Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke), Christianshavn
Copenhagen’s baroque showpiece, where a twisting golden spire, 400 vertigo-inducing steps and a music-filled interior meet above the canals of Christianshavn.
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 spire with 400 steps, the last 150 winding dramatically in the open air. Inside, this 17th-century Dutch baroque church reveals a Greek-cross floor plan, an ornate altar, and a monumental organ supported by carved elephants, reflecting royal power and the Order of the Elephant. It functions both as a living parish church and as a spectacular vantage point with sweeping city views.
A brief summary to Church of Our Saviour
- Sankt Annæ Gade 29, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1416, DK
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Climb the tower early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds on the narrow staircases and to enjoy softer light over the city.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring an extra layer; the last 150 steps are outdoors on the spiral, which can feel cold and windy even on bright days.
- If you prefer a quieter visit, spend time in the nave listening for the organ and carillon rather than climbing, and look for the many elephant motifs in the décor.
- Check current tower opening hours and any weather-related closures in advance, especially in autumn and winter when conditions can be changeable.
- Photographers get some of the best exterior shots from across the canal in Christianshavn, where the full curve of the spire is visible above the roofs.
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. The journey from Nørreport is around 5–7 minutes and runs every few minutes throughout the day. From the station it is an easy, mostly flat walk of about 10 minutes through Christianshavn’s streets and across the canal. A standard single ticket within the city zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK, and all metro platforms have level access and lifts.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve the Christianshavn area from central hubs such as Rådhuspladsen and Nørreport, with journey times usually 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Buses stop within a short walking distance of the church on the Christianshavn side of the canal. The same zone tickets used for metro and trains apply, so expect to pay roughly 20–30 DKK for a single journey. Low-floor buses provide easy boarding, though cobblestones near the church can be uneven.
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Bicycle
Cycling is one of the most pleasant ways to reach the Church of Our Saviour from inner Copenhagen, with well-marked bike lanes leading across the bridges into Christianshavn in about 10–15 minutes from areas like Nørreport or Vesterbro. You can use a city bike scheme or standard rental bike; expect daily rental prices from roughly 100–150 DKK depending on the provider. Be prepared for moderate canal-side winds and cobbled sections close to the church.
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Walking
From central districts such as Strøget or Nyhavn, walkers often cross one of the harbour bridges into Christianshavn and continue along the canals to the church in roughly 20–30 minutes. The route is generally flat and scenic, passing historic warehouses and houseboats, but some stretches include cobblestones and narrow pavements that may be less comfortable for wheelchairs and prams in wet weather.
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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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Church of Our Saviour
A Baroque Landmark Above the Canals of Christianshavn
The Church of Our Saviour stands on reclaimed land in the historic canal district of Christianshavn, its dark brick bulk and golden details rising clearly above the surrounding townhouses. Conceived in the late 17th century under King Christian V, it was designed by court architect Lambert van Haven in the Dutch baroque style and consecrated in 1696. The building rests on a granite foundation, its façades a patchwork of red and yellow brick divided by tall pilasters that emphasize verticality. Step back from the entrance and you see how the tower anchors the church to the neighbourhood: a powerful square base rising above the western arm of the cross-shaped floor plan, crowned by an audacious spiral that has become an emblem of Copenhagen. The church is still an active parish, so the atmosphere outside is a blend of everyday local life and sightseeing visitors craning their necks toward the twisting spire.Greek-Cross Interior and Royal Symbolism
Inside, the layout is that of a Greek cross, with four near-equal arms meeting under a lofty central space, creating clear sightlines toward the main altar. The interior decoration is richly baroque rather than austere. The celebrated altarpiece, often called Tessin’s Altarpiece, stages Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, framed by columns, gilded ornament and an architectural setting that feels almost theatrical. Lift your eyes to the massive organ gallery at one end of the nave. Built around 1700, the organ is mounted high and supported by sculpted elephants, their trunks and tusks forming part of the structure. These elephants, along with dozens of smaller elephant motifs hidden in stucco and woodwork, allude to the Order of the Elephant, Denmark’s highest chivalric order, and to the absolute monarchy that commissioned the church. Much of the instrument remains historically authentic, producing a sound world close to what 17th-century worshippers would have heard.The Twisting Spire and its 400 Steps
The church’s most famous feature, the spiral spire, was added in the mid-18th century by architect Lauritz de Thurah and completed in 1752. From the ground to the very top, including the gilded figure of Christ, the tower reaches about 90 metres. Within the tower and spire, a staircase of roughly 400 steps leads visitors gradually from the dim interior to airy platforms above the rooftops. The first part of the ascent winds through the interior of the tower, past the clock mechanism and bells, before emerging onto the external staircase that coils four times around the narrowing spire. The last 150 steps are exposed to the elements, protected only by a gilded balustrade. On clear days the views stretch across central Copenhagen, the canals of Christianshavn, the harbour, and even towards the Øresund and Sweden. On windy days, the height and openness give the climb an extra shot of adrenaline and can feel challenging for anyone with vertigo.Carillon, Bells and Daily Soundscape
The tower is not only a viewing platform; it is also a musical instrument. The church houses a large carillon of 48 bells, among the significant collections in Northern Europe. Their melodies ring out over Christianshavn at set times, adding a distinctive soundtrack to the district. The main tower also contains six larger bells used for services and special occasions. At certain moments the combination of organ music from within and bell chimes from above creates a layered soundscape that feels quintessentially Copenhagen. The carillon’s regular play punctuates the day for locals, making the church as much an acoustic landmark as a visual one. Many visitors time their climb or their quiet moment in a pew to coincide with these performances, when the building feels most alive with music.Visiting Today: Between Devotion and Sightseeing
Today the Church of Our Saviour occupies a dual role as both parish church and major attraction. Entry to the church itself is typically free, encouraging quiet exploration of the interior, contemplation beneath the high ceiling, or a close look at the altar and organ details. Separate timed tickets are usually required for the tower climb, both to manage the narrow staircases and to ensure safety on the exposed upper levels. Practical details matter here: the tower may close during heavy rain or strong winds, and those with mobility challenges may prefer to enjoy the church from ground level, as the climb is steep and not step-free. Around the building, low walls and nearby benches along the street and canals offer places to pause and admire the tower’s silhouette from different angles. Whether you come for baroque architecture, dizzying heights, or a moment of calm in a working church, this corner of Christianshavn offers a rich, layered experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Circle Bridge
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Kongens Nytorv
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sankt Annæ Gade
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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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Havnegade Promenaden
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Havnepromenade
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Børsen
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
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Cafe Wilder
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A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Kanalen
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Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Kadeau
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Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Barr
0.6 km
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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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Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Urban Outfitters
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ILLUM
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The Wilde Shop
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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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Lassie Bar
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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
Lusso
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The Zoo
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Mini Bar
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Chateau Motel
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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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La Terraza
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Culture Box
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Cosy Bar
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Arch
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Mirage
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
