Roskildekrukkerne (The Roskilde Jars)
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.
Rising dramatically above Hestetorvet square outside Roskilde Station, the three monumental Roskilde Jars are among Denmark’s most striking pieces of contemporary public art. Each towering ceramic vessel stands around 5 m tall and together they weigh some 24 tons, their richly glazed surfaces recalling ancient amphoras while celebrating Roskilde’s 1000-year history. Set in a shallow water basin that mirrors their colourful forms, they form a bold gateway to the city and an easy, atmospheric stop on any stroll between the station and the historic centre.
A brief summary to Roskildekrukkerne
- Hestetorvet, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan 10–20 minutes to walk around all three jars from different angles; step back towards the station façade to appreciate their full height and symmetry.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light and stronger reflections in the water basin, which make for more atmospheric photos.
- Look closely at the surface: you can spot the individual ceramic sections and, on one jar, lines from Henrik Nordbrandt’s poem referencing Roskilde’s medieval past.
- Combine a stop here with a short walk up through the old town to Roskilde Cathedral or onward to the Viking Ship Museum for a broader sense of the city’s history.
- In wet or wintry weather, the glazes darken and the reflections sharpen, so don’t skip the jars on rainy days—they can look especially dramatic.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, frequent regional trains run to Roskilde Station, typically taking 20–25 minutes. Trains usually depart at least every 20–30 minutes throughout the day. Standard one-way adult fares are commonly in the range of 40–80 DKK, depending on ticket type and time. Roskildekrukkerne stand directly on the square in front of Roskilde Station, so there is no additional transport needed after you arrive.
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Regional bus within Zealand
Several regional and local buses serve Roskilde Station from surrounding towns on Zealand, with typical journey times of 20–60 minutes depending on distance and route. Buses generally run at least once an hour during daytime. Expect fares broadly comparable to local train tickets over similar distances, often around 25–60 DKK one way. Most buses stop at or beside the station area, from where Roskildekrukkerne are visible on the main square.
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Car or taxi from central Roskilde and surroundings
If you are staying in or near Roskilde, driving to the station area usually takes 5–15 minutes from most neighbourhoods, depending on traffic. Public parking is available in and around the station district, though spaces can be busy at peak commuting times and may involve time limits or fees. Taxis within the city typically cost around 70–150 DKK for short trips to the station area. From the drop-off point, it is a short, level walk across the square to the jars.
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Walking from Roskilde historic centre
From the historic core around Roskilde Cathedral, the station square is roughly a 10–15 minute walk along gently sloping, mostly paved streets. The route is straightforward and suitable for most visitors with average mobility, though you should allow extra time if you prefer a slower pace or are travelling with children. Surfaces are generally even, and you will arrive directly at Hestetorvet, where the Roskilde Jars dominate the open space in front of the station.
Roskildekrukkerne location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Roskildekrukkerne
A monumental gateway to Roskilde
Standing on Hestetorvet just outside Roskilde’s railway station, Roskildekrukkerne form a sculptural gateway that every arriving visitor passes on their way into the city. The three colossal jars soar to about five metres in height and together weigh roughly 24 tons, making them among the largest ceramic sculptures ever created. Their sheer scale immediately shifts the square from a functional transit space into an open-air art plaza, where trains, buses and everyday life move around a fixed, almost timeless presence. The jars are arranged in a shallow, circular basin of water, which captures reflections of their curves and colours along with the surrounding station façade. On calm days the surface acts like a mirror, visually doubling their height and giving the impression that the vessels are floating. In wet or wintry weather the water’s shimmer and the changing light emphasise the textures in the glazes, so the work feels slightly different each time you pass.Art, technique and world-record ceramics
Roskildekrukkerne are the work of Danish abstract sculptor and ceramic artist Peter Brandes, known for monumental pieces that draw on classical forms and religious imagery. Here he took the ancient amphora as inspiration, stretching it to contemporary urban scale. Two of the jars are glazed in deep blue tones, while the third has a bronze-like surface, creating a strong contrast against the brick station buildings and the often-grey northern sky. Technically, the jars are remarkable. Each is built from several hundred ceramic sections that were individually fired at temperatures up to around 1,300°C before being carefully stacked and joined on site. This modular construction pushed the limits of what a ceramics factory could produce at the time and has been cited in connection with world records in large-scale pottery manufacture. Knowing this adds an extra layer of appreciation when you’re up close, tracing the subtle joints and imagining the precision required to keep the tall forms stable.A thousand years in three jars
The jars were presented to Roskilde in 1998 to mark the city’s 1,000th anniversary, a gift from local food company Stryhn’s Leverpostej. The commission was conceived not just as decoration, but as a contemporary monument linking present-day Roskilde to its long past as a royal and ecclesiastical centre. Placing the work at the transport hub rather than by the cathedral underlines that this is a living city still in motion, not a preserved historic stage set. One of the jars carries inscribed fragments of the poem "Junker Kristoffer" by Danish poet Henrik Nordbrandt. The text references a medieval nobleman buried in nearby Roskilde Cathedral, connecting the modern artwork with the city’s Gothic landmark and the royal graves inside it. The verses, set against the sinuous ceramic surface, invite you to circle slowly, reading and re-reading as different lines slide into view, making the jars a literary as well as visual encounter.Experiencing the square throughout the day
Because Roskildekrukkerne are in an open public square, you can experience them at any time of day and in any season. In the morning, soft light picks out the jars’ subtle colour gradations and the commuter flow provides a sense of scale. At midday, the square fills with people crossing between the station, shops and cafés, and the water in the basin often sparkles, throwing flecks of light onto the curved surfaces. Towards evening the ambience shifts. As the station lights come on and traffic thins, the jars take on a more contemplative feel, their reflections becoming clearer in the darkening water. In snow or frost they can appear almost sculpted from ice, while in rain the glazes deepen to near-black blues and metallic browns. A short stop here can be surprisingly meditative: the gentle sound of water, the rumble of trains, and the play of light on ceramic all combine into a compact urban calm.A convenient pause between journeys
Most visits are brief, often combined with a walk up towards the cathedral or the Viking Ship Museum, yet it is worth lingering for a few extra minutes. Step back towards different corners of Hestetorvet to frame the jars against the 19th-century station building, or move in close to inspect the firing marks and tiny imperfections that hint at the intense heat of the kiln. If you are interested in photography, the square offers multiple angles, reflections and human scale to play with. Because there is no entry fee or formal boundary, Roskildekrukkerne feel woven into daily routines: people arrange to meet here, sit on nearby benches, or simply pass by without a second thought. For a traveller, that ordinariness is part of the charm. The jars are both landmark and local backdrop, an artwork that is constantly reanimated by the city life flowing around it.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
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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.
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
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
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
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
