Boes Kilde – Holy spring with healing powers

In the past, people believed that the spring, known as Boes Kilde, had a healing effect. This made people flock to the spring to be cured, especially if they suffered from eye diseases or infections. Coins have also been found in the spring, left there by people seeking the spring’s healing powers. Science has later shown that the waters of the spring contain the element bromine that is highly effective in the treatment of infections.           

Despite the fact that the spring is not marked today and is difficult to reach, it has had great significance for the history of the area. In the 18th century, locals built a wooden box with rocks that the waters of the spring ran through, and the spring formed the water supply for the people living in the area. Even the ones wealthy enough to have their own private wells had to use the spring, as their own wells would run out of water. The spring was also important to ships in the area that used it to stock up the water supply for their voyages.

The origin of the name ”Boe” has never been fully determined. The first mentions of the spring in writing only describe it as a holy spring. The name probably derives from the owner of the beach lot and the property nearest to the spring: Bo Jensen. Hence Boes Kilde.

Over the years, the spring has been damaged by the harsh weather, despite several re-establishments. In order to locate the spring, you can follow the Klintestien trail that runs from Lynæs harbour in the west, along the coast past St. Karlsminde and further out. In several places, the trail has an absolutely stunning view of the two fjords Isefjorden and Roskilde Fjord.

Most holy springs in Denmark kept their reputation of healing powers far into the 19th century. The powers of the springs were reportedly strongest on Midsummer night. This was also the case for probably the most famous spring in Denmark, which can also be found along the coast of North Zealand: Helenekilde in Tisvildeleje.

According to legend, a Scanian girl, Helene, was attacked and killed by robbers, who threw her body into the sea at the Swedish coast. A huge boulder rose from the sea and carried her body across the sea to the Danish hamlet of Tisvildeleje. When locals tried to carry her body to the local church to give her a Christian burial, her body was swallowed by the ground only a few hundred meters inland. A ravine opened, and a spring erupted from the spot.

Incurably ill people would come to the spring on Midsummer Day where they were to bottle all the water they would be able to drink during the following night. Then they were to go to Helene’s grave, lie down upon it and drink the water they had brought. At dawn, they would be cured of their illnesses.

Even though Boes Kilde is not as famous, the spring has still been very important to the locals. It is definitely worth the trip, so come by, visit the holy spring and enjoy the lovely coastal scenery while you are here!

Sources: Dansk Historisk Fællesråd (Danish Historical Joint Council) (website in Danish) and local municipality Halsnæs Kommune (website in Danish). 

Picture: VisitNordsjælland.

Coordinates:  Latitude: 55.945644
Longitude: 11.867999