Museumsø

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Lonely Planet review

On Museumsø, adjacent to the Viking Ship Hall and also part of the Viking Ship Museum, craftspeople use Viking-era techniques and tools to build replicas of Viking ships. Ottar, and Kraka Fyr (reconstructions of Skuldelev 1, 3, 5 and 6 respectively) are moored in the harbour, where you can really appreciate their light, flexible designs.

At the time of writing, the largest Viking ship reconstruction ever was sailing from Roskilde to Dublin. An incredible 340 trees went into the creation of Havhingsten fra Glendalough (based on the 60-oared warship Skuldelev 2), and the total labour totted up to 44,000 man hours. Assuming that the Irish voyage is a success, the ship should be back in Roskilde in mid-2008: follow its progress at www.havhingsten.dk.

In summer, a shipwright, blacksmith, tar-burner, weaver, rope-maker and fletcher demonstrate their crafts. Children can join in the fun by striking coins and painting their own shields.

Museumsø also has an archaeological workshop ( - Mon-Fri), where you can watch researchers from the National Museum analysing recent excavations.