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Hestebrønden: Roskilde’s Horse Fountain and Meeting Point

Hestebrønden in Roskilde blends history and everyday life, recalling horse markets gone by while serving as a modern meeting point at the city’s vibrant core.

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Hestebrønden stands at the heart of Hestetorvet in Roskilde, a sculptural fountain that marks both a physical and symbolic gathering place for locals. Erected in 1934, its bronze horses recall the market history of the square, once the center for livestock trading. Today, it’s a much-loved landmark and a focal point for everyday life and special events, perfectly positioned next to Roskilde Station and within sight of the city’s vibrant pedestrian zone.

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Local tips

  • Hestebrønden is a great landmark for orienting yourself upon arrival at Roskilde—ideal as a meeting or starting point before exploring the city.
  • Enjoy the lively street atmosphere—nearby cafés and food stalls make the square perfect for grabbing a coffee with your view.
  • In summer, the fountain’s cooling spray and open space attract families and street performers; don’t miss the local scene.
  • The square regularly hosts pop-up markets and events—check the city calendar to catch local happenings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Roskilde, Hestebrønden is a straightforward walk—just head toward the main train station, and you’ll find the fountain at the center of the lively Hestetorvet square. It’s about 5–10 minutes on foot from Roskilde Cathedral, passing a stretch of vibrant shops and cafés. The fountain is visible as you approach the station and serves as a popular meeting point.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by train or bus, you’ll exit directly onto Hestetorvet—the fountain stands right outside the main entrance. Bus and S-train single tickets within the Roskilde zone range from 24–36 DKK. All local transport options bring you within seconds of Hestebrønden’s location in the main square.

  • Taxi

    A taxi ride from any downtown hotel or Roskilde’s pedestrian district is short, with drivers dropping off beside Hestetorvet. Fares typically fall in the 80–120 DKK range, depending on traffic. The square is a major hub, so taxis can always access the area directly.

  • Driving/Parking

    For those arriving by car, public parking is available around Hestetorvet and at nearby garages. Rates vary but expect municipal parking to cost around 15–25 DKK per hour. Spaces can be limited during city events and festival periods, and the area is busiest weekdays and Friday afternoons.

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Hestebrønden, or 'The Horse Fountain,' is an emblematic sculpture situated in Hestetorvet—the city’s broad, bustling square just in front of Roskilde’s main train station. Created in 1934 by the artist Th. Rasmussen and architect Sven Risom, the fountain features a spirited pair of bronze horses striding through jets of water. The work pays tribute to the square’s legacy as Roskilde’s key cattle and horse market, a place where farmers and traders once gathered. Its horses are depicted in dynamic motion, their posture suggesting both strength and freedom, echoing the square’s long-standing identity as a point of trade, transit, and civic activity. Today, Hestebrønden is more than a historic monument—it’s an anchor in the flow of urban life. The sculpture is a favorite meeting spot for young people, community groups, and visitors just arriving by train. In warmer months, the fountain is surrounded by open-air seating, food vendors, and city happenings. During annual festivals like Roskilde Festival and St. Lucius Day, the square bursts into life, with the horse fountain witnessing the changing rhythms of the city. Its central location makes Hestebrønden an ideal landmark for beginning any walking exploration of Roskilde. With the grand spires of Roskilde Cathedral visible from the square and the vibrant pedestrian zone starting just steps away, you get an immediate sense of the city’s blend of old and new. The fountain itself is free to visit and accessible at all times. While you won’t spend hours here, you’ll almost certainly pause—whether for a photo, a rest, or simply to feel the pulse of Roskilde’s daily life. The presence of cafés and shops around the square adds to its lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere, while the flow of commuters, locals, and travelers ensures this spot is always buzzing with energy and stories.

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