The Round Tower, Copenhagen Travel Guide

4.5 (22964)

Ascend the Round Tower in Copenhagen for panoramic city views, rich history, and engaging exhibitions inside one of Denmark’s most unique and enduring landmarks.

The Round Tower, or Rundetårn, is a striking 17th-century observatory rising above Copenhagen’s old city center. Its unique helical ramp, panoramic city views, and rich history as an astronomical observatory draw both locals and visitors. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural venue, offering exhibitions, concerts, and a rooftop experience unmatched in the Danish capital.

A brief summary to The Round Tower

Købmagergade 52A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1150, DK
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Monday 10 am-8 pm
Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
Thursday 10 am-8 pm
Friday 10 am-8 pm
Saturday 10 am-8 pm
Sunday 10 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Round Tower.

Arrive early or late in the day for a quieter visit and fewer crowds at the observation deck.
Look for temporary exhibitions and events in the library hall, as these often feature local artists and musicians.
The spiraling ramp is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible up to the last short staircase before the viewing platform.
Don’t miss the glass floor near the top, offering a dramatic view straight down through the tower’s hollow core.
Combine your visit with a stroll down Købmagergade, Copenhagen’s bustling pedestrian shopping street.

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Explore The Round Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Round Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the heart of Vesterbro, the Round Tower is a pleasant 25–35 minute walk through bustling neighborhoods and across Copenhagen’s famed lakes. Stroll past historic squares and the lively main shopping street, where cafés and Danish boutiques signal your approach. The tower’s golden crown soon rises above the rooftops, marking its prominent spot within the old city center.
Public Transport

Frequent S-trains and city buses connect Vesterbro with the city center; the journey to the Round Tower typically takes around 15–20 minutes, including a brief walk through the pedestrian shopping quarter. A standard adult fare within the urban zone is about 24 DKK. Major stations such as Copenhagen Central and Nørreport offer clear orientation to the tower’s location amid the city’s most historic district.
Taxi

A taxi from central Vesterbro reaches the Round Tower in about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect fares to range from 80 to 130 DKK. The tower is highly visible as you enter the old city, rising just behind the city’s main shopping promenade.
Driving / Parking

If driving, be aware that parking in central Copenhagen—especially near the Round Tower and pedestrianized streets—is very limited and can be costly, with rates averaging 40–50 DKK per hour. The nearest parking garages are a short walk away in the city center. Consider public transport for convenience.

Discover more about The Round Tower

Standing at the very heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By, the Round Tower (Rundetårn) is one of the city's most recognizable and beloved landmarks. Completed in 1642 under the reign of King Christian IV, this cylindrical structure was conceived as part of the Trinitatis Complex—a blend of university church, library, and astronomical observatory. Its brick design and harmonious proportions set a classical tone, but it’s the 7.5-turn spiraling ramp inside that makes the tower truly unique; originally built wide enough for a horse and carriage to ascend, its gentle slope today enchants children and curious adults alike as they spiral upwards beneath vaulted ceilings.For centuries, the tower has been a center of scientific discovery. Scholars once gathered under the copper dome to study the stars—Hans Christian Ørsted himself observed here. While still housing Northern Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, the Round Tower is now as much a cultural hub as a scientific relic. The ascent takes you past exhibitions on Danish history and astronomy, culminating in a glass-floored platform that hovers above the hollow core, letting brave visitors peer 25 meters down.At the top, 360-degree views span the tiled rooftops and slender spires of Copenhagen, from regal palaces to the city’s surrounding parks and the distant waters of Øresund. The atmosphere is a blend of history and modern culture, with events ranging from contemporary art shows in the gallery to musical performances in the ancient library hall. The venue’s central location means it often buzzes with life, yet it retains a certain tranquil grandeur, especially in the early morning or as dusk falls over the city. Whether you’re gazing at stars, tracing the footfalls of scholars past, or simply enjoying a unique vantage point, the Round Tower is a cornerstone of the Copenhagen experience.