The Round Tower

Visiting The Round Tower is straightforward, whether traveling by bike, bus, or on foot. The landmark sits at the center of Copenhagen’s old city, making it easy to work into a day of exploring local shops or stopping by cozy cafés. During weekends and school breaks, expect the spiral ramp to get a little crowded, especially by midday. Early mornings or late afternoons are calmer, perfect for quiet moments and wide-open views. Entry is ticketed, but lines move quickly. The tower is welcoming, but some parts present challenges for strollers or wheelchairs because of the historic, sloping floor.

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn weekdays; early mornings or late afternoons for fewer people
• How to get there: Bus, metro (Nørreport Station), or a pleasant 10-minute walk from Copenhagen’s main square
• Accessibility: The ramp suits most visitors, but wheelchairs and strollers may need help; no elevators to the top
• Average visit duration: 1-2 hours, longer with exhibitions or events

The Round Tower’s most famous highlight is the ramp itself—a wide, spiraling path that sets it apart from any staircase. Designed to let horses and carts carry instruments to the observatory, the walkway now feels timeless and inviting, with each turn opening new views through arched windows. At the top, the open-air platform delivers sweeping scenes of red rooftops, green copper spires, and, on a clear day, glimpses of distant Sweden. Spaces along the way, like the tranquil Library Hall, host art shows and concerts that add a modern layer to the historic setting.

• The Spiral Ramp: Experience an architectural rarity that’s a gentle climb up, with changing light and shadow.
• The Observatory: Europe’s oldest functioning public observatory—try stargazing on special evenings.
• Platform Views: Panoramas perfect for photos, especially at sunset when the sky glows above Copenhagen.
• The Library Hall: Temporary exhibits, local art, and concerts; a peaceful, creative space not to miss.
• Mystery Niche: Find the small locked door partway up, a local curiosity with legends to match.
• Hidden Corners: Pause by a sunlit window or check for wall engravings and graffiti left by visitors over centuries.
• Historical fact: Commissioned by King Christian IV in the 17th century as an observatory, university library, and church—all-in-one.