See Copenhagen from above at the Rundetaarn

Copenhagen is a busy city, and to escape its business can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. One such place is the Rundetaarn or the Round Tower. It’s a great place to chill and get amazing views of Copenhagen. Built in the 17th century, today it’s one of the most visited places. Let’s have a look at what to expect when waddling inside.

The observatory deck is not the only thing you can see while waddling up. On the way up, you will have the opportunity to look at the old privy, the bell loft, or the library hall where Hans Christian Andersen often came and found inspiration for his work. It’s well worth the visit, and get ready for a head spin while waddling up and then down.

Tickets to the Round Tower

• Adults:40 DKK
• Children (5-15 years): 10 DKK
• Penguins: free entry
• Children under five years of age: free entry
• Entry included in Copenhagen Card

We had the Copenhagen Card,  which was only validated on our way in with no additional fees.  

With Copenhagen as a cashless city, the preferred payment method is by credit card. In case you can’t pay by card; also Danish kroner (DKK) or Euro (only paper bills, no coins) are accepted.

Tickets can be bought beforehand here.

Opening Hours to the Round Tower

The height from the street to the platform is 34.8 meters. 

A little bit of history about the Round Tower

• The Round Tower was built in the 17th century by Christian IV – it was the time Denmark was famous for its astronomical achievements. 
• The foundation stone was laid in 1637.
• During the early 19th century, the Round Tower became outdated as an astronomical observatory.
• Apparently, in 1716, Czar Peter the Great ascended the staircase on horseback while his wife Catherine I was behind him in a carriage. 
• In 1902, a Beaufort car was the first motorized vehicle to ascend this Round Tower.
• Among other vehicles, there were also various bicycle races going up. 

Interesting Facts about the Round Tower

• Today, the observatory is still used by amateur astronomers, and it’s the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.
• The whole tower is built with a hollow core, so don’t look down if you are afraid of heights – there is a glass floor 25 meters above the ground where you can look down (the glass is more than 50 mm thick and can carry up to 900 kg per square meter.)
• The tower’s height from the street to the platform is 34.8 meters (almost 115 ft.).
• The platform at the top has an area of 104.5 m².

Waddling up the Spiral Ramp

The Library Hall

Halfway up the Round Tower (somewhere above the Trinity Church), you find the Library Hall. It holds exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events during the year. It was opened for shows in 1987, but initially, it housed the book collection of Copenhagen’s University. It had about 10 000 volumes placed on bookshelves lining the walls.

It has more than 800 m², and apart from the exhibitions you can take a break, have a coffee or buy some souvenirs. It was surprising to see such a vast space. 

The Old Privy

Among other things, it was used to store fine feathers, which were later sold as accessories to ladies.

The Platform at the top of the Round Tower

After waddling all the way up, we finally reached the platform, which offers a 360-degree view. There is even a small kiosk open where you can get ice cream and snacks and catch your breath.

The Observatory at the top of the Round Tower

At the top of the Round Tower, you can find the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. It underwent a few changes, and the current state it is in is from the year 1929. The same year the refracting telescope arrived, allowing a magnification between 80 and 450 times. 

It is a very pleasant experience and among the top things to do in Copenhagen. The Christianborg Tower is also worth visiting, but the Round Tower gives you a different kind of experience.

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