Frøspringvandet, Roskilde

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.