Klosterkilden
A dried medieval spring that once sustained Roskilde's monastic community and townspeople for centuries.
Klosterkilden is a historic spring located in central Roskilde, Denmark, with roots tracing back centuries to the monastery era. Once a vital water source for the local community, the spring supplied drinking water, cooking water, and laundry facilities for residents and monastic inhabitants. Though the spring dried up in the early 1950s, it remains a modest but meaningful landmark reflecting Roskilde's medieval heritage and the practical infrastructure that sustained the city's development.
A brief summary to Klosterkilden
- Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in conjunction with nearby Roskilde Kloster to gain fuller context of the monastery's daily operations and resource management during the medieval period.
- The spring is no longer active, so expect to see a marked historical site rather than flowing water; the value lies in understanding medieval infrastructure and community life.
- Combine your visit with exploration of Dronning Margrethes Vej and surrounding streets to appreciate how medieval Roskilde's layout was organized around essential resources.
- Best visited during daylight hours when you can clearly see the site markers and read any informational plaques documenting the spring's history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Train from Copenhagen
Regional trains depart from Copenhagen Central Station to Roskilde approximately every 20–30 minutes. Journey time is 25–35 minutes. Roskilde Station is centrally located; from the station, Klosterkilden is a 10–15 minute walk northwestward through the city center. Ticket cost approximately 60–80 DKK one-way. Service operates daily with reduced frequency on Sundays.
-
Car from Copenhagen
Drive via the E20 motorway toward Roskilde, approximately 30 km from central Copenhagen. Journey time is 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available in central Roskilde near the historic district; street parking and paid car parks are available within walking distance of Klosterkilden. No specific parking fee data available, but typical central Roskilde parking ranges 20–50 DKK per hour.
-
Bus from Copenhagen
Regional buses operate from Copenhagen to Roskilde, with journey times of 45–60 minutes depending on route and stops. Buses arrive at Roskilde Bus Station, centrally located. From the bus station, Klosterkilden is a 10–15 minute walk. Ticket cost approximately 50–80 DKK. Service frequency varies; check local schedules for current timetables.
-
Bicycle from Central Roskilde
If already in Roskilde, Klosterkilden is accessible by bicycle via local streets. The site is located on Dronning Margrethes Vej in the city center, approximately 1–2 km from Roskilde Station depending on your starting point. Journey time is 5–10 minutes by bike. Roskilde is bicycle-friendly with dedicated lanes in many areas.
Klosterkilden location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Klosterkilden
A Medieval Water Source with Monastic Roots
Klosterkilden, meaning "Cloister Spring," stands as a quiet testament to Roskilde's medieval past. The spring emerged from the earth near the historic monastery that once dominated the area, serving as an essential resource for the religious community and surrounding inhabitants. For centuries, this natural spring provided fresh drinking water—a precious commodity in pre-modern times when access to clean water determined the health and survival of settlements. The spring's location near the monastery made it a gathering point for daily life, where residents would collect water for cooking, drinking, and laundry.Daily Life and Community Function
Beyond its spiritual significance, Klosterkilden was fundamentally practical. The spring supplied water for the monastery's kitchens, supporting the preparation of meals for monks and visiting pilgrims. For ordinary townspeople, the spring represented independence from wells and other water sources, offering reliable access to fresh water throughout the year. The surrounding area likely bustled with activity—women gathering water in vessels, children playing nearby, and the constant flow of community members depending on this natural resource. The spring's reliability made it indispensable to Roskilde's medieval economy and daily rhythms.Decline and Disappearance
Like many natural springs in developed areas, Klosterkilden could not withstand the changes of the modern era. In the early 1950s, the spring dried up, likely due to shifts in groundwater levels, urban development, or changes in the local water table. This disappearance marked the end of an era—the spring that had sustained the community for centuries simply ceased to flow. Today, no water emerges from the site, yet the location remains marked and remembered as part of Roskilde's historical landscape.Historical Significance and Modern Recognition
Klosterkilden represents more than just a dried-up spring; it embodies the connection between medieval Roskilde and its natural environment. The spring's existence shaped settlement patterns, influenced daily routines, and supported the monastery that became central to the city's identity. Modern Roskilde acknowledges this heritage by maintaining the site and documenting its history. For visitors interested in medieval life, water management, and the practical foundations of historic cities, Klosterkilden offers insight into how natural resources shaped community development.Location and Accessibility
Situated on Dronning Margrethes Vej in central Roskilde, Klosterkilden is easily accessible to those exploring the city's historic core. The site's proximity to other medieval landmarks, including Roskilde Kloster itself, makes it a natural stop for those tracing the city's monastic heritage. While the spring no longer flows, the location remains identifiable and serves as a waypoint for understanding Roskilde's medieval infrastructure and the role of natural resources in shaping urban life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.3 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
0.4 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
0.4 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.
