Rundetårn, Copenhagen

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The Round Tower was built by Christian IV between 1637 and 1642. It was the first part of the Trinitatis Complex, which combined church, library and observatory in a single building.
It was at this Tower where the University astronomers studied the stars and planets from the Observatory at the top. These days in winter, visitors are still able to gaze at the cosmos from Europe's oldest functioning observatory.

To reach the top, the walk is uphill up a white-washed Spiral ramp, unique in European architecture. The spiral ramp winds itself 7.5 times round the hollow core of the tower. Even though a ramp, you may find yourself huffing and puffing a little!

At the top, the platform that runs around the outside of the Observatory gives fantastic views over the old Latin Quarters, Copenhagen's Cathedral and the tower of the Town Hall, Rosenborg Castle and beyond.

Please check the opening hours on the website as they vary from month to month.

ADMISSION IN 2012...Adults 25dkk Children 5 dkk
FREE ENTRY WITH COPENHAGEN CARD

Buses 6A - 350S
Metro and Train - Nørreport station
Distance from Town Hall Square 5 km.... expect 10-20 min. by walk.

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King Christian IV laid the first stone of Rundetårn (The Round Tower) on July 7, 1637 - and the tower was completed as an observatory in 1642. It is the oldest preserved astronomic observatory in Europe, and still functions as such - although no longer for scientists, but for amateur astronomers and the public.

The spiral walk is unique in European architecture. The 209 metre long spiral ramp winds itself 7.5 times round the hollow core of the tower, forming the only connection between the individual parts of the building complex.

From the platform - 34.8 metre above the street - there is a really nice view of the old part of Copenhagen: Rosenborg Slot, Børsen (Old Stock Exchange), Nyboder, Vor Frue Kirke (the Cathedral Our Lady) and much more… This is a must see in Copenhagen…

Rundetårn is connected to Trinitatis Church, which was inaugurated in 1656. In 1728 the church was damaged by a fire, but was rebuilt again in 1731. There is a tomb under the Choir with many prominent persons buried. In June 2007, the Bell-Ringer’s Loft - where the bells of Trinitatis Church are hung - was opened for public.

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Rundetarn(Round Tower) is a popular attraction, originally part of Trinitatis Complex that included Trinity Church, a library and the tower that was an astronomical observatory.

It was built in 1642 (construction began in 1637) when king Christian IV tried several architectural projects, don’t forget that astronomy was very important in 17th century and many cities all over Europe built an observatory. In 1728 the Great Fire damaged the tower but it was rebuilt.

Round Tower is a cylindrical building -about 40 meters high (pic 1, hard to get a good picture in the small street in front of the tower) with yellow and red bricks (colors of Oldenburgs). The most interesting thing about it is the 210 meters long spiral corridor that leads to the top. I was surprised when I saw that the corridor is 4,5 meters wide (pic 2), we started to walk slowly the 7,5 turns but we made some small stops on the way because small doors lead to some rooms that include the Library Hall(pic 3) –once home of University library- where exhibitions take place but also concerts from time to time. By the way every spring a Unicycle Race take place with the world record to be at 1 minute and 48.7seconds.

Of course the main reason we got into the tower was to check the view from the top platform that stands at 35 meters high, there are some extensive views over the city (pics 4-5) –something I always love so we took several photos. On the top there is a small domed building(on the roof of the tower) that houses the observatory (access by a narrow winding staircase but it is open only on winter months).

So we walked down again, it was time to visit Trinity Church (which is attached to the tower and can be seen from the corridor at lower level)

The entrance fee is 25DKK

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The 34.8 meters high tower is part of the Trinity complex that was built for the Copenhagen students. The complex also includes a library and a church.

The spiral corridor, 192 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, has not occurred but an ascending path in 7.5 turns around the hollow core upwards. Used to walk this path through to the astronomical observatory, but the last part now just stairs.

On the wall at the front of the tower is a gilded rebus, probably by the king himself has invented. The rebus can be interpreted in different ways, but one assumes that it is written: "Lead, YHWH, the right teaching and justice in the heart of the crowned King Christian IV, 1642"

Standing on top of Rundetårn you have a great view over Copenhagen city. Which gives you a good impression of the city centren and directions to go.

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For arguably the best views of Copenhagen, head straight for the Rundetårn. It looks like an oddly shaped church, and that look betrays its origins as a part of the Trinitatis Complex, which consisted of a church, a library, and the astronomical observatory. It's the last item that draws the crowds. Up a spiral spiral ramp to the top of the tower you will find some of the best views of the city, providing the weather is good.

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The great builder of Copenhagen King Christian IV laid the first stone of the Rundetårn in 1637, and the tower was completed as an observatory 1642. It was pointed out to me by my friend as we walked past - a 36 metre high tower, with a very unusual way of getting to the top - the spiral walk, which is unique in European architecture, is 210m long and winds itself 7 and a half times round the hollow core of the tower.

On my return in 2011, I finally got to climb the Round Tower (25DKK entry), and the view is well worth the ascent. On the way to the top (or on your way back down!), don't forget to visit the Library, once the home of the entire University book collection of 10,000 volumes, which is now an exhibition room. Above that is the bell loft, which is also worth a peek. Next to the door to the Library, you can see one of the two original privies too!

At the top of the tower is the Observatory, which can be visited during the winter months from 7pm to 10pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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Built in the 17th century as an observatory to the university, this high tower is accessed by a spyral ramp more than 200 meters long.

With a small planetarium at the top, this is the oldest european observatory still working.

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The round tower (rundetårn in Danish) is a very unique building that was build between 1637 and 1642 as an astronomical tower and it has been used by many astronomers including danish astronomer Ole Rømer who discoverd the speed of light.

It is 41,8 meters high and was after the orders of king Christian the 4th and it is also a church tower for Trinitatis kirke (The holy trinity church).

You can climb to the top of the tower if you like and that is well worth it as the view of Copenhagen is very good from the top.
you have to pay an entrance for that though.

About two thrids up you have a rather odd sight which is an old toilet used by many people over the centuries and Hans Christian Andersen is just one of many famous danes who have been sitting there with his pants down :O).
They actually have a very funny little leaflet about the toilet that you can get for free there.

You do not walk up on a staircase to the top of the tower, but on a spiral walkway that was made so that heavy astronomical instruments could be transported to the top by horse carriage, but some world leaders, including Peter the great from Russia also had their own personal horse carriages to drive them up there.

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The Round Tower or Rundetaarn is a great way to get a glimpse of Copenhagen's rooftops and view the city from above. It was built in the 17th century and was originally a hot spot for astronomists and university people who studies stars since the tower was much higher than other buildings. There's no stairs of elevators, but a spiral, winding hallway that goes around the tower 7,5 times! About halfway up (or down) there's an old library hall which serves as a concert and exhibition venue nowadays.
The admission fee is DKK 25, kids get in for DKK 5.

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Round tower was built by King Christian IV as an observatory for the nearby university. It was bulit in 1642 and is still in use being the oldest one in Europe. It's also a popular sight because of the spectacular views it offers.

After paying an entrance fee of 25 DKK (~3 EUR in August 2008) you can start climbing the 209 m long ramp that leads you to the top. The tower is quite pretty inside with its white walls and small windows but once you get to the top it really rewards your effort. The view is really breathtaking!