When we booked our trip family trip to Copenhagen I researched all the attractions that could give us a birds eye view of the city. We love seeing a city from above. There are quite a few options in Copenhagen however the one that stuck out for me was the Round Tower. The Round Tower was built in the 17th-century so is an iconic Copenhagen landmark, however it was the unique feature that made me want to visit it first on our trip.
The Round Tower is exactly that, it's a tower that is round in shape and is 36 meters tall. However this isn't the unique feature that made me want to visit, it's that the Round Tower is unlike any tower of it's time. Instead of having narrow winding staircases to reach the top, the Round Tower has a spiralling path which makes the climb to the top quite pleasant and enjoyable, especially on the knees.
The spiralling path is a 209 metre long ramp and is made up of 15 sloping floors. Having the ramp to walk up to reach the top makes it a lot more accessible than other observation decks or towers. I did actually research as to why the Round Towers was built that way and it was simply designed to accommodate horses and carts, which were used to haul heavy equipment and materials to the top of the tower.
Once you reach the top of the ramp there is however a small staircase. It is quite narrow but very short. It is controlled by a traffic light system to avoid people crossing each other on the steps. It's a great feature and avoiding any awkwardness you sometimes feel when you are trying to squeeze past someone and obviously a lot safer too.
The views from the top of the Round Tower are amazing and you can see all of Copenhagen. We had a drizzly day when we visited however it didn't stop our fun. As you can imagine you can go right the way around so can see Copenhagen from all angles. There is a small shop up there too selling souvenirs and snacks.
At the very top of the Round Tower lies the observatory, the original purpose of the tower. While it no longer serves as the primary astronomical centre of Denmark, the observatory remains functional and is the oldest working observatory in Europe. Visitors can peer through the telescopes to gaze at the stars and planets much like the astronomers of the past once did. It was closed for cleaning when we visited however John took a sneaky peek at it and grabbed a photo.
The observatory was crucial to the scientific community in the 17th and 18th centuries. Ole Rømer, one of Denmark’s most famous astronomers, conducted his groundbreaking research on the speed of light. The observatory continued to be a hub for astronomical research until the mid-19th century when advancements in technology and the construction of new observatories made it somewhat obsolete. However, it remains an iconic part of the tower’s legacy.
Beneath the observatory, the Round Tower also housed the university library, which served as a crucial resource for students and scholars at the adjacent university. The library was located in what is now known as the Library Hall, a grand space that spans the length of the tower. This hall was once filled with thousands of books and manuscripts, many of which were rare and invaluable to the academic community.
Today, the Library Hall has been transformed into a cultural venue that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the year. It’s a space that continues to serve the community, much like it did in the 17th century, but now it caters to a broader audience, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
The Round Tower is open to visitors all year-round and is one of Copenhagen's most popular attractions. For those planning a visit, the experience of climbing the tower is both educational and enjoyable. The climb really is manageable for most people, thanks to the gentle slope of the spiral ramp, and there are several points along the way where you can stop, catch your breath, and explore.
Information boards along the route provide insight into the tower’s history, architecture, and the scientific achievements that took place there.
The Round Tower was once included in the Copenhagen Card which gives access to attractions across the city however the partnership ceased in April 2024. However please don't let this put you off visiting as it only costs a few pounds to enter at just 40DKK (£4 approx) for adults and 10DKK (£1 approx for children).
We really enjoyed our visit to The Round Tower and there really is no better way to view a city than from above. The Round Tower is centrally located so within walking distance from most places within the city and is close to public transport and also the city's hop on hop off buses.
To view more information including 'What's On' and 'Opening Times' visit The Round Tower
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