Sct Hans Have
2.0 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
3.1 km
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
16.9 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 Nord
16.9 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Roskilde Fjord
18.6 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 Å
19.0 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.
Gerlevparkens Venner
19.8 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.
Køge Ås
20.0 km
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
21.0 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
21.1 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
21.4 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
21.4 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
Roskilde Museum
0.2 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Lovise Kilden
0.2 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
0.3 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.
Hestebrønden
0.3 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.4 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.
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.
Roskilde Jars
0.4 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
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.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.4 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.
Stændertorvet
0.4 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.
Domkirkemuseet
0.4 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.
Byens Hus
0.4 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Skt. Laurentius
0.4 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.
Sct Ibs Kilde
0.6 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.
Kildehuset
0.6 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Essential places to dine
Piazza Navona II
0.2 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pasta in casual Roskilde, reasonably priced and perfectly positioned for city exploration.
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.
Burgerklubben
0.3 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
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
0.3 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Røde Port Bistro
0.4 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.
Burgerkilden
0.4 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.
Bone's Roskilde
0.4 km
Legendary Danish BBQ steakhouse serving signature spareribs, premium burgers, and all-you-can-eat salad since 1990.
Lenes Streetfood
0.4 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.
Royal Indian - Roskilde
0.4 km
Cosy North Indian restaurant on Roskilde’s Algade, serving richly spiced curries, tandoori grills and plentiful vegetarian options in a warm, modern setting.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.4 km
Bright all-day café on Roskilde’s historic main square, mixing generous comfort food, relaxed drinks and prime cathedral-side people-watching.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.4 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Det Mexicanske Bøfhus
0.4 km
Hearty Mexican‑inspired steaks and sizzling Tex‑Mex platters in a cozy, central Roskilde steakhouse on lively Algade.
Pipers Hus
0.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.2 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
0.2 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Feelfash
0.2 km
Intimate fashion boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, blending Danish street style with occasion-ready looks in a compact, curated setting.
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.
Hos Simone
0.2 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.
Femilet
0.3 km
Central Roskilde lingerie boutique specialising in comfortable, well-fitted underwear, nightwear and swimwear with personal fitting service on busy Algade.
Rud & Vester
0.3 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
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.
Kelz0r (Roskilde)
0.3 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.
Devotuz
0.3 km
Compact clothing boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering practical, contemporary fashion in the heart of the historic town’s main shopping street.
Zizzi - Roskilde
0.3 km
Contemporary plus-size fashion on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering curve-friendly styles, seasonal collections and relaxed, confidence-focused service.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
0.3 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
0.3 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
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.
Bahne
0.3 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Klosterkælderen
0.3 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.4 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
0.4 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Georges Bodega
0.4 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.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.4 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.
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.
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.
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
0.7 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.
Teatercaféen
1.0 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
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.
Charlie Chaplin
1.6 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
1.7 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
1.7 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
0.5 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
0.5 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
3.0 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
3.1 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
15.3 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
21.9 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
21.9 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
21.9 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
28.0 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.2 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.
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
29.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
29.7 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
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
