Sct. Ibs Kilde, Roskilde
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.
Tucked near the shoreline at Strandengen in Roskilde, Sct. Ibs Kilde is a modest historic spring site linked to nearby St Ib’s Church and the town’s medieval religious life. Once part of a landscape of sacred springs and churches above Roskilde Fjord, the spot recalls centuries of pilgrimage, healing traditions and everyday use of fresh groundwater. Today it offers a quiet pause between the water’s edge and the old town, where you can reflect on Roskilde’s layered past in a simple, unassuming setting.
A brief summary to Sct Ibs Kilde
- Strandengen 2, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stop at Sct. Ibs Kilde with a walk between the harbour and the cathedral ridge to appreciate how the spring fits into Roskilde’s historic landscape.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light over the fjord, which makes the modest setting feel especially atmospheric.
- Bring a light jacket outside summer; the shoreline can feel cooler and breezier than the streets higher up in town.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walk from central Roskilde
From the historic centre around the cathedral, Sct. Ibs Kilde can be reached on foot in about 15–25 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace. The route involves a noticeable downhill section towards the fjord and some uneven surfaces near the shoreline, so comfortable footwear is helpful. The walk is suitable for most visitors but may feel a bit steep for those with limited mobility.
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Local bus within Roskilde
City buses connect the central area and residential districts near Strandengen in roughly 10–20 minutes of travel time, with additional time to walk from the nearest stop to the spring. A single adult ticket within the Roskilde zone typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines or via local transport apps. Services are generally frequent during the day but less so in the evening and on weekends.
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Taxi from Roskilde Station area
Taking a taxi from Roskilde Station or the central streets to Strandengen usually takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. The distance is short, so fares tend to be in the range of 80–140 DKK, with supplements possible in the late evening or on holidays. Taxis offer the most convenient option for visitors with limited mobility, as they can drop you close to the shoreline area.
Sct Ibs Kilde 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
Discover more about Sct Ibs Kilde
A modest spring with a long memory
Sct. Ibs Kilde sits close to the shore at Strandengen, just below the rise that leads up towards Roskilde’s old town. From the outside it can feel like little more than a discreet spring and a small landscaped corner, yet its presence hints at a time when natural water sources shaped how people settled, worshipped and travelled. Here, freshwater emerging from the slope met the sheltered waters of Roskilde Fjord, creating an ideal place for both practical use and spiritual attention. In medieval Scandinavia, named springs like this one were rarely accidental. The dedication to St Ib – often connected with St James – links the site to a wider network of Christian cults and local saints that flourished as Roskilde rose to prominence. The spring would have been woven into daily routines: a place to collect water, pause on the way between harbour and town, or mark the beginning of a path uphill to church.Ties to St Ib’s Romanesque church
Just above the shoreline, St Ib’s Church was built in travertine stone around 1100, replacing earlier wooden churches and reflecting Roskilde’s growing status as a bishop’s seat. The church, with its thick Romanesque walls, rounded arches and simple proportions, anchored this part of town both visually and spiritually. The spring below it shared the dedication and likely served parishioners and travellers arriving by water. Over time the church’s role changed. In the early 1800s its sturdy stone construction made it suitable as a field hospital for Spanish soldiers, and later it was turned to more mundane uses. The spring, however, remained a quiet constant in the landscape, even as the functions of the buildings around it shifted from sacred to practical and, eventually, to residential.Healing water and sacred landscape
Roskilde’s slopes above the fjord are dotted with historic springs associated with healing powers and saintly protection. Sct. Ibs Kilde forms part of this tradition, where clear, cool water emerging from the ground was seen as both a natural resource and a potential conduit of blessing. Pilgrims and locals alike might stop here to drink, wash or simply make the sign of the cross before moving on. Though formal pilgrimages faded after the Reformation, the cultural memory of curative springs lingered. Even without elaborate structures or large gatherings, the idea that certain waters were special persisted in local stories and place names. Standing by the spring today, it is easy to imagine the steady flow of people over centuries, from Viking-age traders to clerics, merchants and townsfolk.A quiet pause between fjord and town
Modern housing now surrounds the area, but the relationship between slope, spring and shoreline is still legible. The grassy edges, the sound of distant harbour activity and the changing light over the water create a gentle, reflective atmosphere. This is not a grand attraction; rather, it is a small pocket of heritage that rewards a slow look and a moment of stillness. The setting invites you to notice subtle details: how the ground dampens near the source, how the air feels cooler close to the water, how the line of the slope leads your eye up towards the silhouette of Roskilde’s churches. It is a place that encourages you to picture the town when its harbour was the main gateway and when springs like this were vital to daily survival.Exploring Roskilde’s layered history
Sct. Ibs Kilde works best as part of a wider exploration of Roskilde’s historical landscape. From here, you can mentally trace routes to St Ib’s Church, the cathedral ridge, former monasteries and other springs that once structured the town’s religious geography. The modest scale of the site invites comparison with these larger monuments and highlights how small, functional features underpinned grander religious and political ambitions. As you connect these dots, Sct. Ibs Kilde becomes more than a simple spring. It is a fragment of a medieval city plan, a reminder of pre-modern water culture and an accessible glimpse into how nature and belief intertwined along the shores of Roskilde Fjord.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
