Rundetårn
4.5
About
The Round Tower Lookout Tower – Observatory – Exhibitions – Concerts.One of the best-known and most popular structures in Denmark, the Round Tower has been a distinctive feature of the Copenhagen skyline since 1642. The Tower once soared far above the rest of the rooftops in the city, and University astronomers studied the stars and planets from the Observatory at the top. The scholars may have forsaken the building a long time ago, but during the winter visitors are still able to gaze at the cosmos from Europe's oldest functioning observatory. The platform that runs around the outside of the Observatory affords views over the old Latin Quarter – from here, you can spot most of the city's famous buildings. The Round Tower does not have an elevator, so visitors have to climb the winding, white-washed Spiral Walk, where kids often hide in the niches, only to jump out shouting “boo!” as adults approach. Halfway up the tower is the entrance to the large and stunningly beautiful Library Hall, which now serves as a popular gallery and concert venue. It hosts several exhibitions a year, and stages concerts almost every week. Above the Library is the Bell Loft, notable for its enormous wooden beams, which were used in the reconstruction of the Tower following the great fire of Copenhagen in 1728. The Loft is also home to a small exhibition of fascinating artefacts from the Tower's history, including Christian IV's wax seal, a tin of medicine produced by Tycho Brahe, and a piece of the bomb that exploded in the Library Hall during the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807.The Round Tower was built by Christian IV between 1637 and 1642. It was the first part of the Trinitatis Complex, which combined church, library and observatory in a single building.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Indre By (Inner City)
This is the heart of old town Copenhagen, with its blend of charming old buildings and bold new architecture, broad avenues and tiny streets as well as picturesque canals and a modern harbor. The inner city is home to the Royal Danish Theatre, which consists of three buildings, two of which are new and situated on the harbor front. The streets, squares and venues of the inner city and its surrounding neighborhoods, are alive all year round with everything from jazz festivals to outdoor ice skating rinks and parachuting at the lakes right in the center of the city. This compact area boasts beautiful old castles, tranquil parks, and bustling squares where you can always find a bench to stretch out your legs whenever you need a break.
How to get there
- Nørreport • 5 min walk
- Kongens Nytorv • 8 min walk
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Best nearby
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See what travellers are saying
- SnappleSpiceNew York City, New York546 contributionsGo on a night when you can look through the telescopeI loved the spiral up to the top of the tower. I came on a night when an astronomer was available, and so I got to looked though the massive telescope, although only at a clock tower as the sky was cloudy. Still cool! I didn't spend much time in the exhibits as I felt they were geared more towards children (there were many kids there).Visited February 2023Travelled soloWritten 2 April 2023
- Marshall BFerney-Voltaire, France3,678 contributionsWorth every step! Extraordinary views, interesting exhibitsThis is definitely the place to take great photos of the skyline, and the walk up is not what one might expect - it is a spiral ramp, wide enough (and gradual enough) for horses! There are also exhibits in some of the rooms as you go up (or down) - including an observatory, bell loft, planetarium and library hall (for art shows). There are brochures available about the tower as well as about the exhibits. The viewing platform, at the very top, is where the best photos can be taken.Visited May 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 April 2023
- Jasmine38Chichester UKChichester, United Kingdom1,952 contributionsInteresting and unusual structure with good views over the city centreUnusual structure in that it's a continuous circular path to go up apart from the a few stairs right at the top. Good views over the city centre. There are also a couple of rooms with exhibits en route.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 May 2023
- Jen H11 contributionsBest place in CopenhagenProbably my favourite place in Copenhagen. Great climb up the spiral ramp to the top, the current exhibition (Regnesen college) was fascinating and stunning views from the top! I visited twice in 4 days and will be back again on any future trips to the city!Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 May 2023
- Adam and JadeEngland, United Kingdom15 contributionsThank you for making our engagement so specialMy partner called them in advance to ask if we were able to come early (which I was completely unaware of), the staff were more than happy for us to do so. We arrived, walked up the round tower and he proposed! We couldn’t thank the staff enough for allowing us to arrive early as it truly made the proposal so intimate. It was just us two with the views of Copenhagen. Although it was slightly cloudy and slight rain, we wouldn’t have changed it. I couldn’t have asked for a better place for this to happen. On the way out we purchased a model of the tower which was very reasonably priced. Thank you so much!Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 June 2023
