Frøspringvandet, Roskilde
A modest bronze frog fountain in Roskilde’s Klosterengen park, where playful sculpture, splashing water and everyday neighbourhood life meet in a tranquil corner.
Tucked into the green space of Klosterengen in central Roskilde, Frøspringvandet is a small yet characterful fountain sculpture by Danish artist Karl Glem. The work combines playful bronze frogs and flowing water to create a whimsical, quietly atmospheric corner where everyday life, local dog walkers and passing cyclists mingle with public art. It is less a grand monument than a gentle pause along the city’s network of paths and cultural sights.
A brief summary to Frøspringvandet
- Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Plan to visit in daylight so you can clearly see the bronze details and patina on the frogs as the water plays over them.
- Combine a quick stop at the fountain with a longer walk through nearby green areas and the historic streets of central Roskilde.
- Bring a drink or snack if you want to linger; there are no dedicated cafés right beside the fountain, but plenty within walking distance.
Getting There
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Regional train and short walk
From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train towards Roskilde; the journey typically takes 20–30 minutes and trains run several times per hour. A standard adult single ticket usually costs around 80–100 DKK, depending on ticket type and zones. From Roskilde Station, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot along paved, mostly level streets to reach the Klosterengen area where the fountain is located; the route is suitable for most visitors, though surfaces can be uneven in places.
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Local bus within Roskilde
If you are elsewhere in Roskilde, use a local city bus heading towards the central districts near the station or Folkeparken; typical ride times are 5–15 minutes. Single tickets bought on app or card are generally around 24–30 DKK for a short trip. From the nearest central bus stops it is a 5–10 minute walk on urban footpaths to reach the fountain; check accessibility in advance if you rely on step‑free routes, as some pavements and crossings can be narrow.
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Bicycle from central Roskilde
Cycling is a practical option from most central Roskilde addresses, with typical riding times of 5–10 minutes to Klosterengen on mixed traffic and dedicated cycle lanes. There is no specific fee beyond any bicycle rental you may arrange elsewhere in town, which commonly ranges from 100–200 DKK per day. Surfaces are mainly flat and paved, but be prepared for occasional cobblestones and shared paths with pedestrians near the green area surrounding the fountain.
Frøspringvandet location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Frøspringvandet
A quiet fountain hidden in Klosterengen
Frøspringvandet sits in Klosterengen, a modest green area close to Roskilde’s historic core, where paths cross between housing, sports grounds and the old town. Rather than dominating its surroundings, the fountain nestles into the landscape, low to the ground and framed by grass, shrubs and a few trees. You notice it by the sound first: a light splash of water, a soft, steady trickle that cuts through the rustle of leaves and distant traffic. This is not a showy plaza centrepiece but a neighbourhood landmark. Children pause on scooters, locals shortcut past on their way to the city centre, and for a moment the sculpture becomes a small stage. Its scale and slightly tucked‑away position make it feel discovered rather than presented, which is part of its charm.Karl Glem’s playful bronze creation
The fountain is the work of sculptor Karl Glem, active in the mid‑20th century and known for figurative pieces with a light touch. Here, his subject is simple and joyful: frogs poised around a basin, some frozen mid‑leap, others squatting at the edge. Their rounded backs and exaggerated limbs are stylised rather than literal, turning a familiar pond creature into something gently comic. Water plays around and beneath the forms, catching the bronze surfaces and bringing them to life. In bright weather the frogs gleam; on overcast days they appear darker and more contemplative. Traces of age – a patina of green, softened edges from many curious hands – only add to the sense that this is a lived‑with piece of art rather than something distant and untouchable.Everyday life and small moments
What makes Frøspringvandet appealing is less its size than the role it plays in daily routines. It is a natural place to pause with a takeaway coffee, let a dog sniff around the edge, or sit for a short break while children circle the fountain, counting frogs and watching the spray. The low plinth invites you to get close, inspect the details and feel the cool mist on a breezy day. In summer, the surrounding grass becomes an informal sitting area, and the fountain’s splashing forms a gentle background to conversations and games. On colder days, when the water may be reduced or still, the sculpture becomes more graphic: a ring of frogs against bare branches and winter light, a reminder of ponds and warm evenings to come.Part of Roskilde’s public art story
