The Round Tower

Overview
The 17th century tower and observatory Rundetaarn, or the round tower, is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. When Christian IV built the tower, Denmark was quite famous for its astronomical achievements thanks to the astronomerTycho Brahe. When he died in 1601, the King wished to continue Brahe's research, and thus the round tower came into being.

It has been a while since the scientists left, but the observatory is still used by amateur astronomers and the many visitors. The observatory is encircled by an outdoor platform from which you have a magnificent view of the old part of Copenhagen.

To get there you need to walk up the spiral walk, which is 268,5 meters long at the outer wall and only 85,5 meters long close to the core of the building. This means that you walk around 209 meters to get to top even though the tower is only 36 meters tall.

The tower from inside

This walk also leads to the library hall, which once housed the entire book collection of the university. The famous Danish writer H.C. Andersen used to visit the library and he found inspiration for his work here. Today the hall serves as the framework for exhibitions of art, culture, history and science.

Floating glass floor

As a new attraction you can now see the tower's core by standing on a glass floor,hovering 25 meter above the ground. The glass is more than 40 cm thick and can carry up to 900 kg per square meter.

Tickets

 * Adults: DKK 25
 * Children (5 -15 years) DKK 5
 * Annual season ticket: Adults DKK 150

Opening Hours

 * 21 May – 20 September
 * All days 10 – 20


 * 21 Sep.- medio Oct.
 * All Days 10-18
 * Medio October – medio March
 * Mon., Thu. Fri., Sat. & Sun: 10 – 18 Tue. & Wed. 10 – 21
 * Medio March – 20 May
 * All days 10 – 18
 * Closed 24 and 25 December and 1 January

For the Observatory's opening hours

Find Your Way
Nearest station: Nørreport