The Round Tower

Observatory · Kultorvet

The Round Tower

Observatory · Kultorvet

Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København, Denmark

Highlights

The Round Tower is a charming 17th-century landmark with a unique spiral ramp leading to breathtaking 360° views of Copenhagen's rooftops and historic sites.

Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København, Denmark Get directions

rundetaarn.dk

@theroundtower

@travelleisure

"Rundetårn, built by King Christian IV, offers incredible views of the city from its tower observatory." - Travel + Leisure Editors

20 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen

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@atlasobscura

"Visiting famous landmarks in historical centers of European medieval cities often involves climbing various sorts of towers, be it a fortress, a castle or a cathedral. However, one of the most unusual of such places is situated in the heart of Copenhagen. The Rundetårn, literally the round tower, is noted for its lack of stairs. Instead this 34.8 m high tower has a smooth slanted spiral corridor. This 209m (964 foot) long spiral ramp winds itself 7.5 times round the hollow core of the tower. The tower was originally built as an astronomical observatory. The ingenious builders avoided the use of stairs in order to make the lugging and towing of heavy and fragile astronomical equipment to the top of the tower, possible. The tower was commissioned by King Christian IV and designed by architect Hans Steenwinckel the Younger. It remained in use as an observatory until mid 19th century when light pollution from the city and vibrations from the street traffic made accurate observations impossible. Today there is still an old telescope on the roof that is used by amateurs during the winter. However, the unusual internal structure of the tower gave rise to a quite peculiar activity, racing up and down the tower with various sorts of vehicles. In 1726, Emperor of Russia Peter the Great ascended the corridor on horseback. The first bicycle race in the tower was organized in 1888. In 1902, a Beaufort car was the first motorized vehicle to ascend this tower. The current bicycle record is 55.3 seconds and was set in 1993 by Ole Ritter in a race against Leif Mortensen. In 1989, Thomas Olsen went up and down the Rundetårn on a unicycle in 1 minute and 48.7 seconds. The upper part of the main facade is decorated by a gilded rebus, designed by King Christian IV himself. The rebus can be read as “Lead God, the right teaching and justice into the heart of the crowned King Christian IV, 1642.” The tower also contains a toilet used by the researchers and astronomers working in the tower and consisting of a seat almost at the top and a shaft leading down to the bottom floor built into the hollow core. This shaft has no way of emptying it nor any ventilation to the outside, making it arguably one of the world’s largest and earliest septic tanks." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

30 of the World's Most Spectacular Spirals

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@afar

"Walking along the winding streets of central Copenhagen , you will invariable chance upon the 17th-century Round Tower, with an observation deck that affords great views over the city and to Sweden in the distance. To reach the top, you walk up an interior spiral ramp with no stairs, designed to allow horses and carts in earlier times to ascend to the library and observatory, and today kids have great fun racing up and down the cobbles. The tower is also the site of an annual unicycle race. The record round-trip time so far: just under one minute 50 seconds."

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@afar

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@afar

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Ross Daniels

Google

This is not a very hard walk to get to the top and the reward is the views over Copenhagen. Actually the walk is actually up a spiral ramp, which winds 7½ times around its hollow core, leading to the top tower at 41.5 meters. On the way there are some very interesting side display which are worth looking at as well including library hall. The Round Tower was completed in 1642. It has great history being the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.

Rachel

Google

Beautiful and interesting landmark. Tickets are reasonably priced and you can spend a good hour or so here. Lots to see on the way up and a great view from the top. Beautiful art space halfway up too.

Eric L

Google

The Round Tower is definitely a must see. The spiral ramp leading to the top is such a unique experience, it’s way more fun than regular stairs. Once you reach the top, the 360° views of the city are absolutely stunning. The little exhibitions inside are an added bonus, and the vibe is super chill. It’s perfect for snapping some epic photos.

Helen Low

Google

A pretty nice place to visit in Copenhagen. The building requires some afford to walk to the top. I like to spend some time on each window as I can see different view of the Copenhagen city. Especially when you are on the top. It is just next to the old library. We spend about 25 minutes in the building. Entrance fee is inexpensive and reasonable.

Dav Ay

Google

Rundetaarn Ticket is DKk 40 per head. The unique spiral ramp leading to the top was a pleasant surprise, and the views of the city from the observation deck were breathtaking. highly recommend it to anyone exploring Copenhagen!

Angelos Kostaras

Google

The Round Tower in Copenhagen is a true highlight of the city and an experience not to be missed. The standout feature is the incredible 360-degree view from the top, offering a stunning panorama of Copenhagen’s charming rooftops, historic landmarks, and vibrant streets. Reaching the summit is an adventure in itself, as the unique spiral ramp makes the climb both easy and enjoyable. Along the way, you'll find fascinating exhibits and architectural details that bring the tower’s rich history to life. Once at the top, the sweeping views are nothing short of magical, especially during sunset or on a clear day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local, the Round Tower is a perfect spot to appreciate Copenhagen’s beauty. Highly recommended!

Shelley C

Google

The Roundtower is worth a visit just for the views. You get to walk the spiral ramp to the top; see a room of exhibits; look at the hollow core; see the oldest functioning observatory; look at the amazing views over Copenhagen and usually you can visit the Library Hall though this was closed when I went and there is a church, though that was also closed. You require a ticket to enter. At 5 p.m., the queue was about twenty-five minutes long. You can not pre-order tickets. They only allow a certain number to the balcony, so at the top of the ramp, you have to wait until there is space. There is a cafe inside the tower. There are also a few toilets. These were in reasonable condition, but there was a bit of a queue. It is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs. There is no lift. The spiral ramp is very steep and uneven. At the top, there are two sets of stairs.

Zak Robinson

Google

Tickets on the door. £4.50 or so each. Good for something to do for half an hour. Steep incline but plenty of seats along the way. A few steps at the top but worth it for the views. Just would like some more information on the history of it.