The Round Tower in Copenhagen Hides the Best View

When I’m visiting Copenhagen, I always find myself drawn back to the Round Tower — or Rundetårn as the Danish call it. Even though Denmark is known as a flat country, this tower in the city center has become one of my favorites. It’s a place where you can climb gently upward and admire a peaceful view above the busy city. The old ramps feel natural to walk on, and from the top, the vantage points give you a calm sense of the capital in a way few observation decks can.

On my last trip, I used a small guide to plan the best time to go and where to buy tickets, and the cost was worth every moment spent at that quiet spot. Whether you’re exploring for the first time or returning like I often do, stepping into this historic tower feels like reconnecting with a familiar chapter of country life blended into the heart of the city.

What Is the Round Tower?

When I first stepped into the Dutch-baroque-style tower in Copenhagen, I was struck by how smoothly history blends with daily life here. The building was built between 1637 and 1642, and its original purpose was to observe the night sky. Standing on the observation deck above the city, the view still feels magical, especially knowing that this place once guided early astronomers. The old construction may be centuries old, but it still functions beautifully today.

Inside, the Round Tower has become more than an observatory. I’ve wandered through small exhibitions, watched families enjoy scavenger hunts, and even browsed the little shop tucked inside. Depending on the year, you can also visit the working telescope, which gives you a close look at the sky during special events. Every visit reminds me why this landmark continues to evolve while keeping its timeless charm.

DOWNLOAD FREE E- BOOKS LONDON

Where Is the Round Tower?

Whenever I walk through Indre By, the historic district that locals call the Old Town, I always make a stop at the Round Tower. It sits right on Købmagergade, not far from Rosenborg Castle and Strøget, the main shopping street in Copenhagen. The exact address, Købmagergade 52A, 1100 København K, is one I’ve typed into my phone many times, especially when guiding friends who are visiting for the first time.

What I’ve learned over the season changes is that the opening times shift throughout the rest of the year. The tower is closed on December 24th, December 25th, and New Year’s Day, and on December 31st it shuts at 15:00. From October to March, the hours are 10:00-18:00, stretching to 10:00-21:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday. Between April and September, it’s open 10:00-20:00, which is perfect for long, bright evenings in the city.

Visiting the Round Tower

After getting my tickets, I always enjoy the slow walk up the long spiral staircase, which feels easier than many church towers I’ve climbed around Europe. Along the way, I usually stop by the toilet facilities or peek into the exhibition room before heading toward the observation deck. Just before the top, there’s a narrow staircase with a traffic light system, so I wait for the green light before continuing. It’s a small pause, but it builds a bit of excitement for what’s ahead.

Reaching the top is always worth it. The view over Copenhagen stretches in all angles, with Kongens Have, Rosenborg Castle, and the many churches of the Danish capital all standing out as true must-see sights. It can get a little busy near the main photo spots, but it never feels overwhelming, and there are plenty of places to sit once you reach the top. Every visit reminds me why this tower remains one of the best ways to see the city.

Opening Hours

How Much Does the Round Tower Cost?

Prices, Information, and Accessibility

When planning a visit to the Round Tower in Copenhagen, knowing the cost is important. Adult tickets are 60 Danish Kroner (DKK), roughly $9, while children up to 17 years can enter for free, making it easy for a family trip. Students pay only 40 DKK with a valid ID card, and extra discounts are available if you hold an ICOM card.

You can only buy tickets on the day at the tower, so expect a queue, especially on weekends and during the summer. Unlike the Church of Our Savior, the Round Tower is not included in the Copenhagen Card, but the entry cost is still worth the view and experience at this historic landmark.

Tickets and Payment

When you visit the Round Tower, you can purchase tickets directly at the ticket office upon arrival. Only event tickets or concert tickets can be pre-purchased through the Danish webshop. For payment, I usually use a credit card, though cash in Danish kroner (DKK) or Euro (only paper bills, no coins) is also accepted. If needed, change is given in DKK, making it simple to pay however you prefer.

Queuing and Capacity Control

The Round Tower attracts many visitors, so the staff carefully manage the guest flow to respect the tower’s maximum capacity. During peak hours, queuing is common, and there may be periodic breaks in ticket sales to ensure everyone’s safety. Even with the wait, it rarely exceeds 20 minutes, making the experience smooth for all guests.

