Sankt Gertruds Kilde, Roskilde
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.
Tucked just off Frederiksborgvej in Roskilde, Sankt Gertruds Kilde is one of the city’s historic springs, part of the famed “Kildernes By” (City of Springs) and the 5 km Kildestrøget walking route. Once used for everyday water, healing rituals and later industry, the modest outlet you see today belies a long story of geology, faith and urban development. It’s a quiet, reflective stop that links modern Roskilde to the landscape that made the town possible.
A brief summary to Sct Gertruds Kilde
- Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Pair a short stop at Sankt Gertruds Kilde with the full Kildestrøget walking route to understand how Roskilde’s many springs shaped the city.
- Use the visit as a quiet pause: stand still for a minute to listen for the water and notice how the spring is fitted into the modern streetscape.
- Avoid drinking directly from the spring; many of Roskilde’s historic sources are no longer maintained as potable water.
Getting There
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Train and local bus from Roskilde Station
From Roskilde Station, take a regional train into the city if you are arriving from Copenhagen or other towns, then transfer to a local bus running along Frederiksborgvej, such as line 201A or 202A. The ride from the station to the nearest stop typically takes 10–15 minutes, with buses generally running at least every 20–30 minutes during the day. A single adult zone ticket in the Greater Copenhagen/Roskilde area usually costs around 24–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or travel apps. From the bus stop, expect a short urban walk on paved surfaces; the area is mostly level but may include kerbs and a brief slope near the spring.
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Walking from Roskilde city centre
If you are already in Roskilde’s historic centre near the cathedral or main shopping streets, you can reach the Frederiksborgvej area on foot in roughly 20–30 minutes. The walk leads through established residential and mixed-use neighbourhoods on pavements and city paths, with gentle inclines but no demanding terrain. This option costs nothing and lets you experience parts of the Kildestrøget spring route along the way. Surfaces are mostly even, but wheelchair users and prams may encounter occasional narrow sections and older kerbs near some of the springs.
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Taxi within Roskilde area
Taxis from Roskilde Station or central Roskilde to the Frederiksborgvej section near Sankt Gertruds Kilde usually take about 8–12 minutes, depending on traffic. Daytime fares within the town often fall in the 120–180 DKK range, with supplements in the evening and at weekends. Taxis can be booked by phone or picked up at designated ranks near the station. This is the most convenient option if you have limited mobility or are visiting several spring locations in a short time.
Sct Gertruds Kilde location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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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 Sct Gertruds Kilde
A modest spring with a deep urban memory
Sankt Gertruds Kilde is easy to overlook at first glance: a discreet outlet by a small stairway near Frederiksborgvej, where clear groundwater still seeps out from the hill. Yet this unassuming feature is one of Roskilde’s historic springs, part of the network of kilder that shaped the city’s location, prosperity and everyday life for centuries. Here, as at the other Roskilde springs, water rises naturally from the underground chalk layers that lie beneath the town. The reliable flow once made places like Sankt Gertruds Kilde vital for drinking water, washing and livestock, long before pipes and pumps took over the job. Standing here, you are quite literally at one of the sources of Roskilde.From sacred water to changing roles
Many of Roskilde’s springs carry saintly names, and Sankt Gertruds Kilde reflects this tradition. The dedication to Saint Gertrude connects the site to medieval ideas about holy water, pilgrimage and healing. People would visit springs like this at certain times of year in the hope of relief from illness or protection on journeys. Over time, the spring’s function shifted. As Roskilde grew, the focus moved from sacred ritual to utilitarian water supply and later to industry, where nearby streams powered mills and workshops. Sankt Gertruds Kilde has had a particularly changeable history, sometimes carefully tended, at other times neglected or partly hidden as buildings and roads pressed closer around it.The spring in the City of Springs story
Today, Sankt Gertruds Kilde forms one stop on the Kildestrøget route, a roughly 5 km walk linking eight historic spring locations across Roskilde. Following this route tells the city’s story through water: from early settlement and medieval churches to industrialization and modern urban planning. Along the way, each spring has its own character. Some, like Maglekilde, are powerful and highly visible; others are tucked away in quieter corners. Sankt Gertruds Kilde falls in the latter category, offering a small but telling glimpse of how closely Roskilde’s life has always been tied to groundwater emerging at the surface.An urban pause between road and hillside
The immediate surroundings are simple: a slope, masonry elements and a small channel where the water runs off. Traffic along Frederiksborgvej forms a modern soundtrack, but if you pause for a moment you will notice the softer sounds here – the trickle of water, the rustle of leaves, the murmur of the city at a slight remove. This is not a large park or grand square, but more of a micro-space: a place to stop briefly, look closely and imagine how the scene would have felt when people came with buckets, laundry or quiet hopes of healing. The modest scale is part of its charm, inviting you to shift your attention from monuments to details.Reading the layers of Roskilde in a single outlet
Spending a little time at Sankt Gertruds Kilde rewards curiosity. The stonework, the route of the outflow and the way the spring fits into the surrounding buildings all tell of repeated adjustments as the city evolved. What began as a natural seep in the landscape has been framed, redirected and reinterpreted many times. Seen together with Roskilde’s other springs, this spot becomes a piece of a larger outdoor museum of water. For anyone interested in geology, urban history or the quiet corners of historic towns, Sankt Gertruds Kilde offers a small but evocative stop that ties deep time and everyday life together in a single, ever-running thread of water.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.4 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
0.7 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
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Sct Hans Have
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Masterhøj udsigtspost
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Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
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Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Køge Nord
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Roskilde Fjord
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Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Køge Å
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Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Gerlevparkens Venner
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Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Køge Ås
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Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
21.3 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
21.4 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
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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
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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
Sct Ibs Kilde
0.2 km
A humble historic spring at Roskilde’s shoreline, Sct. Ibs Kilde links everyday water, medieval faith and the rise of a cathedral city above the fjord.
