Hellig Kors Kilde, Roskilde
Once a famed holy spring and royal water source, Hellig Kors Kilde is now a quiet stone-framed reminder of Roskilde’s deep bond with its life-giving springs.
Tucked just off Helligkorsvej in central Roskilde, Hellig Kors Kilde is a small but storied spring that once ranked among Denmark’s most renowned holy wells. For centuries pilgrim spot and royal water source, its modest stone monument and trickling outlet now tell of healing rites, medieval beliefs and the city’s early dependence on spring water. Today it forms one of eight preserved sources on Roskilde’s 5 km Kildestrøg walking route, a quiet little pause amid the urban bustle.
A brief summary to Helligkors Kilde
- Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine Hellig Kors Kilde with the full Kildestrøget walking route to see all eight historic springs and understand how they shaped Roskilde’s layout.
- Plan a brief stop of 10–20 minutes here and pair it with a visit to Roskilde Museum for more background on the city’s water heritage.
- Bring a reusable bottle if you like the symbolism of filling it here, but check on-site information before drinking as the outlet is no longer a natural spring.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Roskilde Station
From Roskilde Station in the town centre, walking to Hellig Kors Kilde takes around 15–20 minutes at a relaxed pace along urban pavements with gentle inclines. The route passes through built-up streets and is generally suitable for most visitors, including those with strollers; wheelchair users should expect some short uphill sections but no rough terrain. As this is a compact urban site, there is no entrance fee and no need to factor in transport costs for this option.
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Local bus within Roskilde
Several city bus lines connect Roskilde Station area with stops along or near Helligkorsvej in roughly 5–10 minutes of travel time, depending on route and traffic. A standard single ticket within the local zone typically costs about 24–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses usually run every 10–20 minutes during the day, less frequently in evenings and on weekends, and stops are within a short, level walk of the spring.
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Car or taxi within Roskilde
Reaching Hellig Kors Kilde by car or taxi from anywhere in central Roskilde generally takes 5–10 minutes in normal traffic on regular town roads. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding residential and mixed-use streets, often time-restricted and sometimes paid during weekday hours, so allow extra time to find a space. A short in-town taxi ride usually falls in the 80–140 DKK range, depending on distance, time of day and any waiting time.
Helligkors Kilde location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Helligkors Kilde
A modest spring with a powerful reputation
Hellig Kors Kilde is easy to overlook at first glance: a low stone structure set into the slope beside Helligkorsvej, framed by paving, benches and a discreet water outlet. Yet this unassuming spot is one of Roskilde’s most storied springs, counted among the city’s three classic holy wells together with Sankt Ibs and Sankt Hans. For centuries its water was credited with healing powers, particularly for eye ailments and lingering sicknesses, drawing townsfolk and travellers to drink, wash and quietly hope for relief. The sacred status is rooted in medieval belief that certain springs were touched by divine favour. Here the association with the Holy Cross gave the water an extra aura of protection. The name alone was enough to set this source apart from the many ordinary wells and seeps that dotted the slopes around Roskilde’s old town.From royal drinking water to city monument
By the 1600s Hellig Kors Kilde had importance far beyond Roskilde. Its clear water was so prized that it was supplied to the Danish royal household, a practical sign of favour that also reinforced its reputation as exceptionally pure. Later the spring contributed to the broader water supply that helped the growing town, before modern waterworks gradually took over and the natural flow diminished. As the spring weakened, attention shifted from water to memory. In the early 1900s a stone monument was erected on the historic spot, built of local porous limestone known as frådsten and designed to evoke a small grotto with a niche and outlet. Today the trickle you see is fed by the municipal network rather than the original aquifer, but the layout recalls the old wellhead and keeps the story legible in the streetscape.Rituals, pottery shards and healing hopes
Archaeological work in Roskilde’s springs has revealed layers of broken pottery at their bottoms, and Hellig Kors Kilde is no exception. In the Middle Ages it was customary to drink the healing water from a brand-new clay vessel and then smash it, casting the shards into the source. No one else should risk drinking from the same cup and symbolically taking on the owner’s illness. Over time the shattered offerings formed a quiet archive of fears, faith and everyday craftsmanship. Such customs gave the place a distinctly ritual atmosphere. People came not only for water but for reassurance, following a pattern of approach, drinking and leaving something behind. Standing here today, the surroundings are urban and ordered, yet the idea of the spring as a threshold between the ordinary and the hoped-for still colours its story.A key stop on Roskilde’s spring route
Modern Roskilde has embraced its wells as a defining heritage. Hellig Kors Kilde is one of eight marked sources on the 5 km Kildestrøget, a signed route that threads through parks, side streets and small squares. Each spring has its own design and narrative, but this one often serves as an introduction: once royal supplier, once miracle source, now a compact urban pocket where water, stone and memory meet. Simple seating nearby invites you to pause. The sound of the outlet is gentle, almost domestic, yet the interpretive boards and careful stonework signal that this is more than street furniture. It is a small outdoor room dedicated to the idea that a town grew here because water rose from the ground, long before pipes, pumps and reservoirs took over.Experiencing the atmosphere today
For visitors, Hellig Kors Kilde is less about dramatic views and more about noticing details. Look at the colour and texture of the frådsten blocks, shaped by centuries of use in local buildings. Trace the line where the water emerges and imagine it flowing freely from the hillside. Picture the slope before pavement, dotted with women washing clothes, children filling jugs and sick pilgrims waiting their turn. The site works particularly well as a short contemplative stop within a wider walk between Roskilde’s cathedral, museums and other springs. Its scale is intimate: a place to sit a few minutes, listen to the city, and let a small trickle of water connect medieval healing rites, royal routines and the everyday life of a modern Danish town.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.8 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
1.2 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
1.2 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Sct Hans Have
1.8 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
4.1 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
16.8 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
17.6 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Køge Å
18.6 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Roskilde Fjord
19.0 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 Ås
19.7 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Gerlevparkens Venner
20.0 km
Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
20.8 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
20.9 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
Pangea Park
21.2 km
Experience global wildlife up-close in Zealand’s countryside, with interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and a strong conservation focus at Pangea Park near Bjæverskov.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
21.3 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Håndværksmuseet
0.4 km
An intimate upstairs museum in historic Roskilde, where traditional woodcraft tools and workshops trace the journey from forest timber to finely made everyday objects.
