Roskilde Jars
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Rising dramatically on the square by Roskilde’s main railway station, the three monumental Roskilde Jars are a striking meeting of contemporary art and ancient symbolism. Each towering ceramic vessel stands around 5 m tall, together weighing some 24 tons, their faceted, earth-toned surfaces reflected in a shallow water basin. Created in 1998 by Danish sculptor Peter Brandes as a gift marking Roskilde’s 1,000th anniversary, the jars echo the city’s Viking roots while anchoring its busy modern center with a bold, sculptural landmark that is free to enjoy at any time of day.
A brief summary to Roskilde Jars
- Stændertorvet 3 C, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546321470
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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 natural daylight—early morning and late afternoon light bring out the jars’ textures and reflections in the water basin.
- Combine a quick stop at the jars with a walk up towards Roskilde’s historic centre and cathedral; the contrast between modern sculpture and old town is striking.
- Bring a camera or phone; the jars work well as a dramatic backdrop for portraits and creative angle shots, especially from the far edges of the square.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train towards Roskilde or further west; services run frequently throughout the day and the journey takes around 25–30 minutes. Standard adult single tickets typically cost in the range of 80–110 DKK depending on time and fare type. Roskilde Jars stand on the main square directly outside Roskilde Station, so there is only a short, level walk between platforms and the artwork, suitable for wheeled luggage and mobility aids.
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Regional bus within Zealand
Several regional bus routes connect Roskilde with nearby towns on Zealand, with typical travel times of 20–50 minutes depending on distance and stops. Single fares are usually around 25–40 DKK within local zones, purchased via ticket machines or mobile apps. Most buses stop at or beside the station interchange, leaving you a brief, step-free walk across the square to reach the jars. Services may run less frequently in evenings and on Sundays, so check schedules in advance.
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Car from central Copenhagen
Driving from central Copenhagen to Roskilde typically takes about 30–40 minutes in normal traffic via the main motorway corridor. There is no fee to view the Roskilde Jars, but you should factor in parking costs in Roskilde’s central area, where public car parks usually charge modest hourly rates. Traffic can be heavier during weekday rush hours, and central spaces close to the station may fill quickly, so allow extra time to park and then walk a few minutes to the station square.
Roskilde Jars location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Roskilde Jars
Colossal ceramics at the city’s front door
Standing on the broad square beside Roskilde’s railway station, the Roskilde Jars are impossible to miss. Three vast ceramic vessels rise around five metres high, grouped within a shallow water basin that mirrors their massive silhouettes. Their scale alone is startling: together they weigh roughly 24 tons, turning what could have been a simple forecourt into a powerful outdoor sculpture space and an instant visual introduction to the city. The jars were unveiled in 1998, a symbolic year that marked Roskilde’s 1,000th anniversary. Placing them at one of the city’s main arrival points was a deliberate choice, framing the first impression of Roskilde with contemporary art that hints at deep historical roots. Trains, buses, cyclists and pedestrians constantly cross the square, yet the jars anchor the movement with their calm, monumental presence.An artist’s tribute to ancient forms
The work is by Danish sculptor Peter Brandes, known for his abstract, often monumental ceramics and strong interest in mythology and religion. Here he chose the simple, timeless form of a jar: broad-shouldered, tapering, and slightly asymmetrical, with surfaces that reveal the marks of hand and kiln rather than mechanical perfection. Up close you notice variations in glaze, from earthy browns to almost metallic sheens, catching the changing Nordic light. Historically, jars have carried layered meanings. They stored grain and oil, safeguarding life through hard seasons, and they also served as urns, holding the dead. Brandes draws on these associations so that the Roskilde Jars quietly suggest both nourishment and mortality. Their rounded bodies seem protective and enclosing, yet their scale and solidity also hint at memorials, standing watch over the passing crowd.Gift to a thousand-year-old city
The jars were commissioned by Elsebeth Stryhn of the local food company Stryhns Leverpostej and presented as a gift to the citizens of Roskilde. It was an unusually generous gesture: a private business funding a large-scale public artwork that would belong to everyone. Installed on the station square, the piece does not sit behind a fence or inside a museum; instead it lives in the daily flow of commuters, shoppers and students. Roskilde’s long history, from Viking trading hub to medieval royal center and modern university town, is never far away. Though thoroughly contemporary, the jars nod to an older world where pottery was essential technology and decorative art at once. Seen in that light, the gift bridges eras: an industrial-era company commissioning handcrafted ceramics to celebrate a city that has continually reinvented itself for a millennium.Everyday landmark and meeting point
For visitors, the square around the jars is an easy place to linger for a few minutes between trains or on the way into the historic core. The basin provides gentle reflections on still days, while the robust ceramic forms stand up to all kinds of Danish weather. People often pause on nearby benches, children circle the water’s edge, and the jars become a natural backdrop for photographs and casual meetings. The setting also offers a strong sense of Roskilde’s character. Look one way and you see tracks and buses leading toward Copenhagen and the wider island of Zealand; look the other and streets rise toward the old town, cathedral spires and museums. The jars sit at this seam between everyday routine and cultural exploration, a reminder that art can greet you the moment you arrive.Details reward a closer look
Although many experience the Roskilde Jars in passing, they reward slow viewing. Fine variations in texture become visible when you walk the full circle around them: ridges where clay was built up, subtle glazing runs, areas where colour deepens or thins. Light plays differently on their curved surfaces at morning, midday and dusk, creating new shadows and highlights. Because the work is outdoors and freely accessible, there is no fixed route or correct way to experience it. You can step back to appreciate the composition of three forms together, or move in close to study how each jar differs in profile and finish. In doing so, you participate in the artwork’s everyday life: not as a museum visitor following a prescribed path, but as part of the urban rhythm it was designed to inhabit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roskildekrukkerne