Byparkens Legeplads
0.3 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.
Roskilde Mini Town
0.3 km
Explore centuries of Danish architecture in miniature form at this charming, detail-rich attraction.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.3 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.
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
0.4 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
RoS Gallery
0.4 km
Contemporary art in a beautifully restored gasworks on Roskilde’s harbour, pairing industrial character with changing exhibitions and free, easy-going access.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.4 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Roskilde Museum
0.4 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.4 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.
MC og Bil træf
0.5 km
Sommeraftener med motorbrøl, krom og uformel bilkultur på et åbent areal i Roskilde, hvor bil- og MC-entusiaster samles til hyggeligt torsdagstræf.
Domkirkemuseet
0.5 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.
Puppe
0.5 km
A small but evocative public sculpture in Roskilde, “Puppe” offers a quiet moment of contemporary art amid everyday city life.
Viking Ship Museum
0.5 km
Original Viking ships, cutting-edge archaeology and a living boatyard unite on Roskilde Fjord to tell the story of how seafaring defined the Viking Age.
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.
Essential places to dine
Pipers Hus
0.1 km
Classic Danish comfort food in a park pavilion with sweeping views over Roskilde Bypark, the harbour and fjord, blending city dining with a touch of nature.
Viking Pizza Roskilde
0.3 km
Hearty pizzas and grill classics near Roskilde’s Viking harbour, serving no‑nonsense comfort food for families, locals and museum‑goers from late morning to evening.
Rib House
0.5 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.5 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.5 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Bryggergården
0.5 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.
Restart
0.5 km
Casual café-restaurant on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving fresh, unfussy salads, sandwiches and cakes in a warm, modern Scandinavian setting.
Piazza Navona II
0.6 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Snekken Trattoria
0.6 km
Waterfront Italian-inspired dining on Roskilde Harbour, pairing fjord views and a large terrace with relaxed brasserie dishes, brunch and all‑day service.
Restaurant Store Børs
0.6 km
Seasonal Danish gourmet dining overlooking Roskilde Fjord, where ingredient quality and informal elegance meet.
Lenes Streetfood
0.6 km
Casual Danish street food served from a cozy kiosk on Roskilde’s historic Stændertorvet square, perfect for a quick, affordable bite between cathedral and city sights.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.6 km
Bright all-day café on Roskilde’s historic main square, mixing generous comfort food, relaxed drinks and prime cathedral-side people-watching.
Café Fjordliv
0.6 km
Harbourfront Nordic–French café in Roskilde with its own sourdough bakery, organic coffee and seasonal small plates served beside the calm waters of the fjord.
Restaurant Upstairs
0.6 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Burgerklubben
0.6 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.3 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
No 1 Butik
0.4 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
0.5 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
0.5 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Hos Simone
0.5 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.
Feelfash
0.5 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
NORII Roskilde
0.5 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
0.5 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Bahne
0.6 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.
Imerco
0.6 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.
Inspiration Roskilde
0.6 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Lili-Marleen
0.6 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
Rud & Vester
0.6 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Bog & Idé
0.6 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Perssons Roskilde
0.6 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.6 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.
Klosterkælderen
0.7 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
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.
Teatercaféen
0.7 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.7 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
PAUSE
0.8 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.8 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.
Copé Lounge
0.8 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.8 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.
Georges Bodega
0.8 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.
28 Live
0.9 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Roskilde Bodega
1.6 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.
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.
Vinbaren Muicon
2.0 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
2.0 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Garbos Roskilde
0.8 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
0.9 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Danseriet
1.0 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Klubhuset
3.3 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
3.4 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
15.1 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
22.3 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
22.3 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
22.3 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
27.7 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.4 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
28.8 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
29.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
29.9 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
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