Rektorkilden
0.6 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Maglekilde
0.6 km
A modest timber wellhouse over Roskilde’s most powerful spring, where centuries of mills, spas and industry once turned the steady flow of water into the city’s lifeblood.
Kildehuset
0.6 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.8 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
0.8 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.
Roskilde Museum
0.9 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Koncertkapellet
1.0 km
Roskilde's intimate chapel-turned-concert hall for classical and acoustic music in a historic restored setting.
Byparkens Legeplads
1.0 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.
Klosterkilden
1.1 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Essential places to dine
Disotto
0.1 km
Cozy southern Italian ristobar in central Roskilde, serving classic antipasti, Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian wines in an intimate, evening-only setting.
An No
0.1 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in Roskilde, serving fresh homemade dishes from scratch with genuine Saigon spirit.
Restaurant That's Amore
0.4 km
Cozy, candlelit Italian restaurant in central Roskilde, serving wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta and Italian wines in a warm, romantic yet relaxed setting.
Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria
0.4 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort food in the heart of Roskilde, serving generous pizzas and hearty mains in a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood setting.
Nua Mama's Secret
0.4 km
Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.
Café Korn - Roskilde
0.5 km
Cosy all‑day café and brasserie on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving hearty brunches, burgers and salads in a warm, grocery‑style setting.
Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde
0.5 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
0.5 km
Casual build-your-own burger joint on Roskilde’s main street, pairing generous portions and craft drinks with a strong line-up of vegetarian and vegan options.
Basilico
0.5 km
Casual Italian comfort and generous pizzas in the heart of Roskilde’s old town, ideal for a relaxed, family‑friendly break between cathedral and shopping.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
0.5 km
Slow-food focused, seasonal small-plate dining in an intimate Roskilde townhouse with a leafy summer courtyard and a distinctly Nordic, wine-led evening atmosphere.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
0.6 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Restaurant Upstairs
0.7 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Café A Roskilde
0.7 km
Casual all‑day café on Roskilde’s main square, serving familiar brunch plates, burgers and drinks with outdoor seating and easygoing atmosphere in the historic center.
Gusto Giusto
0.7 km
Organic-minded Italian fine dining in a tiny Roskilde townhouse, where a Danish–Italian couple serves northern Italian cuisine, careful wine pairings and slow, candlelit evenings.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.7 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hobbii
0.5 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Friluftsland
0.5 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Guldfuglen A/S
0.5 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Normal
0.6 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
0.6 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Den franske vinhandel
0.6 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
0.7 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Bog & Idé
0.7 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Perssons Roskilde
0.8 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
NORII Roskilde
0.8 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
PURE Copenhagen
0.8 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
0.8 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
0.8 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Inspiration Roskilde
0.9 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Bahne
0.9 km
Scandi-chic fashion, interiors and gifts gathered under one roof on Roskilde’s main shopping street, blending everyday practicality with laid-back Danish style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
28 Live
0.4 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
PAUSE
0.4 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.5 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.
Roskilde Bodega
0.5 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.
Gullanden
0.7 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.7 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.
Teatercaféen
0.8 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
1.0 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.
Klosterkælderen
1.1 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Georges Bodega
1.2 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.
Copé Lounge
1.2 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Mulligans Irish Pub
1.2 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
1.5 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Vinbaren Muicon
1.6 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Charlie Chaplin
2.0 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Danseriet
0.1 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
1.0 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Dansebar Roskilde
1.0 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Klubhuset
2.6 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
2.7 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Den Dansende Viking
16.2 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
The Flame
21.8 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
21.8 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Bloom Nightclub
21.8 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Club El Diablo
27.3 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
29.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
29.3 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
29.8 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
30.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
30.8 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
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- Parks & Gardens
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
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
