Round Tower Copenhagen (Rundetårn) is one of the easiest “high impact / low hassle” stops in the city: a 17th-century observatory tower in the middle of the old town, famous for its spiral ramp (not stairs) and a rooftop viewing platform over Copenhagen’s rooftops.
This guide covers exactly what you need: what to see, current ticket prices, seasonal hours, how to get there, and the mistakes that waste time.
Why Round Tower Copenhagen is worth it ✅
A lot of lookout points are “just a view.” Round Tower Copenhagen is an experience on the way up:
- 🌀 The Spiral Ramp is a long helical corridor—built so you ascend gradually instead of climbing floors of stairs. (Outer length listed as 281 m, and the platform sits 34.8 m above street level.)
- 👀 The rooftop platform gives a classic “city center panorama” that’s perfect early morning or golden hour.
- 🔭 It’s strongly tied to science and the University of Copenhagen via the historic Trinitatis Complex (tower + church + former university library).
- 🧠 Visit Copenhagen describes it as Europe’s oldest functioning observatory building.
What to see inside Round Tower Copenhagen ✨
The Spiral Ramp (the main event) 🌀
This is the signature feature—wide, brick-paved, and gently sloping. The official “Measure and Weight” page breaks down the ramp’s scale and turns (listed as 7.3 turns today).
The Library Hall (exhibitions + concerts) 🖼️🎶
Halfway up, you reach the Library Hall, the former university library space that now hosts changing exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. The Round Tower states it’s 800+ square metres (listed as 811 m²) and notes it opened for exhibitions in 1987.
The Viewing Platform (city panorama) 👀📍
At the top you get the open-air platform. Note: access is via the spiral ramp plus stairs near the very top (see accessibility section).
The Observatory (when it’s open) 🔭🌙
In the winter season, the site normally staffs the Observatory with astronomers Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (18:00–21:00), weather permitting, and it’s included in the admission price.
⚠️ Important: Rundetaarn warns of restoration work in 2025/2026 and related changes/closures for the Observatory and parts of the tower—check the official status close to your visit.
The “golden rebus” on the façade 🟡
A fun detail to look for outside: Visit Copenhagen notes King Christian IV sketched the famous golden rebus on the tower façade.
Round Tower Copenhagen tickets and prices 💳
You cannot pre-buy ordinary entry tickets online—Rundetårn states tickets are sold at the ticket office on arrival (pre-purchase is only for events).
Admission prices
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | 60 DKK |
| Students (ID required) | 40 DKK |
| Children (0–17) | Free |
Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Payment & cards
- They prefer credit card, but accept cash in DKK and Euro paper bills (no coins), with change in DKK.
- Rundetårn notes that from April 1, 2024, it’s no longer included in the Copenhagen Card.
Round Tower Copenhagen opening hours ⏱️
Rundetårn publishes seasonal hours and special closure days.
Seasonal hours (official)
| Season | Dates (as listed) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 🌞 Summer season | 1 April – 30 September | Daily 10:00–20:00 |
| ❄️ Winter season | 24 November – 31 March | Daily 10:00–18:00 |
Special closures (plan around these) ⚠️
The “Visit Us” page lists fixed closing days and additional restoration-related closures (examples shown include Dec 24–25, Jan 1, and a longer closure period Jan 5 – Feb 5, plus occasional platform/observatory closures). Always verify the current notices before you go.
How to get there 🚇🚶♂️
Address: Købmagergade 52A, 1150 Copenhagen K.
By metro / train 🚇
The easiest hub is Nørreport Station (major metro + train + bus interchange). Copenhagen Metro’s official station page even lists Rundetårn as a nearby attraction.
On foot 🚶♂️
Because it’s right in the city center, Round Tower Copenhagen is easy to combine with Strøget shopping streets, the Latin Quarter, and central churches—just walk and treat the tower as a “view break” mid-day.
Tips and common mistakes (what to do differently) ✅⚠️
✅ Go early if you want photos without crowds
Rundetårn notes it gets many visitors and can temporarily pause ticket sales to manage capacity—arriving earlier helps.
⚠️ Don’t arrive with luggage
They don’t allow large luggage/suitcases and don’t provide luggage storage.
⚠️ Strollers can’t reach the top
Prams/pushchairs can’t access the viewing platform because of stairs near the top; you can park them near the entrance areas described on the site.
♿ Accessibility reality check
- No elevator.
- The Spiral Ramp is listed as about 200 metres to the top area, then you face staircases (wood + stone) to reach the platform.
If you mainly want the exhibition, the Library Hall is more accessible than the rooftop platform, but the incline can still be challenging for non-electric wheelchairs.
📸 Photo rules
You can take photos/video for private use with phones/small cameras, but you can’t set up equipment or do photo sessions without permission.
🗓️ Watch for restoration notices
If the Observatory (or even the viewing platform) is temporarily closed, the visit is still worthwhile for the ramp + exhibitions, but you’ll want to know in advance.
How long to spend (simple planning) ⏱️
- 45–75 minutes: ramp + platform (quick city view)
- 90 minutes: add Library Hall exhibition + slower photo stops
- Evening plan (winter): if Observatory access is available on your dates, pair your visit with the Tue/Wed 18:00–21:00 astronomy opening (check restoration status).
FAQ ❓
Can I buy Round Tower Copenhagen tickets online?
Ordinary entry tickets can’t be pre-purchased; you buy them at the ticket office on arrival (online is for events only).
How much is admission?
Adults 60 DKK, students 40 DKK, children 0–17 free.
Is Round Tower Copenhagen included in the Copenhagen Card?
Rundetårn states it ceased to be included from April 1, 2024.
Is there an elevator?
No—Rundetårn is a listed building without an elevator, and stairs are required near the top.
What’s inside besides the view?
The Library Hall hosts exhibitions and events, and the Observatory can be visited during certain winter evenings (when open).
Conclusion
If you want one viewpoint that also feels uniquely “Copenhagen,” Round Tower Copenhagen is the pick: the spiral ramp is memorable, the Library Hall adds culture, and the platform view is a great payoff—just plan around seasonal hours and any restoration-related closures.
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