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Skänk Beer & Wine bar
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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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Køge Nord
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Roskilde Fjord
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Gerlevparkens Venner
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Køge Å
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Køge Ås
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Bronzestien - Køge Ås
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Gammel Køgegård
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KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
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Mindesten for Træskoslaget
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Unmissable attractions to see
Roskilde Mini Town
0.2 km
Explore centuries of Danish architecture in miniature form at this charming, detail-rich attraction.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
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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.
Byparkens Legeplads
0.2 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.
RoS Gallery
0.3 km
Contemporary art in a beautifully restored gasworks on Roskilde’s harbour, pairing industrial character with changing exhibitions and free, easy-going access.
MC og Bil træf
0.3 km
Sommeraftener med motorbrøl, krom og uformel bilkultur på et åbent areal i Roskilde, hvor bil- og MC-entusiaster samles til hyggeligt torsdagstræf.
Viking Ship Museum
0.3 km
Stand face to face with 1,000-year-old Viking ships, then step outside to see their full-scale descendants being built and sailed on Roskilde Fjord.
Puppe
0.3 km
A small but evocative public sculpture in Roskilde, “Puppe” offers a quiet moment of contemporary art amid everyday city life.
Sct Hans Kilde
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Roskilde Harbour
0.5 km
Historic fjordside harbour where Viking heritage, a modern marina and relaxed waterfront life meet beneath the towers of Roskilde Cathedral.
Lovise Kilden
0.6 km
A quietly flowing spring on Folkeparken’s edge, where a 19th-century convent resident left her name on Roskilde’s gentle green landscape.
Klosterkilden
0.6 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.6 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.6 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.
Roskilde Museum
0.6 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Essential places to dine
Pipers Hus
0.2 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
0.2 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.
Snekken Trattoria
0.4 km
Waterfront Italian-inspired dining on Roskilde Harbour, pairing fjord views and a large terrace with relaxed brasserie dishes, brunch and all‑day service.
Café Fjordliv
0.4 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 Store Børs
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish gourmet dining overlooking Roskilde Fjord, where ingredient quality and informal elegance meet.
M/S Sagafjord - Restaurant Roskilde
0.5 km
Classic restaurant ship gliding across Roskilde Fjord, pairing seasonal local cuisine with slow, scenic cruises from the harbour’s edge.
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.
Rib House
0.7 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.7 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Bryggergården
0.7 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
0.7 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
0.8 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
Lenes Streetfood
0.8 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
0.8 km
Bright all-day café on Roskilde’s historic main square, mixing generous comfort food, relaxed drinks and prime cathedral-side people-watching.
Restaurant Upstairs
0.8 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.5 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
0.6 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)
0.7 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
0.7 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
NORII Roskilde
0.7 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
0.7 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Hos Simone
0.7 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
0.7 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
Bahne
0.8 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
0.8 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
0.8 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Bog & Idé
0.8 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Lili-Marleen
0.8 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
0.8 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Perssons Roskilde
0.8 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Teatercaféen
0.7 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.8 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.
Gullanden
0.9 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Klosterkælderen
0.9 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
PAUSE
0.9 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.9 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.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.9 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
0.9 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
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.
Georges Bodega
1.0 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.
28 Live
1.1 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
1.8 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
2.2 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.
Vinbaren Muicon
2.2 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
2.2 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
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.
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
3.5 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
3.6 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
14.9 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
22.5 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
22.5 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
22.5 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
27.6 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
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
