The Round Tower (Rundetårn) is Copenhagen's landmark 17th-century cylindrical tower, built in 1637–1642 by King Christian IV and home to the oldest working observatory building in Europe. Instead of stairs, a 7.5-turn helical ramp winds up to the rooftop platform — designed so horses and carriages could haul astronomical instruments to the top. In 2026 the rooftop observatory (telescope and dome) is closed for a major restoration, but the viewing platform, the spiral ramp and the Library Hall exhibitions remain open. Sitting in the heart of the old city's pedestrian streets, it pairs easily with a day of walking Copenhagen.
The stair-free ~209 m spiral ramp (7.5 turns) — famously ridden up on horseback by Tsar Peter the Great in 1716
Panoramic rooftop views over the old town's spires and red rooftops
The hollow central core with a glass floor that lets you look down into the shaft
The gilded rebus inscription on the façade, personally devised by Christian IV
The Trinitatis complex — church and former university Library Hall (now an exhibition and concert space) under one roof
Good to know
SeasonIn 2026 the rooftop observatory (telescope and dome) is closed for restoration. The viewing platform stays open, but there is no telescope stargazing this year — worth noting if you were hoping to observe the night sky.
SafetyThe Købmagergade/Strøget pedestrian streets leading to the tower and Nørreport station draw crowds and pickpockets. Keep bags in front of you and watch your phone and wallet.
RulesStandard tickets can't be booked in advance and are sold only at the on-site box office. Denmark is largely cashless, so carry a card, and student discounts require ID. Confirm current prices and hours on the official site before you go.
CautionEntry is cheap and needs no reservation, so skip marked-up third-party 'skip-the-line' tickets and simply buy at the official box office.
MannersThe ramp ends in a couple of narrow staircases and there is no lift, so it isn't stroller- or wheelchair-friendly. The platform is windy and can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and a warm layer.
SeasonLong summer daylight (June–July) means bright evenings with opening until 20:00, while winter (Oct–Mar) has shorter hours and a ramp that can get slippery.
Practical info
Located at Købmagergade 52A, about a 5-minute walk south of Nørreport station (Metro M1–M4 and S-train). Open daily 10:00–20:00 in summer (Apr–Sep) with shorter, day-dependent winter hours (Oct–Mar); adults 60 DKK, students 40 DKK, under-18s free (2025–26) — but always confirm current prices, hours and the observatory reopening date on the official website.
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