lot of history, there were these green signs everywhere stating the history of the area. The was this one sign in the middle of small open area with a nice gravel path.  Next to the sign was what looked like the ruins of a small building. I read the sign and thought the information on it was interesting:

The church of St. John the Baptist was probably built in the 12th century as a parish church for the clergy of the cathedral.  It was pulled down after the Reformation. The surround field is protected area, below which lie the remains of a medieval town with streets and houses. Finds from the excavation of the church can be seen at Roskilde Museum.

I did not have time this trip to go to the Roskilde Museum this trip, which means I have another excuse to go to Roskilde. 

Roskilde is also well know for the Dome Church or The Roskilde Cathedral, we also went see this national landmark.  This church was huge and there is so much history surrounding this church since so many Danish Kings and Queens are buried there.  I took lots of pictures and there is so much to tell about this church that it deserves its own blog post.

After walking through this beautiful park with many trails, steams and small lakes we made our way to the inlet or fjord.  We noticed a strange 'thing' near the road. Once we got closer we discovered that was a small replica of the town Roskilde on display. However, it did look like the birds had fun destroying parts of it. I really liked the detail you could see in this replica.  We continued on our way to the Roskilde Viking Museum.

After spending four hours at the Roskilde Viking Museum (which will get its own blog post) we walked back through town in a thunderstorm and since main street was not as packed I took a few pictures of the area.  Just so that you could get a feel for the town but remember when we first arrived in town in the late morning the streets were packed with people.