Frøspringvandet is one of a network of public artworks spread across Roskilde, many supported or documented by the local art association. Together, these pieces turn streets, parks and small squares into an open‑air collection that you encounter in passing rather than in a gallery queue. The fountain’s modest character reflects this approach: art woven into the everyday fabric of the city. Combined with nearby parks, sports facilities and the historic streets of central Roskilde, the fountain can easily be included in a gentle stroll. It works particularly well as a short diversion: a few minutes to watch water and bronze interact before you continue towards larger sights such as the cathedral or the harbour.When and how to enjoy the fountain
Frøspringvandet is accessible at all hours, with no fences or set opening times. Daylight brings out the sculptural detail, while the long evenings of late spring and summer offer soft light and a relaxed, local feel. Early mornings are especially quiet, with only birdsong and the steady fall of water to accompany you. There are no formal facilities right at the fountain, but the central location means cafés, shops and restrooms are within a comfortable walk in the surrounding streets. A short visit is usually enough, yet the spot rewards lingering if you enjoy sketching, photography or simply watching how a small piece of public art quietly anchors a corner of the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
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Roskildekrukkerne
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Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
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Sct Hans Have
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Masterhøj udsigtspost
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Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
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Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Køge Nord
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A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Roskilde Fjord
18.6 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Køge Å
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Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Gerlevparkens Venner
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Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Køge Ås
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Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
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Gammel Køgegård
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Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
21.4 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lovise Kilden
0.2 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
Klosterkilden
0.3 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Hestebrønden
0.4 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Roskilde Jars
0.5 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Roskilde Museum
0.5 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.5 km
A small, historic spring on Frederiksborgvej where Roskilde’s sacred past, urban growth and ever-flowing groundwater quietly meet at the edge of the city hillside.
Sct Ibs Kilde
0.7 km
A humble historic spring at Roskilde’s shoreline, Sct. Ibs Kilde links everyday water, medieval faith and the rise of a cathedral city above the fjord.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.7 km
UNESCO-listed brick Gothic cathedral and royal mausoleum where a thousand years of Danish history, architecture and monarchy meet under soaring red-brick vaults.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.7 km
A tiny historic spring tucked behind Roskilde’s houses, Sct. Hans Kilde offers a brief, tranquil glimpse into the town’s medieval, church-linked water heritage.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.7 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Stændertorvet
0.7 km
Historic heart of Roskilde where cathedral views, markets and daily city life meet on a broad, atmospheric square framed by shops, cafés and civic buildings.
Domkirkemuseet
0.7 km
Intimate museum spaces inside Roskilde’s UNESCO-listed cathedral, revealing the hidden stories behind royal tombs, brick Gothic architecture and a millennium of Danish faith.
Byens Hus
0.7 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Skt. Laurentius
0.7 km
Step beneath Roskilde’s central square and up its historic tower for a compact journey through 900 years of church ruins, civic life and city views in one spot.
Byparkens Legeplads
0.8 km
Shaded, child-friendly play space in the heart of Roskilde’s Byparken, surrounded by mature trees, gentle equipment and the calm of a classic Danish city park.
Essential places to dine
Bone's Roskilde
0.4 km
Legendary Danish BBQ steakhouse serving signature spareribs, premium burgers, and all-you-can-eat salad since 1990.
Røde Port Bistro
0.4 km
Cosy central Roskilde bistro where house-brewed beer, classic Danish comfort food and live music come together under one laid-back, brick-and-wood roof.