0.0 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.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
0.0 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.5 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Sct Hans Have
2.3 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
3.4 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
16.5 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
17.2 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
18.7 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
19.6 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
20.2 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
20.6 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
20.7 km
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
21.0 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
21.0 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hestebrønden
0.1 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 Museum
0.4 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Klosterkilden
0.4 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Lovise Kilden
0.5 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
0.5 km
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
0.5 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.
Stændertorvet
0.5 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.
Byens Hus
0.6 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.6 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.
Domkirkemuseet
0.6 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.
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.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.8 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.
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
0.8 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.
Essential places to dine
Noahs Roskilde
0.1 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.
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.
Royal Indian - Roskilde
0.1 km
Cosy North Indian restaurant on Roskilde’s Algade, serving richly spiced curries, tandoori grills and plentiful vegetarian options in a warm, modern setting.
Bone's Roskilde
0.1 km
Legendary Danish BBQ steakhouse serving signature spareribs, premium burgers, and all-you-can-eat salad since 1990.
SOHO Roskilde food·lounge·music
0.1 km
Lively Roskilde hotspot where seasonal comfort food, cocktails and late-night DJ sets come together in one central restaurant, lounge and club space.
Det Mexicanske Bøfhus
0.1 km
Hearty Mexican‑inspired steaks and sizzling Tex‑Mex platters in a cozy, central Roskilde steakhouse on lively Algade.
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.
Piazza Navona II
0.3 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Burgerkilden
0.3 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.
King Running Sushi & Wok
0.3 km
Rotating sushi and wok dishes in a spacious, interactive dining experience in central Roskilde.
Restart
0.3 km
Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Bryggergården
0.3 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.
Østens Perle
0.3 km
Casual Thai restaurant in Roskilde serving generous, cooked‑to‑order curries, stir‑fries and noodles in a warm, relaxed setting with both dine‑in and takeaway.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.4 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Nira Sushi
0.4 km
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
Zizzi - Roskilde
0.1 km
Contemporary plus-size fashion on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering curve-friendly styles, seasonal collections and relaxed, confidence-focused service.
Devotuz
0.1 km
Compact clothing boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering practical, contemporary fashion in the heart of the historic town’s main shopping street.
Borch Copenhagen
0.1 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.
Kelz0r (Roskilde)
0.1 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.
Zander
0.2 km
Refined menswear boutique on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering quality Scandinavian-style clothing and personal service in an intimate setting.
Femilet
0.2 km
Central Roskilde lingerie boutique specialising in comfortable, well-fitted underwear, nightwear and swimwear with personal fitting service on busy Algade.
Rud & Vester
0.2 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Vinylfreak
0.3 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.
Lili-Marleen
0.3 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
Feelfash
0.3 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
Hos Simone
0.3 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.
Imerco
0.4 km
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
0.4 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.
Inspiration Roskilde
0.4 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Ros Bazar
0.4 km
Bustling local bazaar-style supermarket by Roskilde Station, packed with fresh produce, spices and everyday groceries for a taste of everyday Danish city life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Georges Bodega
0.0 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
0.0 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
0.1 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Klosterkælderen
0.1 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.2 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.
Gullanden
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.7 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
0.8 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
28 Live
0.8 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Charlie Chaplin
1.2 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.
Teatercaféen
1.3 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Vinbaren Muicon
1.3 km
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
1.4 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Roskilde Bodega
1.5 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Roskilde
0.2 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
0.2 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Danseriet
1.1 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Klubhuset
2.7 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
15.6 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
21.5 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
21.5 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
21.5 km
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
28.2 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
28.7 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
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
