The Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) is a 17th-century Baroque church in Copenhagen's Christianshavn district, world-famous for its dramatic golden spire wrapped in an external corkscrew staircase. Climbing the 400 steps to the top (the final roughly 150 outdoors) rewards you with a 360-degree panorama of Copenhagen from about 90 metres up, making it one of the city's best viewpoints. In 2026 it remains both an active parish church and a major tourist draw: entry to the church interior is free, but climbing the tower requires a separate timed ticket. Because the stairs are narrow and steep and the summit is open-air, it is best visited on a clear day and outside the busiest hours.
The golden helix spire: an external spiral staircase winds counterclockwise four times around the tower, crowned by a gilded globe on which a 4-metre figure of Christ the Triumphant stands holding a banner.
The summit view (~90 m): the last ~150 open-air steps deliver a sweeping 360-degree panorama over Copenhagen's old town, canals and harbour.
The Baroque altarpiece by Nicodemus Tessin, depicting the Garden of Gethsemane, installed in 1732.
The organ on two elephants: a large organ built 1698–1700 by the Botzen brothers, resting on two carved elephant sculptures, with more than 4,000 pipes.
One of Northern Europe's largest carillons: 48 bronze bells weighing nearly 12 tonnes, chiming automatically on the hour.
Good to know
SafetyYou climb all 400 narrow, steep steps on foot; there is no elevator. The final ~150 steps run outside on the open spiral, so travellers with a fear of heights, heart conditions or weak knees, and those with young children, should take special care. Wear non-slip shoes.
SeasonFor safety the tower closes temporarily during rain, snow or strong winds. It is fully closed for the whole of January each year, and on certain dates such as 24–25 December. Summer (June to early September) is peak season and crowded. Note Copenhagen has no true midnight sun, but long summer daylight means you can still climb well into the evening.
RulesThe church interior is free, but the tower needs a paid ticket, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. Because the staircase is narrow, staff may require an online booking (via Billetto) on busy Friday–Monday periods (roughly 10:00–17:00), so reserving a time slot in advance is wise. Copenhagen Card holders enter the tower for free.
MannersThis is a working church, so interior visits may be restricted during services and events. Move quietly, follow any photography restrictions, and dress modestly out of respect.
CautionWatch for pickpockets in crowded tourist spots and on the metro and buses. The nearby 'Freetown Christiania' is an intriguing alternative community but was long a drug-dealing zone; avoid taking photos in that area and do not engage with anyone offering to sell you anything. Denmark is largely card- and mobile-payment based, so you rarely need cash, and tipping is not strongly expected.
SafetyOn the open-air summit, secure bags, hats and phones firmly so strong gusts cannot blow them away.
Practical info
The church is about a 5–10 minute walk from Christianshavn metro station (lines M1 and M2), with several city buses stopping nearby. In 2026 the tower is generally open daily 09:00–20:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing), but hours vary on specific dates, close in bad weather and shut for all of January, so always confirm current opening times, prices and booking availability on the official website before you go.
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