Rundetårn round tower: complete guide

Built in 1642 during the reign of Christian IV, this building symbolizes not only the architecture of the Dutch Renaissance, but also the scientific ambitions of the time.

Below you’ll find all the practical information you need to prepare your visit to the Rundetårn or Rundetaarn, which means “round tower” (ticket, visit time and schedule).

What to see and do in Rundetårn

An activity to include in your visit to Copenhagen.

An unforgettable climb: Climbing the spiral ramp

Climbing the spiral ramp is an experience in itself. No steep steps here, but a gentle, winding ramp that winds its way up the inside of the tower. As you ascend, windows open onto the city, offering a first glimpse of Copenhagen stretching out all around us.

Once at the top, the platform rises to a height of around 35 meters, and the reward is a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire city. From up there, you can see the rooftops of the Nyhavn district, the greenery of the Botanical Gardens, and even the silhouette of the Tivoli amusement park, offering another perspective on the capital’s icons.

In winter, the view is particularly magical, with snow-covered rooftops and the tranquil atmosphere that envelops the city, perfect for exploring Copenhagen in winter.

👪 For families: it’s possible to climb with a baby carriage.

Rundetårn Astronomical Observatory

At the top of the tower is one of Europe’s oldest observatories still in operation. On star-gazing evenings, you can see the stars through the observatory’s telescope. It is here that generations of astronomers have studied the stars and contributed to the advancement of knowledge. If you visit the tower on one of these special evenings, it’s a unique opportunity to experience Denmark’s scientific history at first hand.

The Rundetårn Library: A space for art and culture

Located halfway up the tower, the large library room is another treasure to be discovered in the Rundetårn tower. Now transformed into an exhibition and concert hall, it hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. It was in this very space that 17th-century academics came to study, a tangible link with the city’s academic history.

The history of Copenhagen’s round tower: A look at the past

The Rundetårn tower was born of King Christian IV’s desire to establish an astronomical observatory for the scientists of the time. At a time when the stars were fascinating and scientific knowledge was multiplying, this site represented a veritable bridge between heaven and earth. Built to house an observatory, a church and a university library, the Rundetårn played a central role in the dissemination of knowledge.

The tower itself is a fine example of the Renaissance style, influenced by the Dutch architecture Christian IV was so fond of. Its astronomical observatory is one of the oldest in Europe still in use, and has enabled many astronomers over the centuries to study the skies above Copenhagen. In its day, it was a favorite haunt of scientists and academics…

Rundetårn’s unique architecture

What makes the Round Tower unique is above all its singular architecture. The tower is equipped with a 209-meter-long spiral ramp, which climbs to the top. This ramp was designed to enable horses to carry astronomical instruments up to the observatory, an impressive technical challenge for the time. Today, this ascent remains a must for visitors, offering a different experience from the usual staircases of other monuments.

Where is the Rundetårn Tower in Copenhagen?

The tower is located in the Indre By district, making it an ideal starting point for a day’s sightseeing, including the National Museum of Denmark and Rosenborg Castle, all within easy walking distance.

Virtual video tour of the round tower

An emblematic symbol of the Indre By district, the Rundetårn tower is one of the Danish capital’s must-sees, along with Christiansborg Castle and the famous Nyhavn district with its colorful houses.