Round Tower Copenhagen (Rundetaarn): Complete Visitor’s Guide & Best Views
Copenhagen can feel busy and full of life, but sometimes you need a spot to slow down and take it all in. For us, that place was the Rundetaarn (Round Tower). With our Copenhagen Card in hand, we headed inside and started the long waddle up the spiral ramp. Step by step, we climbed all the way to the top, and the reward was worth it. From the viewing platform, the best views of Copenhagen stretched out in every direction, making the climb an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you can expect when you waddle your way up.
Is the Round Tower Worth It?
Absolutely! The Round Tower is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks and is well worth a visit. On the way up, we stopped to peek at the old privy, wandered through the bell loft, and stepped into the beautiful library hall where Hans Christian Andersen once found inspiration for his stories. These little stops made the climb just as enjoyable as the view waiting at the top. And yes, the panorama of Copenhagen from the observatory deck really does live up to the hype. The way down can feel a bit dizzying, but that’s part of the fun. For a small entry fee (or free with the Copenhagen Card), the Rundetaarn offers history, charm, and some of the best views in the city.
How to Get to the Round Tower
- By Public Transport. The Round Tower is right in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town. The nearest metro stop is Nørreport Station (about a 5-minute waddle). You can also take several city buses that stop nearby, making it super easy to reach.
- By Car / Parking. Driving in central Copenhagen can be challenging, but if you arrive by car, there are several paid parking garages within walking distance, such as Illum P-hus or Nørreport parking garage. Street parking is limited and metered.
- Waddling. We came to the Round Tower on foot, as it was part of our waddle through Copenhagen’s old town. Strolling through the charming streets and then arriving right at the base of the tower made the experience feel even more special. If you enjoy exploring a city on foot like we do, you can easily add the Round Tower to your walking route and discover it along the way.
Best Time to Visit the Round Tower
The Round Tower is open year-round, but the experience changes with the time of day. Visit in the morning for a quieter climb with fewer crowds, or head up at sunset for golden light and magical views over Copenhagen’s rooftops.
Opening Hours to the Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
The Round Tower is open 362 days a year (closed 24 & 25 December, and 1 January).
Winter Season (October – March):
- Open daily: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays: extended hours until 9:00 pm (observatory staffed evenings)
- On 31 December, the tower closes at 3:00 pm
Summer Season (April – September):
- Open daily: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Note: The observatory is staffed only during certain winter evenings (Tuesdays/Wednesdays 18:00–21:00)
For the latest hours, always check the official site before visiting.
Tickets to the Round Tower
- Adults: 60 DKK
- Students: 40 DKK
- Children (0–17 years): Free entry
- Plushies: free entry
Entrance is included in specific cases for events, but as of April 1, 2024, Rundetaarn will no longer be included in the Copenhagen Card.
We used our Copenhagen Card when we visited (it was still valid for the tower at that time), and we got it validated at the entrance. There were no additional fees for us.
Because Copenhagen is a cashless city, the preferred payment method is by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Dankort).
If card payment is not possible, they also accept Danish kroner (DKK) or Euro banknotes (paper bills only, no coins).
Note: Officially, tickets for regular tower entry are not sold online in advance, and you purchase upon arrival. Only tickets for special events and concerts are available for pre-purchase.
History of 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.
- Today, the observatory is still used by amateur astronomers, and it’s the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.
Basic Facts about the Round Tower
- 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.
Our Waddle Up the Spiral Ramp
As we began our waddle up the Round Tower, we quickly realized just how unique the climb really is. The spiral ramp winds seven and a half times around the hollow core of the tower, and it’s surprisingly wide, much more spacious than we expected. At first, the gentle slope doesn’t feel too steep, but after a few turns, you definitely start to feel the spin as it circles round and round. It’s the only way to the top, and while there are no stairs to tire you out, the endless curves can still leave you a little dizzy. Along the way, the ramp opens into different spaces, giving access to the Library Hall, the Bell Loft, and the hollow core, which made the climb as enjoyable as the view waiting for us at the top.
The First Stop: Trinity Church
Before even starting the climb up the Round Tower, your first stop is Trinity Church (Trinitatis Kirke), which sits right next to the ticket booth. The church and the tower are actually part of the same 17th-century complex, commissioned by King Christian IV. He envisioned the Round Tower not just as an observatory, but as part of a “Trinity Complex” that combined faith, science, and knowledge under one roof — a church, a library, and an astronomical observatory.