Royal Indian - Roskilde
0.4 km
Cosy North Indian restaurant on Roskilde’s Algade, serving richly spiced curries, tandoori grills and plentiful vegetarian options in a warm, modern setting.
Det Mexicanske Bøfhus
0.4 km
Hearty Mexican‑inspired steaks and sizzling Tex‑Mex platters in a cozy, central Roskilde steakhouse on lively Algade.
Burgerklubben
0.5 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
Piazza Navona II
0.5 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Nira Sushi
0.5 km
Relaxed neighbourhood sushi spot in Roskilde serving fresh rolls, generous platters and Japanese-inspired favourites in a modern, low-key setting.
Restart
0.5 km
Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Bryggergården
0.5 km
Traditional Danish cooking and local beers in a historic former brewery house on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, blending cozy interiors with lively street life.
Noahs Roskilde
0.6 km
Tech-forward multi-brand dining hub by Roskilde Station, serving app-ordered comfort dishes and takeaway from several virtual restaurant concepts under one roof.
Zhiki Sushi
0.6 km
Casual, family‑run sushi inside Ro’s Torv, serving colorful rolls, all‑you‑can‑eat menus and easy takeaway for shoppers, families and locals in Roskilde.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.6 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Rib House
0.6 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Burgerkilden
0.6 km
Compact neighbourhood burger bar in central Roskilde, serving house‑made gourmet burgers, fresh buns and fries with a relaxed, local feel and vegan options.
SOHO Roskilde food·lounge·music
0.6 km
Lively Roskilde hotspot where seasonal comfort food, cocktails and late-night DJ sets come together in one central restaurant, lounge and club space.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Borch Copenhagen
0.4 km
A cosy Scandinavian yarn and design shop on Roskilde’s main street, where curated fibres, colours and patterns turn knitting and crochet ideas into tangible projects.
Devotuz
0.4 km
Compact clothing boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering practical, contemporary fashion in the heart of the historic town’s main shopping street.
Zander
0.4 km
Refined menswear boutique on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering quality Scandinavian-style clothing and personal service in an intimate setting.
Zizzi - Roskilde
0.4 km
Contemporary plus-size fashion on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering curve-friendly styles, seasonal collections and relaxed, confidence-focused service.
Kelz0r (Roskilde)
0.4 km
Compact but densely stocked, Kelz0r Roskilde is a friendly fantasy and trading card hub on Algade, where shelves, play tables and events keep local gamers coming back.
Femilet
0.5 km
Central Roskilde lingerie boutique specialising in comfortable, well-fitted underwear, nightwear and swimwear with personal fitting service on busy Algade.
Red Cross Op Shop
0.5 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
Rud & Vester
0.5 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Feelfash
0.5 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
Hos Simone
0.5 km
Cosy mother‑and‑daughter women’s boutique on Roskilde’s main street, offering wearable Scandinavian style, fair prices and warmly personal, small‑town service.
Lili-Marleen
0.5 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
No 1 Butik
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Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Vinylfreak
0.5 km
Characterful Roskilde record shop where packed crates, local music stories and thousands of new and used titles turn casual browsing into a slow, satisfying dig.
RO's Torv
0.6 km
Modern, glass-fronted shopping hub in Roskilde with Danish design, high-street brands, cafés and cinema gathered in one weather-proof urban marketplace.
Bonde Boutique
0.6 km
A long-standing Danish womenswear boutique inside Roskilde’s Ro’s Torv mall, blending classic Scandinavian style, modern brands and easy indoor shopping comfort.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.4 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Klosterkælderen
0.4 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Copé Lounge
0.4 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Georges Bodega
0.5 km
Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.6 km
Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.8 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
Gullanden
0.8 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Ruder Konge Bodega
1.0 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
PAUSE
1.0 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
28 Live
1.1 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Teatercaféen
1.2 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Charlie Chaplin
1.6 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Vinbaren Muicon
1.8 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Roskilde Bodega
1.8 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
1.9 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