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia17,760 contributionsEurope's oldest observatory with terrific viewsRundetarn, a circular structure as its name says is set in the very center of CPH. Dating back to 1642 it is considered Europe's oldest observatory and planetarium. It has a circular path leading up to the top platform offering excellent views. Along that route are two exhibitions you can visit. Once up, views are unbeatable all the way to Malmo in Sweden across the Oresund channel. Entry fee is reasonable and it is included in the high value CPH card.Visited June 2023Written 28 June 2023
- David D1,205 contributionsA large church that was designed with a library and an astronomical observatory in the steeple.The church is a large one, decorated in Baroque style, but quite restrained by Baroque standards. There are large spaces in the attic for a library, and one can ascend the church tower on a sloping walkway to see where the observatory once stood. The views from the top of the tower are very impressive.Visited June 2023Written 5 July 2023
- AbClareAberdeen, United Kingdom534 contributionsMust see in CopenhagenThe round tower was worth the visit. Very accessible, the ramp allows people old and young to take their time to get to the top. Only at the very top is there a small spiral staircase with an innovative traffic light system to ensure that there’s not a traffic jam. Good views from the top, a novel experience.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 July 2023
- ZiftD60 contributionsGood ViewThe main attraction is the 360 degree view over the city. You ascend via a spiral ramp, which the king used to ride up on his horse. There are only stairs at the end, so the climb is not that hard. There is not much else to see, but it's a good example of the kind of scientific facilities King Christian IV was building in the 1600s.Visited July 2023Written 23 July 2023
- RetreatJunkieNARaleigh, North Carolina29 contributionsGreat fun and a unique way to spend an afternoonRound and round and round she goes! This is a unique, fun way to spend an afternoon. Allow plenty of time as it does take a while to make the journey, and the view from the top is worth taking in slowly.Visited July 2023Written 26 July 2023
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4.5
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Bibliotekarien
Sweden62 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Historical sikte well worth a visit. A bit disappointed that the library was closed for renovations during our visit - please inform guests about this upon entrance. Lovely ”kissing bench” on top floor, a lovely place to get engaged :-)
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hany G
Bakersfield, CA1,089 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
I booked the ticket at the kiosk at the entrance and the ticket was cheap.
It is kind of a slope up with no stairs till almost the top where you are going to use the stairs.
The view from the top is great.
Going down is much easier.
You may need only 30 minutes to visit the tower.
It is kind of a slope up with no stairs till almost the top where you are going to use the stairs.
The view from the top is great.
Going down is much easier.
You may need only 30 minutes to visit the tower.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tezpil
Portsmouth, UK4,651 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Just tuned up and got tickets at the door, no queue. We visited in September and were able to the see The Danes with Wolves exhibition which was on display until the end of the year. Look out for the next exhibition here. A spiralling slope most of the way with a staircase at the top. Good views and easier coming down. Visit the church to.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark D
Lagoa, Portugal87 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We were debating on going to the round tower, but glad we did. It is inexpensive visit and very accessible. The ramp up is nice for those with bad knees! The last 15 meters requires climbing a circular stair, but the views are worth it! It is a popular school outing for classrooms, so timing is important during the school season.
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L_K1509
London, UK1,333 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Round and round and round…..
Ok you get the picture.
Very easy walk up to the sloped walkway, it was not slippery at all even though it was paved in small bricks. At the top the traffic light system of red/ green lights works well for the last short spiral staircase to the top viewing area.
The view looks over Copenhagen and you can walk around the top of three tower. The view is good, mainly because most of the city of low level. There are no seats but as it was very cold it didn’t matter to me. On the way up/ down there are plenty of window seats to rest on.
Includes with Copenhagen card
Ok you get the picture.
Very easy walk up to the sloped walkway, it was not slippery at all even though it was paved in small bricks. At the top the traffic light system of red/ green lights works well for the last short spiral staircase to the top viewing area.
The view looks over Copenhagen and you can walk around the top of three tower. The view is good, mainly because most of the city of low level. There are no seats but as it was very cold it didn’t matter to me. On the way up/ down there are plenty of window seats to rest on.
