Background

Planetarium (Tycho Brahe Planetarium), Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s copper-domed gateway to the cosmos, where Europe’s largest tilted dome and hands-on exhibitions bring the universe thrillingly close.

3.8

Set on the edge of Copenhagen’s inner lakes, Planetarium is Denmark’s leading gateway to the cosmos. Housed in a striking copper-clad cylinder, it combines immersive 8K dome films in Northern Europe’s largest tilted dome with hands-on exhibitions about astronomy, space exploration and our place in the universe. Families, science lovers and the simply curious can journey from the Big Bang to distant galaxies in a single afternoon, entirely indoors and in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Planetarium

  • Gl. Kongevej 10, Indre By, Indre By, 1610, DK
  • +4533121224
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-8:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-9:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-8:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes before your chosen dome film to collect headsets if you need English narration and to settle into central seats with the best view.
  • Combine one dome screening with unhurried time in the exhibitions; many displays are interactive, so factor extra time if visiting with children.
  • Check the daily programme in advance for special lectures or evening events; these often sell out and may require separate tickets.
  • After your visit, walk along the lakeside paths next to the building for classic city views that contrast beautifully with the high-tech interior.
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Getting There

  • Train from Copenhagen Central Station

    From Copenhagen Central Station, the Planetarium is typically reached on foot in about 8–10 minutes along level city pavements, suitable for most visitors and prams. If you prefer to shorten walking, S‑trains and regional trains all stop at the station, which is a major hub served by standard tickets and travel cards; expect to pay from around 24–36 DKK for a city ticket depending on your starting zone. The route between the station and the Planetarium is busy but straightforward, with signalised pedestrian crossings and good lighting in the evening.

  • Metro within central Copenhagen

    Using the M3 or M4 metro lines, travel to Rådhuspladsen Station in central Copenhagen, then walk around 10–15 minutes to the Planetarium on mainly flat pavements. A single metro ride within the city typically costs about 24–36 DKK depending on zones or pass type. Trains usually run every few minutes from early morning until late evening, but services can be slightly less frequent late at night. This option offers step‑free access at newer metro stations, though the final walk may be less convenient in heavy rain or winter conditions.

  • City bus services

    Several city bus routes run along or close to Gammel Kongevej and Vesterbrogade, stopping within a few minutes’ walk of the Planetarium. Buses in Copenhagen generally operate every 5–20 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency in the late evening and on weekends. A single bus journey in the central zones usually costs around 24–36 DKK, and the same tickets or travel cards can be used across bus, metro and train. Low‑floor buses make boarding easier with wheelchairs and strollers, but peak‑hour services can be crowded.

  • Cycling in the city

    For confident cyclists, reaching the Planetarium by bike is a classic Copenhagen option. Dedicated cycle lanes run along major nearby streets, and travel time from many central districts is often 5–15 minutes depending on distance. You can use your own bicycle or rent a city bike, with typical rental prices starting from about 20–40 DKK per half hour. Be aware of local cycling rules, brisk commuter traffic during rush hours and occasionally slippery conditions in rain or winter weather; secure bike racks are usually available close to the entrance.

Planetarium location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Planetarium

A copper-clad icon by the lakes

Planetarium rises from the southern shore of Skt. Jørgens Sø like a giant cylinder of copper and glass, its geometric form reflected in the water outside. Designed by Danish architect Knud Munk and opened in 1989, the building was created as a modern monument to the country’s long tradition of stargazing. The circular volume hints at orbits and planets, while the warm metal cladding echoes Copenhagen’s historic green-patinated rooftops. Step inside and you move from the bustle of Gammel Kongevej into a world of dimmed light, blue glows and hushed anticipation. Sweeping staircases and exhibition zones spiral around the central dome, with viewpoints back towards the lakes that remind you how close the cosmic journey sits to everyday city life.

A universe of exhibitions and cosmic stories

At the core of Planetarium is a suite of permanent and changing exhibitions that translate complex astronomy into tactile, visual experiences. You can trace our solar system across illuminated models, follow the timeline from the Big Bang to the present, and explore how galaxies, black holes and exoplanets are discovered. Interactive displays invite you to weigh yourself on different planets, examine meteorites up close, or experiment with light and gravity. Other installations dive into current space missions and Denmark’s role in space research, from satellite technology to collaborations with international space agencies. Multimedia stations, soundscapes and dramatic lighting keep the focus on awe and discovery, making it engaging for children while still satisfying scientifically minded adults.

Europe’s largest tilted dome

The heart of the building is the vast Planetarium Dome, Northern Europe’s largest tilted dome screen. A steeply raked auditorium faces a 1,000 m² curved surface that wraps almost overhead, creating the illusion that you are floating in space. After a major renovation, the dome now uses advanced 8K laser projection and a powerful surround sound system for razor-sharp, fully enveloping shows. Every screening begins with a live journey through the current night sky, pointing out constellations, planets and seasonal celestial events. The main feature might send you plunging into a star-forming nebula, dive into volcanoes on Earth, or accompany astronauts in orbit. Many films are produced specifically for fulldome projection, so planets loom life-sized and starfields seem to stretch to infinity.

Family-friendly science and special events

Planetarium is designed with families firmly in mind. On weekends and school holidays, extra science activities, workshops and short shows often animate the exhibition areas, helping younger visitors grasp big ideas through play. The layout allows you to mix time in the dome with unhurried exploration of the galleries, café breaks and browsing in the space-themed shop. Throughout the year, the programme typically includes evening lectures, themed events and collaborations with astronomers and science communicators. These sessions can focus on topics such as the search for life beyond Earth, new images from deep space telescopes, or how astrophotography captures the fragile glow of the Milky Way over light-polluted cities.

Practical visit: language, tickets and timing

Standard tickets usually include access to all exhibitions plus one dome film, with additional screenings available at extra cost. As an indoor attraction, Planetarium works well in any season and is particularly appealing on dark winter afternoons or rainy days. Most regular shows are presented in Danish, but English audio is commonly offered via headsets, so international visitors can follow along comfortably. General admission for adults is typically in the mid-range for Copenhagen museums, with reduced rates for children and concessions, and free or discounted entry through selected city passes. Spending around one and a half to three hours allows time for one or two films, a full circuit of the exhibitions and a contemplative pause by the lakes before or after your celestial journey.

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