The church itself was consecrated in 1656 and is still active today as a parish church. Inside, you’ll find a light, elegant Baroque interior with whitewashed walls, high vaulted ceilings, and a beautifully carved wooden altar. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside, and stepping inside feels like a quiet pause before your climb. Historically, the University of Copenhagen used the church for ceremonies, and students would attend services here, while the library, located above the ramp, stored their books.
If you have time, it’s worth a short visit before heading up, not only for the history but also to see how closely faith and knowledge were tied together in the original design of the Round Tower.
The Library Hall
About halfway up the Round Tower, just above Trinity Church, you step into the Library Hall, an unexpected space in the middle of the climb. Covering more than 800 m², it feels almost hidden until the ramp suddenly opens into it. Today, the hall hosts exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and cultural events throughout the year, making it one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric venues. You can also pause here for a coffee, browse souvenirs, or catch your breath before continuing the climb.
Initially, however, the Library Hall had a very different purpose. From 1657 to 1861, it housed the University of Copenhagen’s book collection, with around 10,000 volumes stored on bookshelves lining the walls. This made it one of the city’s most important centers of learning at the time. Interestingly, the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen is said to have spent time here, finding inspiration for his work while reading and studying.
It was only in 1987 that the hall reopened as a cultural space, giving visitors a chance not only to admire its history but also to experience Copenhagen’s vibrant arts scene in a unique setting.
The Old Privy
When the Round Tower was completed in the 17th century, it was equipped with two privies. The first was located just below the Observatory and reserved exclusively for the astronomers, while the second sat halfway up the Spiral Ramp, right next to the entrance to the University Library.
Neither of them is in use today, but you can still step inside and take a look. And here’s a fun fact: the one and only Hans Christian Andersen is said to have used the library’s privy during his many visits to the University Library. It’s a curious reminder that even great storytellers had very ordinary moments!
The Bell Loft
For centuries, the church bells of Trinity Church were rung from the Bell Loft, echoing across Copenhagen to mark time, celebrations, and important events. But the loft wasn’t only about bells, over the years, it served many different purposes.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the vast wooden space was used for a wide range of purposes, including storage, student fencing practice, and exhibitions. Because it was one of the largest covered halls in the city, it often became a flexible gathering place whenever Copenhagen needed one. Today, the old beams and creaking floorboards still carry that sense of history, making it easy to imagine how lively the loft once was. 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 stepped onto the observatory platform, where a full 360-degree view of Copenhagen opened up before us. From the city’s rooftops to the spires and beyond, it felt like the whole capital was at our feet. At the top, there’s even a small kiosk where you can grab an ice cream or a snack, the perfect little reward while you catch your breath and enjoy the panorama.
From the top, you can spot several of Copenhagen’s famous landmarks — including Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, and the Øresund Bridge that connects Denmark with Sweden. On a very clear day, you can even see as far as Malmö in Sweden.
The Observatory at the top of the Round Tower
At the very top of the Round Tower, you’ll find the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe. Over the centuries, it has undergone several changes, with its current form dating back to 1929, the same year a refracting telescope was installed. This telescope still allows visitors to view the skies with magnification ranging from 80 to 450 times, making it a unique piece of living history.
Visiting the Observatory is a pleasant and memorable experience, and it easily ranks among the top things to do in Copenhagen. While the nearby Christiansborg Tower also offers stunning city views, the Round Tower provides an entirely different atmosphere.
Visiting the Round Tower was one of those experiences that truly stayed with us. From the waddle up the spiral ramp to the little surprises along the way to the sweeping views from the top, it felt like stepping through layers of Copenhagen’s history. We especially loved how the climb was as much a part of the adventure as the view itself. With our Copenhagen Card, it was an easy stop to include, and we’re so glad we did. If you ever find yourself in Copenhagen, make time for the Rundetaarn, we promise, it’s worth every turn.
Pack your bag and waddle up the Rundetaarn!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a tiny commission, enough to help a penguin keep up its globe-trotting lifestyle. No extra cost to you, just more fish for me. Thank you for supporting the adventure!
1 thought on “Round Tower Copenhagen: A Must-Visit Landmark”
Comments are closed.