By Monika
Round Tower, Copenhagen: a Complete Guide + Tips for Your Visit.
If you’re visiting Copenhagen and want to experience history, architecture, and some of the best views in the city, the Round Tower (Rundetaarn) is a must-visit.
Built in the 17th century as an astronomical observatory, it’s one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks and climbing it is an experience in itself.
Read this guide to find out why visiting the Round Tower in Copenhagen is a not-to-miss experience!
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- Round Tower, Copenhagen: a Complete Guide + Tips for Your Visit.
- What is the Round Tower?
- How to get to the Round Tower
- How to buy Round Tower tickets
- What to see inside the Round Tower
- How long do I need to visit the Round Tower?
- Is the tower wheelchair-accessible?
- Is it family-friendly?
- Is the Round Tower worth visiting?
- Best time to visit the Round Tower
- Can I visit the Round Tower with a tour?
- Nearby attractions
- Where to stay in Copenhagen?
What is the Round Tower?
Round Tower is one of Copenhagen’s iconic landmarks, most famous for its spiral ramp and amazing views of the city from the rooftop terrace.
This 35-meter-tall tower was built in the 17th century by King Christian IV to serve as an Observatory and a place for the University Library and the Trinity Church.
Today, the Observatory is still in use and is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.
You can learn more about the history of the Round Tower on the official website.
How to get to the Round Tower
The tower is located right in the heart of Copenhagen.
If you’re already exploring Denmark’s Capital on foot, you can easily walk to the Round Tower – the city is very walkable.
If you’d rather take the metro, it is only a 6-minute walk from Nørreport station and about an 11-minute walk from Kongens Nytorv station.
How to buy Round Tower tickets
You can’t buy the tickets in advance – just show up and don’t get discouraged if you see a line.
Lines may look long, but they usually move quickly – don’t skip it!
Tickets cost 60DKK (about $10) with discounts for students and kids under 17 years old can enter for free.
Check current prices and opening hours here.
Good to know: As of April 1st 2024, the Round Tower admission is NOT included in the Copenhagen Card.
What to see inside the Round Tower
The most unique feature of the Round Tower is the spiral ramp that you climb to get to the top, instead of the stairs.
On your way to the top you’ll be able to take a look at the Trinity Church.
And right above it, you’ll find the Library Hall with various exhibits and the Round Tower gift shop.
The ramp makes 7.5 laps around the tower’s hollow core. You can even stand on the glass floor and peek into the core!
As you climb, you can take a little break and enjoy the views.
Fun fact: the ramp was designed wide enough to fit horses pulling carts with heavy loads (like library books!)
If you’re as lucky as we were during our visit, you may encounter some characters from the royal court!
And if needed, there is a really cute restroom hidden in a little alcove.
As you approach the top, you will have some stairs to climb.
The stairs are narrow, so pay close attention to the lights directing traffic.
When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Copenhagen. Just walk around the viewing platform and admire Copenhagen’s skyline from different spots!
Then you can just sit down and take it all in!
How long do I need to visit the Round Tower?
Not including the time to get your tickets, I’d allow 30-60 minutes for your visit to climb the ramp, check out all the fun nooks and crannies on the way, and enjoy the views from the top at a relaxed pace.
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Is the tower wheelchair-accessible?
Due to the narrow stairs at the end of your journey, the Round Tower is not accessible for visitors with mobility limitations.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is! You can’t bring a stroller inside for the reasons mentioned above; however, older children will enjoy the visit.
The viewing terrace is also safe, as it has tall barriers all around.
Is the Round Tower worth visiting?
Absolutely! It is a unique experience that combines history, culture, and fun in one spot.
It also offers some of the best city views and is affordable and quick to visit, making it an easy addition to any trip.
After the Canal Cruise and Nyhavn, it was my next favorite stop during our visit.
Best time to visit the Round Tower
The tower is open year-round, and it can be enjoyed in any season.
However, if your goal is to photograph the views, you may want to choose a clear day.
Can I visit the Round Tower with a tour?
There are no tours of the Round Tower specifically, however this visiting must-see landmark is included in the Highlights & Hidden Gems Copenhagen Tour and the Copenhagen Private Walking Tour With a Guide
For a fun and different experience, try the Copenhagen Self-Guided Murder Mystery Tour by the Round Tower
Nearby attractions
Strøget shopping street is a short walk away, and if you’re hungry, take a quick detour to Torvehallerne Food Hall or the famous Skt. Peders Bakery.
For tips on how to incorporate visiting the Round Tower into your Copenhagen adventure, check out this one-day in Copenhagen itinerary. Do you have more time? Follow this 2-4 days Copenhagen itinerary to plan a longer trip!
To learn more about other Copenhagen attractions, read my guide to the best things to see in Copenhagen!
Where to stay in Copenhagen?
To be close to the Round Tower and other amazing places in Copenhagen, it’s best to book your hotel in the city center. There are many options – just explore the map below.
(tip: zoom out for more choices)
👉 To learn about my trusted travel planning resources that help me (and will help you too!) plan trips easily and save money, read this guide: How to Plan a Trip to Europe: My Favorite Travel Resources Revealed.
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About Monika
An avid traveler and a passionate trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”
