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Maglekilde: Roskilde's Historic Spring and Industrial Catalyst

Discover Maglekilde, Roskilde's historic spring that fueled centuries of industry and architecture.

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Maglekilde, Roskilde's most abundant natural spring, has been a vital resource since the Middle Ages, influencing local industry and architecture. Once yielding 90,000 liters per hour, its flow now stands at 15,000 liters per hour. The 1927 wellhouse, a testament to its historical significance, was listed in 1979. Visitors can explore this site to appreciate its impact on Roskilde's development.

A brief summary to Maglekilde

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and optimal lighting for photography.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings near the wellhouse.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the nearby paths and exploring the area.
  • Keep your camera ready for stunning nature photography opportunities around the spring.
  • Check local weather reports to plan your visit for pleasant conditions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Roskilde Station, head towards the main square, passing through the bustling pedestrian street lined with shops and cafés. Continue past the historic Roskilde Cathedral, and you'll find Maglekilde located nearby on Maglekildevej. The walk is approximately 10–15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Roskilde Station, take bus number 201 or 202 towards 'Greve' or 'Køge'. Alight at the 'Maglekildevej' stop. After exiting the bus, it's a short walk along Maglekildevej to reach Maglekilde at Maglekildevej 5. Bus tickets typically cost around 24 DKK.

  • Bicycle

    Bicycles can be rented near Roskilde Station. Ride through the city center, passing landmarks like the Roskilde Cathedral, and continue towards Maglekildevej. The journey is brief and offers a pleasant route through Roskilde's historic areas.

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Discover more about Maglekilde

Maglekilde, situated in the heart of Roskilde, Denmark, is the city's most prolific natural spring, historically gushing at an impressive rate of 90,000 liters per hour. This abundant flow has significantly shaped Roskilde's industrial and architectural landscape over the centuries. Today, the spring continues to flow at 15,000 liters per hour, serving as a living monument to the city's rich heritage. In the Middle Ages, the high mineral content of Maglekilde's waters led to substantial deposits of travertine, a form of limestone. This readily available building material was extensively quarried and utilized in the construction of several local churches during the 11th and 12th centuries, including the renowned Roskilde Cathedral. The extraction of travertine resulted in the formation of a pond, which was subsequently harnessed to power multiple watermills along the stream's course to Roskilde Fjord. Notably, Maglekilde Watermill, first documented in 1258, was among the earliest, with others like Vandhulsmølle, Sankt Mortens Mølle, Kapelsmøllen, Sankt Clara Mølle, and Strandmøllen following suit. The industrial significance of Maglekilde continued into the 18th century. After a devastating fire in 1731 destroyed the original watermill, a paper mill was established on the site in 1737, followed by a textile mill in 1761. These enterprises marked the beginning of Roskilde's industrial era. In 1810, the complex was acquired by a group of Jewish industrialists from Copenhagen, who introduced innovative practices, including the construction of workers' housing and the importation of skilled weavers from Magdeburg. Despite these advancements, the paper mill faced stiff competition and eventually went bankrupt in 1838. In 1846, the site underwent a transformation into a spa and mineral water factory, designed by architect Hans Conrad Stilling. The spa, however, failed to attract visitors and closed after just two years. The mineral water factory continued operations until the early 20th century. In 1927, a wellhouse was constructed over the spring, featuring a distinctive timber structure with a red tile roof. This wellhouse was listed in the Danish registry of protected buildings and places in 1979, underscoring its cultural and historical importance. Today, Maglekilde stands as a testament to Roskilde's dynamic history, from its geological contributions to its pivotal role in the city's industrialization. Visitors can explore the wellhouse and the surrounding area to gain insight into how this natural resource has influenced the development and prosperity of Roskilde over the centuries.

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