Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Rising above Copenhagen’s canals in Christianshavn, the Church of Our Saviour is a landmark Baroque church famed for its black‑and‑gold corkscrew spire and daring external staircase. Consecrated in 1696 and crowned with its spiral tower in 1752, it combines a luminous Dutch Baroque interior, a renowned 17th‑century organ and carillon, and one of the city’s most thrilling viewpoints, with 400 steps leading to sweeping panoramas over rooftops, harbor and fortifications.
A brief summary to Church of Our Saviour
- Sankt Annæ Gade 29, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1416, DK
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Climbing the tower involves around 400 steps, including a narrow external staircase; wear firm shoes, travel light, and be prepared for heights and changing wind conditions.
- Entry to the church is typically free, but the tower requires a timed ticket; book in advance for busy weekends and summer afternoons to reduce waiting times.
- For softer light and fewer people, aim for a morning or early evening ascent on a clear day to fully enjoy the views across Christianshavn and the harbour.
- Inside the nave, look for the many carved elephants supporting the organ and decorating woodwork, a playful link to Denmark’s highest order of chivalry.
- Check service times in advance if you wish to explore the interior, as sightseeing is usually paused during worship, concerts and special ceremonies.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station; the ride from Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv takes about 3–6 minutes, with trains running every few minutes and standard city tickets or passes valid. From Christianshavn it is an easy 10–15 minute walk along flat pavements, generally suitable for most visitors including those with strollers, though cobblestones near the church can be uneven.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve the Christianshavn area from the inner city and train stations in roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Standard zone-based fares apply and can be paid with travel cards or mobile tickets. Buses stop within walking distance of the church on mostly level streets, but expect some cobblestones and occasional crowding at peak commuting hours.
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Bicycle
Cycling from the Rådhuspladsen or City Hall area to the Church of Our Saviour typically takes 10–15 minutes via Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes. Public bike-share schemes and regular rentals are widely available, with daily rental prices usually in the moderate range. The route is flat but can be busy at rush hour, so riders should be confident in city traffic and ready to dismount near the church where space narrows.
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Walking
From the central pedestrian streets and City Hall area, walking to the Church of Our Saviour generally takes 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace, following canals and broad boulevards. The terrain is flat, though some stretches include cobblestones and curb cuts that may be less comfortable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. This option is free and allows time to appreciate Christianshavn’s waterfront scenery en route.
Church of Our Saviour location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Church of Our Saviour
Baroque icon of the Christianshavn skyline
The Church of Our Saviour stands at the heart of Copenhagen’s canal-laced Christianshavn district, its dark tower and golden accents instantly recognizable from almost anywhere in the inner city. Conceived when Christianshavn was planned as a merchants’ town in the 17th century, the church was begun in the 1680s and consecrated in 1696 as a major Baroque statement for the growing capital. Its architect, Lambert van Haven, chose the Dutch Baroque style, giving the building a classic yet richly ornamented character. From the outside, the church looks solid and slightly austere at first: red and yellow brick walls banded with tall pilasters, resting on a granite foundation laid over reclaimed seabed. Move closer and the details emerge – sandstone cornices stepping upwards, round-arched openings, and the tall western tower that would later carry the famous spire. The ground beneath your feet was once seabed, filled in to create Christianshavn, adding a subtle sense of drama to the site’s engineering story.Spiral tower and Copenhagen’s high-altitude staircase
The church’s fame rests on its audacious spire, completed in 1752 to designs by Lauritz de Thurah. At around 90 metres high, it is sheathed in dark cladding and trimmed in gold, rising from an octagonal base guarded by statues of the four evangelists. Above this, a narrow balcony wraps the tower, and from here the staircase turns outward, curling counterclockwise around the spire in a tightening helix. Climbing the tower is both architectural pilgrimage and mild adventure. There are about 400 steps in total, the last 150 exposed to the sky as they wind along the outside of the spire. The higher you go, the more the city unfurls: rows of colourful houses in Christianshavn, the straight lines of canals, the ramparts of the old fortifications, and modern harbor districts further out. On clear days, the sweep of rooftops and water feels almost endless, and the gilded globe and figure of Christ crowning the spire catch the light above you.A luminous Baroque interior rich with symbolism
Inside, the mood changes to calm, measured grandeur. The floor plan follows a Greek cross, with arms of equal length meeting under a lofty ceiling some 30 metres above the floor. Light filters through tall windows to pick out Baroque details: pilasters, carved galleries, and a richly decorated chancel that was gradually refined after the church’s consecration. The main altarpiece, installed in the 18th century, dramatizes the scene of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, with angels and clouds rendered in dynamic sculptural forms. Look closely and you notice how royal symbolism is woven into the sacred space. The great organ loft is supported by carved elephants – references to the Order of the Elephant and the idea of the absolute monarchy bearing the weight of the realm. Throughout the church, as many as forty elephant motifs appear in woodwork and decoration, inviting a quiet visual treasure hunt between the pews, galleries and pulpit.Music, carillon chimes and daily parish life
Music has always been central here. The large Baroque organ, completed in the late 1690s with more than 4,000 pipes, still fills the nave with a sound close to what worshippers would have heard three centuries ago. Its gilded façade, crowned with the monogram of King Christian V, stands as both instrument and monument. Regular church services and a dedicated programme of concerts keep the building alive with sacred and classical music. Outside in the tower, the carillon adds another layer to the soundscape. Dozens of bells ring out melodies over Christianshavn throughout the day, their patterns drifting across canals and courtyards. For nearby residents the chimes act almost as a timekeeper, while for visitors they frame the church not only as an object to look at or climb, but as a living instrument embedded in the neighbourhood’s daily rhythm.Restoration, resilience and enduring presence
Over the centuries the Church of Our Saviour has required careful maintenance, not least because it stands on reclaimed land. Major restoration campaigns have renewed its structure and interior, including extensive work on the tower and floors. One striking detail of recent decades is the use of specially sourced Danish oak for the floor structure, echoing the country’s naval history and underlining the church’s status as a piece of national heritage. Despite its role as an emblematic viewpoint and historical showpiece, this remains an active parish church. The nave hosts baptisms, weddings and everyday services, while the tower continues to draw those curious enough to tackle its staircase. Together, the luminous interior, spiral spire and ringing bells make the Church of Our Saviour a rare combination of working sanctuary, architectural bravura and high-altitude experience in the very heart of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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Restaurant Kanalen
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No. 2
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Skipperkroen
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Restaurant Maven
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Marchal
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Maritime Antiques &
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Magasin du Nord
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Zane
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Viking Souvenirs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