Wheelchairs and Disability Concession

Reaching the top of the Round Tower means taking the ascending Spiral Ramp, which is about 200 metres in length, followed by stairs, including a wide wooden staircase and a smaller winding stone staircase leading to the viewing platform. There is no elevator, so wheelchairs, especially non-electrical wheelchairs, cannot easily climb. However, exhibitions and events in the Library Hall remain accessible, though the incline can be challenging.

Guests with disabilities pay the regular admission fee like other visitors. If needed, a caregiver or companion can come for free with a valid companion card, whether Danish or foreign, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience safely.

Guided Tours, Larger Groups, and School Visits

At the Round Tower, groups of 40 or more cannot be admitted all at once and are encouraged to split into smaller groups. While guided tours are not currently available, visitors can enjoy free audio stories for a self-guided experience. School classes and other institutions should consult the page “For Schools” before their visit to plan their trip efficiently.

Photography and Media

At the Round Tower, you are welcome to film or take pictures for private use and to document your visit using phones or smaller cameras. Setting up equipment or holding photo sessions requires permission. The tower cannot serve as a backdrop for commercial product marketing or wedding photography, so always seek approval for any photo shooting or film shooting.

Prams and Pushchairs

At the Round Tower, prams and pushchairs cannot reach the viewing platform due to the stairs. They can be safely parked just after the ticket booth near the entrance or by the side before the wooden stairs. Please note that the Round Tower is not responsible for any personal belongings left behind.

Luggage

At the Round Tower, larger luggage and suitcases cannot be taken inside, and there is no luggage storage available. For guidance on where to leave your bags, visitors are advised to follow the general recommendations from VisitCopenhagen.

Traffic Light near the Tower’s Top

At the top of the Round Tower, traffic to and from the viewing platform is carefully regulated by a traffic light, which can cause brief queuing for a short amount of time. This system helps keep visitors safe and ensures everyone enjoys the view without crowding.

Dogs and Other Pets

At the Round Tower, only guide dogs and service dogs are allowed. Other dogs or pets cannot be brought inside, so it’s best to plan if you’re visiting with animals.

Food and Beverages

At the Round Tower, you can bring your own food and beverages, but consuming them in the Library Hall or café is not allowed, so it’s best to plan to eat before or after your visit.

Be Considerate

The Round Tower sits in the heart of Copenhagen, surrounded by buildings, shops, offices, apartments, and private residences. All visitors are expected to be respectful and considerate of the neighbors, keeping noise and behavior in check while enjoying the site.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the Round Tower or on the top platform, so visitors should enjoy the views and atmosphere without lighting up.

The Library Hall

Halfway up the Tower’s Spiral Ramp, just above Trinity Church, you’ll find the Library Hall, the former university library now hosting changing exhibitions, concerts, cultural events, and the Round Tower’s shop. Your entry ticket gives access to the current exhibition, though it may be closed temporarily for special events, construction, or upcoming exhibitions. Check the website before your visit to stay updated.

The Observatory at the Round Tower

At the top of the Round Tower, the Observatory offers a unique experience, especially during the winter season from October to March, when astronomers are present on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 18-21. On these special days, you can step inside the dome and look through the telescope, weather permitting, making your visit even more memorable. The admission price includes access to this historic space.

The Observatory is undergoing restoration and will close temporarily between 2025 and 2026. Rundetaarn’s dome and telescope will be dismantled and sent to a specialist in Germany. Once completed, the hatches will reopen high above the city with a restored refracting telescope and a renewed copper roof, ensuring the Observatory remains a must-see landmark for generations to come.

How to Get to the Round Tower

The Round Tower is easy to reach by Metro or S-Train, with the closest station being Nørreport, one of Copenhagen’s main stations. From here, it’s about 6 minutes on foot. Alternatively, you can take the Metro to Kongens Nytorv, which is just over 10 minutes, though the route is busier. This may be better if you plan to see other attractions like Nyhavn, but for simply visiting the Round Tower, Nørreport is usually easier, with no issues catching a train.

Also Good to Know When You Visit…

When visiting the Round Tower in Copenhagen, it’s smart to check the weather because it can be unpredictable. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately, like wearing a waterproof jacket that resists wind, especially in winter. Avoid visiting on a rainy day if you want clear visibility. Keep in mind that the Round Tower has no luggage storage facilities, so only bring backpacks as suitcases aren’t allowed. You can use Copenhagen Central Station for suitcase storage or ask your hotel to keep your bags and other stuff safe while you enjoy your visit.

FAQ