Hestebrønden, Hestetorvet, Roskilde
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Hestebrønden, the Horse Fountain, stands at the heart of Hestetorvet square in Roskilde, just outside the main railway station. This bronze fountain with horse figures anchors a busy urban plaza where commuters, shoppers and locals constantly pass through. Surrounded by modern buildings yet tied to Roskilde’s historic street grid, it works as both a piece of public art and an informal meeting point, ideal for a short pause on the way to the cathedral or fjord.
A brief summary to Hestebrønden
- Hestetorvet, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stop at Hestebrønden with a walk up through the old streets toward Roskilde Cathedral to appreciate how the modern station area connects to the historic town.
- Visit in the late afternoon or early evening for softer light on the bronze horses, which makes photographing the fountain and surrounding square easier.
- If you are meeting others at Roskilde Station, use the fountain as a clear rendezvous point in Hestetorvet so everyone can find each other easily.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train to Roskilde Station and short walk
From Copenhagen Central Station, regional trains to Roskilde run several times per hour, with a journey time of about 20–25 minutes in each direction. Standard adult tickets typically cost around 80–110 DKK one way in standard class. When you arrive in Roskilde, Hestetorvet square is directly outside the station building, and Hestebrønden stands in the main open area, so the walk is only a couple of minutes on level, paved ground suitable for luggage and wheelchairs.
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Bus within Roskilde to the station area
If you are already in Roskilde’s outer districts, use local city buses that terminate at or pass Roskilde Station, with typical travel times of 10–20 minutes depending on distance and traffic. Single bus tickets within the local zone usually cost about 24–30 DKK when bought from ticket machines or via transport apps. Buses stop at the station bus terminal that opens directly onto Hestetorvet, so you reach the fountain with only a brief, flat walk across the square.
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Car or taxi to Hestetorvet vicinity
Arriving by car from elsewhere on Zealand, plan 30–45 minutes from the Copenhagen area in normal traffic. Several public car parks are located around Roskilde Station and central Roskilde, usually charging hourly fees in the range of 10–20 DKK per hour during the day. From nearby parking areas it is a short, straightforward walk to Hestetorvet and the fountain. Taxis can also drop passengers at the station forecourt, leaving only a brief walk across the open square to reach Hestebrønden.
Hestebrønden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Hestebrønden
A bronze fountain in Roskilde’s everyday rhythm
Hestebrønden rises from the paving stones of Hestetorvet, the square that greets you as you step out into central Roskilde. The fountain’s bronze horse figures turn a practical transit space into a place with character, bringing a touch of sculpture and movement to an otherwise modern forecourt. Water plays over the forms in a gentle cascade, softening the hard edges of stone and concrete around it. The name echoes the square itself: Hestetorvet, the Horse Market. Where trains now arrive and buses pull in, horses once dominated the scene, tied to carts and wagons that supplied the town. Even without detailed plaques or grand explanation, the subject of the sculpture quietly nods to that past, keeping an animal presence in a space now filled with cars, bicycles and pedestrians.From horse market to transport hub
The wider setting of Hestebrønden explains much of its atmosphere. Hestetorvet connects the station to Roskilde’s historic core, forming part of the gentle slope that leads up toward the cathedral and old streets. The square is busy for most of the day, as commuters filter through, students gather and shoppers cross between buses, trains and nearby shops. In this context the fountain becomes a visual anchor. It offers an easily described rendezvous point and a landmark that breaks the expanse of paving. On clear days, sunlight glints off the bronze and off the water’s surface, catching the eye even in the flow of people. In winter, when the air is crisp and the light low, the horses stand out as dark silhouettes against the pale northern sky.Details worth pausing for
Although many people pass by in a hurry, Hestebrønden rewards a closer look. The modelling of the horses invites you to walk around the basin, noticing muscles, manes and the sense of motion captured in metal. The way water spills and splashes lends the work a constantly changing soundscape, mixing with the calls of buses and the murmur of conversations around the square. Benches and low edges nearby mean you can sit for a few minutes to watch the scene. Cyclists weave past, friends meet up beside the basin, and the fountain’s gentle splash sets a different tempo to the rush of departures and arrivals. At night, surrounding lights pick out the contours of the sculpture, giving it a more dramatic presence even when the rest of the square begins to quieten.A gateway to Roskilde’s historic streets
Seen in the wider cityscape, Hestebrønden marks the transition between modern transport infrastructure and Roskilde’s older fabric. From here, the streets lead toward the cathedral, the traditional market squares and the green parks that slope down to the fjord. The fountain is often your first piece of art in the city, a hint that culture and history run through even the most functional spaces. Because the square is open and level, the fountain is easy to approach for most visitors, including those using wheelchairs or travelling with luggage or prams. It is an uncomplicated stop: no tickets, no fixed opening hours for viewing the sculpture itself, and plenty of space to stand back for photos that capture both the fountain and the bustle of the square.Brief stop or lingering urban pause
Hestebrønden suits different kinds of visits. Some will only spend a few minutes here, snapping a picture before heading toward the cathedral, museums or the waterfront. Others may linger longer, using the fountain as a calm focal point while waiting to meet someone or to catch a train. The constant movement around it gives the square an urban energy that contrasts with the quieter, more contemplative spaces further into Roskilde. Whether you treat it as a quick landmark on your way elsewhere or as a short urban pause, the fountain encapsulates something of Roskilde’s character: a historic town that remains very much lived-in and connected, where everyday life and public art sit side by side in the open air.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Masterhøj udsigtspost
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Unmissable attractions to see
Roskilde Jars
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Klosterkilden
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Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Roskilde Museum
0.4 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Lovise Kilden
0.4 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
Frøspringvandet
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A modest bronze frog fountain in Roskilde’s Klosterengen park, where playful sculpture, splashing water and everyday neighbourhood life meet in a tranquil corner.
