What is the Round Tower?
The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) is a 17th-century tower built by King Christian IV as an astronomical observatory. It's still Europe's oldest functioning observatory, and it stands in the middle of the Latin Quarter, between Strøget and Kongens Have.
There are no stairs to the main level: you walk up a wide spiral ramp (the Sneglegangen) that winds around the tower's hollow core about seven and a half times. Halfway up is the Library Hall, used for exhibitions and concerts. At the top is an open-air viewing platform with views over Copenhagen's rooftops, spires and the Øresund.
Ticket prices
Tickets are bought at the entrance, and there's no need to book ahead. The Round Tower is not included in the Copenhagen Card, so budget for it separately if you're relying on the card.
Free for families
Because under-18s are free, it's one of the cheapest family viewpoints in Copenhagen. Only the adults pay.
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Opening hours
The observatory
From October to March, the observatory opens on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 pm, when you can look through the telescope with a guide. It's included in your ticket, but it depends on the weather: no clear sky, no stargazing.
How busy is the Round Tower?
Our crowd data shows the tower is busiest in the afternoon, from about 1 to 5 pm, when walking tours pass through the Latin Quarter. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday are the busiest days, and Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday the quietest.
The ticket line is rarely long. The real crowding is on the narrow viewing platform at the top and at the little glass floor over the tower's core, where people wait their turn for a photo.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for The Round Tower, based on Google’s popular-times data.
How to avoid the crowds
- Go at 10 am before the walking tours arrive.
- Or go in the evening: in summer it's open until 8 pm, with golden-hour light over the rooftops.
- In winter, go on a Monday or Tuesday evening for the observatory and fewer people.
- Pick a midweek day: Wednesday and Thursday are the quietest in our data.
- Walk up slowly and stop at the Library Hall to let tour groups pass ahead of you.
What you'll see
- The old city's rooftops and spires, including Our Lady's Church and the Church of Our Saviour's corkscrew spire.
- Christiansborg Palace and the canals.
- Rosenborg Castle and the King's Garden just to the north.
- The Øresund and, on clear days, Sweden across the water.
Inside, look for the hollow core with a glass floor that lets you look straight down the middle of the tower, and the old privy, a quirky stop on the way up.
Getting there
The Round Tower is on Købmagergade, a few minutes' walk from Strøget. The nearest metro station is Nørreport (about 5 minutes' walk). From Kongens Nytorv, it's about 10 minutes on foot.
Accessibility
The spiral ramp means there are no steps for most of the climb, which makes it unusually accessible for a historic tower. Strollers manage the ramp. The very last section to the platform is a short flight of steps.
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting the Copenhagen Card to cover it. It doesn't.
- Turning up for stargazing in summer: the observatory opens only from October to March.
- Arriving at 6 pm on a winter Wednesday-Sunday, when it's closing.
- Visiting mid-afternoon if you want the platform to yourself.
Is the Round Tower worth it?
Yes. At 60 DKK (and free for kids) it's one of Copenhagen's best-value viewpoints, the spiral ramp is a unique climb, and the view over the old city's rooftops is lovely. Go in the morning or evening to enjoy it without the crowd.
FAQs
How much does the Round Tower cost?
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60 DKK for adults and 40 DKK for students with ID. Children and teens under 18 go free.
Is the Round Tower included in the Copenhagen Card?
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No. The Round Tower isn't covered by the Copenhagen Card.
Do I need to book the Round Tower?
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No. Tickets are sold at the entrance.
What are the Round Tower's opening hours?
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In summer (April-September), daily 10 am-8 pm. In winter, Monday-Tuesday 10 am-9 pm and Wednesday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm.
When can you use the Round Tower observatory?
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From October to March on Monday and Tuesday evenings, 6-9 pm, weather permitting. It's included in the ticket.
Heading to The Round Tower?
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 1 November 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