Includes with Copenhagen card
Written 13 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Jones
London, UK394 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The tower offers great views of the surrounding city and it’s an easy climb to the top. Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
harblinger
Liverpool, UK230 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Stunning views over the city from this unusual tower with a fascinating history. Must confess it was a lot easier climbing the ramp up than the steps. Just a few narrow steps at the top to compete with. Almost suggest this is a must-do because of it's location and the ease of the visit
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardengel-IoW
West Sussex, UK810 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Excellent. Easy access as sloped ramp most of the way and nice and wide. There are still steps as you get to the top, 27 ordinary ones immediately followed by 31 spiral steps. The view is wonderful 360 degrees and open air. Very much worth the effort. Also unexpected display, in a side room, part way up, of taxidermized wolves and dogs, bit random but worth a look, if only for a rest from climb. Lots of info on way up with leaflets up about trip 50 mins in all. Excellent traffic light system for spiral stairs.
Also happened to see Soldiers marching for the changing of the guard at the palace, just marching down the street by the tower.
Also happened to see Soldiers marching for the changing of the guard at the palace, just marching down the street by the tower.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chang Percy
Taipei, Taiwan163 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
The panorama from the top is spectacular! The climb to the top is not hard as one big ramp and then a very small spiral staircase onto the roof. There are also several different rooms to explore on the way up, if you are interested in learning more about the tower.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy
Chichester, UK72 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
A fairly interesting visit but we didn’t stay long as there wasn’t too much to see. The views from the top of the tower were great though.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizcart
Horwich, UK9 contributions
Thinking of attending here in December and going to the observatory event
I only want to visit once though, so will it be a waste during the evening to miss out on the views? Or do you thing it will be just as impressive at night?
Kornblit Tours
New York City, NY90 contributions
I would have to agree, don’t worry about missing the views here at night.
Gebruikersnaam
Belgium4 contributions
Hi, are well behaved dogs allowed in here? Thanks in advance.
Dilnaz_Bharucha
Mumbai, India253 contributions
How long does it take to climb up to the top of the tower?
Thm
4 contributions
The way up is not so long and one may take some time to do so. It is an even floor slope going round and round and not a hard climb. One can walk beside the furthest wall and doing so it is less steep.
The view from the top is worth the time to get there. The tower was built when king Christian the 4th was in rule. He laid the foundation of building many other buildings in Copenhagen and in the whole country as a whole. Doing so, some say he made a historic legacy and got more known historically. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Kann ich einen kleinen Hund auf den Rundetårn in Kopenhagen mitnehmen?
DUTRIEVOZ
Chens-sur-Leman, France523 contributions
Bonne question. Je ne sais pas.
nene76Italia
Italia186 contributions
ciao! Questa attrazione, come altre, è a pagamento. Sono cifre abbordabili o conviene comunque fare la
Copenaghen card ??Grazie mille
Melania P
Rome, Italy257 contributions
Anch'io ho fatto la Copenaghen Card..! Dipende da che tipo di viaggiatore sei. Noi in 4 giorni l'abbiamo sfruttata al massimo! Forse la torre è l'attrazione più economica che c'è 😝
michellefisher2002
Coventry, UK455 contributions
anybpdy know opening times etc?
Iris P
Bamberg, Germany4 contributions
21 September - 20 may: daily 10-18
21 may - 20 September: 10- 20
the tower is closed 24 and 25 December and 1 January
the observatory is open: October - March, Tuesday and Wednesday 19 - 21
Enzo Maria F
Garbagnate Milanese, Italy3 contributions
si sale solo a piedi o ascensore ?
Grazie
axelxyz
Bari, Italy59 contributions
Solo a piedi, ma nulla di faticoso!
ewint2006
Wesley Chapel, FL170 contributions
It appears relatively stroller friendly, are strollers allowed?
Robert K
Brierfield, UK61 contributions
Yes, as are wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There is a tight spiral staircase of about a dozen steps at the very top to gain access to the observation deck so you would need to leave the buggy at the top of the ramp.
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Claim your listingRUNDETÅRN: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rundetårn
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