Skt. Laurentius
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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.
Stændertorvet
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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.
Byens Hus
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Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Roskilde Cathedral
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UNESCO-listed brick Gothic cathedral and royal mausoleum where a thousand years of Danish history, architecture and monarchy meet under soaring red-brick vaults.
Domkirkemuseet
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Gravmonument over Frederik IX
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Sct Hans Kilde
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Sct Gertruds Kilde
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Kildehuset
0.8 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Rektorkilden
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Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Essential places to dine
Røde Port Bistro
0.1 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.
Bone's Roskilde
0.1 km
Legendary Danish BBQ steakhouse serving signature spareribs, premium burgers, and all-you-can-eat salad since 1990.
Royal Indian - Roskilde
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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
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Hearty Mexican‑inspired steaks and sizzling Tex‑Mex platters in a cozy, central Roskilde steakhouse on lively Algade.
Noahs Roskilde
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Tech-forward multi-brand dining hub by Roskilde Station, serving app-ordered comfort dishes and takeaway from several virtual restaurant concepts under one roof.
Burgerklubben
0.2 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
SOHO Roskilde food·lounge·music
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Lively Roskilde hotspot where seasonal comfort food, cocktails and late-night DJ sets come together in one central restaurant, lounge and club space.
Piazza Navona II
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Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Burgerkilden
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Compact neighbourhood burger bar in central Roskilde, serving house‑made gourmet burgers, fresh buns and fries with a relaxed, local feel and vegan options.
Restart
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Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Bryggergården
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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.
King Running Sushi & Wok
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Rotating sushi and wok dishes in a spacious, interactive dining experience in central Roskilde.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.3 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
0.4 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Nira Sushi
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Relaxed neighbourhood sushi spot in Roskilde serving fresh rolls, generous platters and Japanese-inspired favourites in a modern, low-key setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Devotuz
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Compact clothing boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering practical, contemporary fashion in the heart of the historic town’s main shopping street.
Zizzi - Roskilde
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Contemporary plus-size fashion on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering curve-friendly styles, seasonal collections and relaxed, confidence-focused service.
Kelz0r (Roskilde)
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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.
Borch Copenhagen
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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.
Zander
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Refined menswear boutique on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering quality Scandinavian-style clothing and personal service in an intimate setting.
Femilet
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Central Roskilde lingerie boutique specialising in comfortable, well-fitted underwear, nightwear and swimwear with personal fitting service on busy Algade.
Rud & Vester
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A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Vinylfreak
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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.
Lili-Marleen
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Feelfash
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Hos Simone
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Cosy mother‑and‑daughter women’s boutique on Roskilde’s main street, offering wearable Scandinavian style, fair prices and warmly personal, small‑town service.
Imerco
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Bright, well-stocked Danish homeware and kitchen store on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, perfect for practical buys and design-led souvenirs in one easy stop.
Bahne
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Inspiration Roskilde
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Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Metropol
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Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Klosterkælderen
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Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Mulligans Irish Pub
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Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
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Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Georges Bodega
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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
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PROP Vin og Tapasbar
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Gullanden
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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
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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
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Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
28 Live
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A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Teatercaféen
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Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Charlie Chaplin
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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
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An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
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Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Roskilde Bodega
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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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Roskilde
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Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
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Danseriet
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Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Klubhuset
2.8 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
2.8 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
15.5 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
21.6 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
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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
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Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Haven - Events
28.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Club El Diablo
28.3 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
28.6 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
29.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
29.6 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
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
