Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s iconic spiral‑tower church, where Baroque art, ringing carillon bells, and a vertiginous 400‑step climb reveal sweeping views over canals and harbor.
Rising above the canals of Christianshavn, the Church of Our Saviour is one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive landmarks, famed for its black-and-gold spiral tower wrapped in an external staircase. Inside, a luminous Baroque nave, lavish altar and a monumental organ resting on sculpted elephants reveal the ambition of 17th-century Denmark. Those who tackle the 400-step climb, including 150 steps in the open air, are rewarded with wide-open views across rooftops, harbor, and sea.
A brief summary to Church of Our Saviour
- Sankt Annæ Gade 29, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1416, DK
- +4541666357
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
- Thursday 9 am-8 pm
- Friday 9 am-8 pm
- Saturday 9 am-8 pm
- Sunday 9 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Book tower tickets and time slots in advance in high season, as daily visitor numbers are limited and same‑day spots can sell out quickly.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes and keep hands free—the wooden and exterior metal steps are steep and narrow, especially on the final spiral section.
- If you are sensitive to heights or wind, enjoy the interior and lower tower only; the last outdoor section is very exposed and can feel dramatic.
- Check service times in advance to avoid sightseeing interruptions, and remember that photography should remain discreet when worship is taking place.
- On clear days, time your tower ascent for late afternoon light, when the low sun picks out the rooftops of Christianshavn and the harbor beyond.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station; trains typically run every few minutes and the ride from major hubs such as Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv takes about 3–6 minutes. From the station, expect a 10–15 minute level walk through the Christianshavn canal district. Travel is covered by standard city tickets or travel cards, with single adult fares usually in the range of 20–30 DKK within the central zones.
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City Bus
Several city bus routes connect the historic centre with Christianshavn in roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses run frequently during the day and less often in late evening. Use a valid city ticket or travel card; single trips within the central area generally cost around 20–30 DKK. Expect a short walk of 5–10 minutes from nearby bus stops to the church along paved, generally accessible streets.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s cycle lanes make reaching Christianshavn by bike straightforward. From areas such as the city centre or Vesterbro, the ride typically takes 10–20 minutes on mostly flat, segregated bike paths. You can use your own bicycle or rent a city bike or private hire bike, which often costs around 50–150 DKK for a few hours depending on the scheme. Keep in mind that the streets directly around the church can be busy with local cyclists and limited bike parking at peak times.
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Taxi / Ride‑hail
A taxi or licensed ride‑hail from central Copenhagen to Christianshavn usually takes 10–15 minutes outside rush hour, longer in heavy traffic. Fares typically fall in the 120–200 DKK range for the short urban trip, depending on starting point, time of day, and traffic conditions. Vehicles can usually drop passengers close to the church entrance, but space to wait is limited on the surrounding narrow streets.
Church of Our Saviour location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Church of Our Saviour
Baroque Beacon Over the Canals of Christianshavn
The Church of Our Saviour anchors the island neighborhood of Christianshavn with a dark brick bulk and a gleaming spiral spire that twists confidently into the sky. Conceived in the late 17th century and consecrated in 1696, it belongs to the high Baroque era, when Copenhagen’s monarchs used churches to project power and piety. The building’s Greek-cross ground plan and massive pilasters give it a formal, almost theatrical presence amid the low houses and waterways. Look closely at the exterior walls and you will see alternating bands of red and yellow brick laid in an irregular pattern, a deliberate contrast to the stricter designs of earlier royal projects. Above the square tower rises the famous 90‑meter spire, clad in black and gold and threaded with a staircase that wraps counterclockwise around the outside. At its summit stands a gilded figure of Christ on a globe, watching over the city and its busy harbor.The Story Behind the Twisting Tower
Although the church opened in the 1690s, its celebrated spire came later. In the mid‑18th century, royal architect Lauritz de Thurah reimagined the unfinished tower, proposing a swirling Baroque helix that was as bold structurally as it was symbolically. Completed in 1752, the spiral staircase became an instant statement of confidence: a vertical promenade in the open air that turned the tower into a kind of skyward boulevard. The ascent remains one of Copenhagen’s defining experiences. Around 400 steps lead from the dim interior of the lower tower to the breezier, more exposed upper reaches. The last 150 steps cling to the outside of the spire, protected only by a relatively low gilded railing. As you rise, the view widens from nearby courtyards and canals to a sweeping panorama of central Copenhagen, the harbor, and on clear days the strait that separates Denmark from Sweden.An Interior Filled With Symbolic Detail
Inside, the church reveals a softer side to its monumental exterior. Sunlight filters through tall windows onto pale walls, woodwork, and gilded ornament, creating a bright, almost maritime atmosphere. The main nave draws the eye directly to the elaborate Baroque altarpiece, often known as Tessin’s altarpiece, which stages a dramatic scene from the life of Christ surrounded by swirling clouds and angels. High on one wall sits the great organ, constructed around 1700 and still notable both for its sound and for its appearance. The façade bristles with carved pipes and gilded flourishes, but it rests, unexpectedly, on the backs of two sculpted elephants. These animals refer to the Order of the Elephant, Denmark’s highest chivalric order, binding royal authority to the spiritual life of the parish. Elsewhere, decorative elephants reappear in carvings and details, inviting attentive visitors to search them out.Climbing Through History to the Carillon and Bells
The route up the tower passes through the church’s working machinery. Above the main vaults, timber structures, narrow passages, and occasional low beams hint at centuries of maintenance and modification. Historic clockworks and support frames sit close to the stairways, recalling a time when keeping accurate time for the city was part of the church’s role. Higher still, the space opens around the great bells and carillon. With dozens of bells tuned to ring in precise harmony, the carillon can play recognizable melodies that drift over Christianshavn throughout the day. On certain days and times its music becomes part of the neighborhood’s soundscape, mingling with bicycle bells, gulls, and the distant thrum of harbor traffic.Practical Experience and Seasonal Considerations
Visiting the church involves two distinct experiences: the serene, free‑to‑enter sanctuary at ground level and the separate, ticketed ascent of the tower. The interior is generally calm and contemplative, with opportunities to sit, listen to occasional organ music, or simply absorb the details of carving, painting, and light. The tower, by contrast, is more physical and can feel adventurous, especially for those wary of heights. Because the staircase narrows and the upper section is exposed, access is carefully controlled for safety. In poor weather, particularly strong wind, heavy rain, or winter conditions, the outdoor portion may close. The church also limits sightseeing during services and special religious events, preserving its primary function as a place of worship. Planning around opening hours, booking tower slots in advance during busy seasons, and wearing practical shoes all help make the visit smoother and more enjoyable.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Christiania
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Christianshavns Kanal
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Christianshavn
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Operaen
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Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
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Knippelsbro
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Havnepromenade
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Essential places to dine
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Cafe Wilder
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Restaurant Kanalen
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Kadeau
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Restaurant Barr
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No. 2
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à terre
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Khun Juk
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Skipperkroen
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Cap Horn
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King Hans Cellar
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Nyhavns Færgekro
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Llama
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Restaurant Maven
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Marchal
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
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Maritime Antiques &
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Magasin du Nord
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Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Zane
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Viking Souvenirs
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Urban Outfitters
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ILLUM
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The Wilde Shop
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Læderstræde
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Magnolias
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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K-Bar
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Balthazar
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Bar Deco
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1105
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The Bird and The Churchkey
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Aloha Beach Bar
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The Dubliner
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Ruby
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Godt Øl
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Lord Nelson Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Club Mambo
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Hive
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Mirror
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Rumors
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Miami Bar
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Dorsia
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Arch
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Mirage
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
