Church of Our Savior: 360° view of Copenhagen

The Church of Our Savior, or Vor Frelsers Kirke in Danish, is one of Copenhagen’s most emblematic architectural gems.

Nestled in the picturesque Christianshavn district, this church attracts attention with its golden spiral steeple rising majestically above the city.

Below, we’ll give you all the practical information you need to visit the tower and/or the church.

The ascent to the summit : Panoramic view of Copenhagen

Climbing the spiral bell tower of Our Savior Church is the thing to do when visiting the church, but it’s not without its challenges. The ascent involves some 400 steps, part of which are located on the outside of the building, offering a 360-degree view of the city.

The closer you get to the top, the narrower the staircase becomes, adding a touch of adrenalin, especially on windy days. For those suffering from vertigo, the passage outside can prove impressive. We recommend watching the video at the end of this article to get an idea of what to expect.

👀 From the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Copenhagen: you’ll see many of the city’s districts and buildings, the canals of Christianshavn, the colorful rooftops of the Nyhavn district, and even the distant silhouette of the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden.

Tips for your visit to the tower

🥾 Don’t forget to put on your shoes before climbing, as the stairs can be slippery.
☀️ Choose a day with no wind or rain to take full advantage of this unique experience.
🎫 Remember to book your tickets in advance, and it’s advisable to arrive 5 minutes early.

History of Our Savior Church

Construction, led by architect Lambert van Haven, began in 1682, and the church was completed in 1695. Inspired by the Baroque style, the church is distinguished by its classical elements and meticulous details, embodying the grandeur of the period.

Over the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations, but it was in the 18th century that its spiral bell tower, designed by Lauritz de Thurah, became its most famous landmark. This audacious construction, which reaches a height of 90 metres, was completed in 1752.

👉 More history on the official website of the church

Iconic Architecture: The Spiral Bell Tower

The spiral bell tower of the church is undoubtedly the most fascinating of all. Rolled up like a giant snail, it leads the most courageous to an observation platform at the top of the golden spire.

This design, as innovative as it was complex for its time, bears witness to the ingenuity of Baroque architects. Every detail of the bell tower was designed to surprise and amaze, from the precision of its gilded ornamentation to the spiral staircases that offer a unique experience.

Explore the interior of the Church

The interior of the church is just as impressive as its exterior. As you enter, you discover a luminous nave, adorned with Baroque details that bear witness to the artistry of the 17th century.

The magnificent Baroque organ, installed in 1698, is a major point of interest: its impressive gilded façade and finely sculpted pipes continue to resonate during masses and concerts.

If you look up, you can also admire the frescoes depicting biblical scenes, which add a touch of color and depth to the interior decor. These works, restored several times, illustrate the importance of the church in the local community and its ability to inspire the faithful and visitors alike for centuries.

Where is Our Savior church located?

The tower is located in the Christianshavn district, just a few minutes’ walk from Christiana.

Video: Our Savior church steeple

🎬 To give you an idea of what to expect on the stairs.