Rundetårn

About the museum

King Christian IV laid the foundation stone of the Round Tower on July 7, 1637; it was finished five years later. It formed the first part of the Trinitatis complex, which combined three functions: at the top an observatory for the university's astronomers, below it the university library above the church, and at the very bottom the Trinitatis Kirke itself. The king deliberately wanted the observatory in the middle of the city and had the masonry executed in the royal colors of red and yellow; he is said to have designed the gilded rebus on the façade himself.

Instead of a staircase, a spiral ramp about 200 meters long leads up in a good seven turns, followed by two short staircases to the viewing platform at a height of just under 35 meters. Halfway up is the former Library Hall, where Hans Christian Andersen himself once read; today it hosts changing exhibitions and concerts.

The present public observatory with its telescope dates from 1929. The tower is regarded as the oldest observatory building in Europe still in use. In 2026 the dome and telescope were restored; in August King Frederik X reopened the observatory.

Rundetaarn belongs to the Trinitatis parish and finances its upkeep and staff exclusively through admission fees.

Highlights

• Spiral ramp about 200 meters long
• Viewing platform with a panorama over København
• Public observatory with a historic telescope
• Library Hall with changing exhibitions and concerts
• Gilded rebus of Christian IV on the façade
• Bell floor with audio stories

Founded

1642

Operated by

Rundetaarn (Teil der Trinitatis-Gemeinde)

Director

Jeanette Bursche

Visitors per year

approx. 580,000 (2015)

Admission & discounts

Tickets only at the ticket office on site (online advance sales only for events). The exhibition in the Library Hall and the observatory are included in admission. Discount with ICOM and ODM cards; Rundetaarn has no longer been included in the Copenhagen Card since April 2024. Payment preferably by card, cash in DKK or euro banknotes.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Listed tower without an elevator. The way up leads over the roughly 200-meter-long spiral ramp and then over two staircases (28 and 31 steps) to the platform, which is therefore not reachable for wheelchair users. The Library Hall can be reached via the ramp, but it is difficult in a manual wheelchair because of the incline. Uneven floors possible. Virtual tour on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The tower presents itself as a place full of stories for children, with family events in the program. Strollers can go up the ramp, but not onto the platform; they are left behind the ticket office or in front of the wooden staircase. Children up to 11 only with adults.

Getting there & parking

Entrance on Købmagergade in the city center of København.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

Shop in the Library Hall. No luggage storage; suitcases and large luggage are not allowed. Food you bring yourself is allowed, but not in the Library Hall.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit