Roskilde Ring was once one of Denmark's most famous motor-racing circuits, laid out among the rolling hills of the old gravel pits south of Roskilde. The track opened in 1955 and quickly became a gathering point for both car and motorcycle races that drew large crowds to the natural slopes, which served as grandstands. Through the 1950s and 1960s the engines thundered between the hills until racing ceased in the late 1960s. Today nature has long since reclaimed the landscape, and the area forms part of the large Milen recreational nature zone south of the city. Here you find open, undulating terrain with grassy knolls, small lakes, thickets and scattered trees, where paths wind through the hilly ground. From the summits there are sweeping views over Roskilde, the towers of the cathedral and the countryside sloping down toward the fjord. The area is a popular destination for walking, running, mountain biking and kite flying, and the steep banks that once held spectators are now perfect for enjoying the sunset or sledging in winter. Wildlife and birds thrive in the damp hollows and on the dry hilltops, and through the seasons the place shifts from the fresh green of spring to the golden hues of autumn. For those interested in history, the course of the former track can still be sensed in the terrain, and the site preserves the memory of a bygone motorsport era. Roskilde Ring is a freely accessible nature area offering calm, exercise and magnificent views close to the city. A visit is easily combined with a trip into Roskilde town, the cathedral or the harbour, and the many trails make it simple to find your own route, whether on a short stroll or a longer hike through the open, historic landscape.
