A Tour of Copenhagen's Round Tower
Explore Copenhagen's Famous 17th Century Tower and Enjoy the View
The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) is one of the most interesting buildings in the city, both for the stunning views of Copenhagen from the top, and the simple beauty within.
The historic Round Tower (Rundetaarn) in the centre of Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful but simple buildings in the city.
Despite its name, the Round Tower doesn’t require the visitor to suffer from calf strain struggling up a narrow and claustrophobic circular staircase. Dating from 1642, Copenhagen’s Round Tower has an unusual cobbled circular walkway. Of course, this ramp takes up far more space than a staircase, and the tower consequently has a very wide circumference. King Christian IV commissioned the tower for Copenhagen University. He no doubt anticipated more human traffic than a standard stairwell could accommodate. Dignitaries could also travel up the tower in style, using horse and carriage and the library, located halfway up the tower could easily be stocked with books.
Enjoying the Walk Through Copenhagen's Round Tower
There are seven and a half rotations of the ramp to the top. During the walk, the windows, arched whitewashed ceilings and curving cobbled walkway and walls, offer the photographer soft light and a myriad of shapes to focus upon. There are plenty of window seats, so linger and enjoy the atmosphere for a while. The loud chatter of school parties will echo through the walkway, unless you are fortunate enough to visit during a quiet spell. Sadly, the noise does little to promote quiet contemplation!
Towards the bottom of the walkway is a window, which gives a view into the interior of the attached Trinitatis Church. Further up the ramp, jazz and classical concerts are today performed in the former large library hall. Hans Christian Anderson studied and wrote in this room.
Just past the library, you can sit on (but not use) the former pit latrine. Anderson apparently pondered some of his fantastic fairy stories here. In these more hygienic times, this place wouldn’t be one to linger; the huge latrine pit beneath the tower was only emptied once every fifty years!
Towards the top of the walkway, is an entrance into the roof space of the Church. Here, you can admire the wonderful thick beams of Pomeranian pinewood, dating from 1728 following the restoration of the church from a fire. Here too, are the great metal cogs and bells of the now defunct church clock.
At the Top of the Round Tower
From the top, the view over Copenhagen is impressive. The height of the tower is only around 110 feet above the ground, but much of the city is still low rise and compact. The flat aspect of the area means you can see for miles. Beware in poor weather, as the wooden viewing platform can be slippery. The top of the tower also houses Copenhagen’s original observatory, and stargazers can visit the observatory in winter on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 7-10pm.
For a leisurely exploration, allow around an hour to tour and enjoy the Round Tower. It stands on Kobmagergade, in the centre of the old city. Unfortunately, the Round Tower is not disability friendly; as well as the long sloping cobbled ramp, there are two short flights of steps up to the viewing platform.
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