Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke)
Baroque brick, a spiraling golden spire, and a 400‑step climb to Copenhagen’s most memorable skyline views in the heart of Christianshavn.
The Church of Our Saviour in Copenhagen’s Christianshavn district is a baroque landmark crowned by a distinctive corkscrew spire with an external staircase. Consecrated in 1696 and completed with its famous tower in 1752, it pairs a Dutch baroque, Greek-cross interior with a dramatic 400-step climb to sweeping city panoramas. Inside, you find a richly carved altar, a historic 17th‑century organ supported by elephants, and the lingering sound of a 48‑bell carillon that chimes across the canals.
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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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Entry to the church nave is usually free, but climbing the tower requires a paid, timed ticket; book in advance in busy seasons to secure your preferred slot.
- Wear supportive footwear and pack light for the tower climb—stairs are steep and narrow, and bags can feel cumbersome on the exposed spiral section.
- If you are sensitive to heights, consider enjoying the interior and the square outside; the final 150 steps are outdoors with open railings and strong winds.
- Aim for clear weather for the best views, but remember that high winds, rain, or ice can temporarily close the tower for safety.
- Inside the nave, look for the carved elephants supporting the historic organ case, a playful reference to Denmark’s Order of the Elephant.
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
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station, a journey of around 5–10 minutes from hubs such as Kongens Nytorv. Trains run every few minutes throughout most of the day. A single zone‑based ticket typically costs about 20–30 DKK depending on your starting point and can be bought from machines or via local transport apps. From the station it is a short, level urban walk through Christianshavn to the church, suitable for most visitors including those with strollers.
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City bus within Copenhagen
Several city bus routes serve the Christianshavn area from inner Copenhagen in roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting neighbourhood. Standard bus tickets use the same zone system as the metro, with prices usually around 20–30 DKK for a single adult fare. Buses are generally low‑floor and accessible, but they can be crowded during weekday rush hours. Expect a brief walk on paved streets from the nearest stop to the church.
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Cycling through the city
Cycling to the Church of Our Saviour from central districts such as Indre By or Vesterbro takes about 10–20 minutes along Copenhagen’s extensive network of bike lanes. You can use a personal bicycle or rent one from city bike schemes or shops, with short‑term rentals commonly starting around 100–150 DKK per day. The route is largely flat and very bike‑friendly, but be prepared for busy commuter traffic at peak hours and follow local cycling etiquette at intersections and along canals.
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Taxi or ride‑hail within Copenhagen
A taxi from central Copenhagen areas to Christianshavn typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and starting point. Fares generally range between 120 and 220 DKK, including basic flag‑fall and distance charges. Taxis offer a convenient door‑to‑door option and are useful if travelling in a small group or with limited mobility, though narrow streets around the canals can slow traffic during busy periods.
Church of Our Saviour location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Church of Our Saviour
A baroque icon in the heart of Christianshavn
The Church of Our Saviour rises above the canals of Christianshavn, its red‑and‑yellow brick walls and soaring tower instantly recognizable in Copenhagen’s skyline. Conceived when Christianshavn was laid out as an independent merchant town in the 17th century, the present church was built in the 1680s and consecrated in 1696. It stands on land reclaimed from the sea, its foundations resting on what was once seabed, a reminder of Copenhagen’s long history of shaping and defending its waterfront. From the outside, the church is a textbook example of Dutch baroque. The plan is a Greek cross, giving the interior a balanced, centralized feel. Pilasters in the giant Palladian order run the full height of the facade, lending a confident vertical rhythm. At ground level, the randomly patterned red and yellow tiles set it apart from the stricter brickwork of other royal buildings nearby, hinting at Christianshavn’s more mercantile, international character.The spiral spire and the climb into the sky
What makes the Church of Our Saviour unforgettable is its 90‑meter tower and corkscrew spire, completed in the mid‑18th century. The octagonal, copper‑clad upper section is ringed by statues of the four evangelists before the staircase breaks dramatically to the outside. From here, the last 150 of roughly 400 steps twist counterclockwise around the spire, looping four times toward a gilded globe topped by a figure of Christ. Climbing the tower is as much psychological as physical. The interior stairs are steep and narrow, and as you emerge onto the external steps, the wind and exposure sharpen your senses. Each turn reveals more of Copenhagen: the bastions of Christianshavn, the old harbor, the modern skyline, and on clear days, the coastline beyond. This is not an ascent for those uneasy with heights, yet for many it is one of the city’s most vivid experiences.An interior of symbolism, music, and royal grandeur
Inside, the church feels both luminous and theatrical. The high ceiling of the Greek‑cross nave draws the eye toward the main altar, installed in 1732 and designed as a dramatic baroque stage. It depicts Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, flanked by angels, carved in rich detail and framed by columns and gilded ornament that reflect how closely church and monarchy were once intertwined. The great organ, built at the end of the 17th century, is one of the treasures of Danish sacred music. More than 4,000 pipes are arranged in an exuberant wooden case bearing the monogram of King Christian V. Below, carved elephants shoulder the instrument, a reference to the Order of the Elephant, Denmark’s highest chivalric honor, and to the strength expected of the absolutist state. When the organ fills the nave, it links the present congregation directly with the soundscape of three centuries ago.Carillon melodies above a working parish
Beyond its architectural spectacle, the Church of Our Saviour remains a living parish church. Regular services, baptisms, and weddings anchor it in local life, and periods for quiet reflection alternate with moments when the building is filled with music. A 48‑bell carillon housed in the tower rings out over Christianshavn, playing melodies through the day and offering an aural counterpart to the visual drama of the spire. Concerts and special musical events make full use of the acoustics and the historic organ, while the tower operates with timed entry to protect the fragile structure and manage the narrow stairways. In stormy, icy, or very windy conditions, the exposed sections of the spire may be closed, underlining that this is a historic monument as well as an attraction.Planning your visit to tower and church
Visiting the Church of Our Saviour typically divides into two parts: the free access to the main church and the ticketed ascent of the tower. The nave rewards slow exploration, from the altar and pulpit to smaller details such as royal symbols, carved woodwork, and the many representations of elephants hidden throughout. Benches invite you to sit and listen for the creak of the old timber or, with luck, the carillon overhead. Reaching the tower section involves a staircase that becomes increasingly narrow and steep, so it suits visitors with reasonable mobility and no serious vertigo. Timed tickets and capacity limits keep the ascent safe and avoid overcrowding on the external steps and viewing platforms. Allow ample time: lingering at intermediate landings, catching glimpses through porthole windows, and then pausing at the top to trace Copenhagen’s streets and waterways from above is very much part of the experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Circle Bridge
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The Danish Parliament
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Kongens Nytorv
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Christiansborg Palace
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Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sankt Annæ Gade
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A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
Christiania
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A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Lille Mølle
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Christianshavns Kanal
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A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
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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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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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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Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
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
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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
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
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
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
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
