Round Tower 2hr with Guide–Royal Carriage Ascent

Highlights

• 7½-turn spiral ramp – no stairs, built for royals to ride to the top by horse.
• Glass floor over hollow core – peer 25m down into Denmark's former zero point.
• Hans Christian Andersen visited and found inspiration in the Library Hall.
• Russian Tsar rode up the ramp by horse in 1716 – his wife followed by carriage.
• 360° panoramic view from 34.8m over Copenhagen's copper spires & red roofs.

Description

Step inside one of Copenhagen's most extraordinary landmarks, the Round Tower (Rundetårn), on this 2-hour guided experience that brings together royal history, science, and architecture. I. Meet your guide at the entrance on Købmagergade and learn about the vision behind this unique building. King Christian IV wanted astronomers to observe the stars far above the city's lights, but he also wanted the tower accessible to scholars and royals. So he ordered a spiral ramp instead of stairs, allowing horses and carriages to climb all the way to the top. II. As you ascend the famous spiral ramp, your guide will share the engineering marvel behind it. The ramp winds approximately 7.5 times around the tower's hollow core, stretching 209 meters in length. III. Along the way, hear the legend of the royal carriages that once rolled up this very ramp – a feat of engineering that still amazes visitors today. IV. Halfway up, step into the Library Hall, inaugurated in 1657 and home to the University Library for 200 years. This was also the birthplace of the National Museum of Denmark. Your guide will point out windows restored after the devastating Copenhagen fire of 1728, and a fragment of a bomb that exploded here during the British bombardment of 1807. V. Continuing your ascent, discover the tower's planetarium, installed by astronomer Ole Rømer in 1697, before emerging onto the observatory platform. The Round Tower is Europe's oldest functioning observatory building. Your guide will tell you about Ole Rømer and the connection to Tycho Brahe, Denmark's most famous astronomer. VI. From the observatory, step onto the viewing platform, 'The View (Udsigten).' At 34.8 meters above street level, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama over Copenhagen's red rooftops, copper spires, and historic landmarks. VII. This perfect vantage point reveals how the city has grown and evolved around the tower – a living lesson in Copenhagen's urban planning. Your ticket includes entry to all areas. After the tour, you are free to stay as long as you like and enjoy the views at your own pace. Please note: This experience includes a comprehensive audio guide or script, allowing you to explore at your own pace with expert storytelling. The tour begins at the entrance on Købmagergade 52A and concludes at the viewing platform. In 2026, the Observatory is undergoing restoration and will be closed to visitors throughout 2026 – an excellent reason to visit and witness this historic landmark in a unique moment of its long life.

Includes

Entry ticket to the Round Tower – access to the spiral ramp, the Library Hall, the observatory (when open), and the viewing platform Access to the current exhibition in the Library Hall (subject to opening) Free audio stories about the tower's history and legends 2-hour guided walking tour with a live, English-speaking guide

Excludes

Food and beverages – you are welcome to bring your own, but consumption is not permitted in the Library Hall Hotel pickup and drop-off – the tour starts and ends at the Round Tower entrance Tickets to other attractions (e.g. Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace) – entry to these is not included

Important Information

• Duration: 2 hours (approx.) Meeting point: Round Tower entrance, Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København K Transport: Nørreport Station – a 5-minute walk Opening hours (2026): Summer (1 Apr – 30 Sep): Daily 10:00–20:00, Winter (1 Oct – 31 Mar): Daily 10:00–18:00 (extended to 21:00 on Tuesdays & Wednesdays) Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible via the spiral ramp (10% gradient) – no elevator Peak hours: Wait times can reach up to an hour during peak periods Cancellation Policy – Important Information If the tower closes for any reason (special events, maintenance, or the Observatory remains closed beyond October 2026), you will receive a full refund for the affected booking. Force majeure events (extreme weather, government restrictions, etc.) – you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. Please note: The Observatory is closed for restoration until October 2026. The viewing platform remains open.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund