Round Tower

The Round Tower (Rundetårn) is a 17th-century astronomical observatory built by Christian IV in 1642, rising 35 metres above the Latin Quarter of the old town. Instead of stairs, a continuous helical ramp winds 7.5 revolutions to the top — wide enough that horses could, and did, walk up it. The observatory at the top is still used for public stargazing events.

The tower is attached to Trinitatis Church and was originally part of a complex that included a university library. From the viewing platform you get one of the best ground-level panoramas in Copenhagen — rooftops, spires, and on a clear day the Swedish coast. The tower also hosts a small gallery space within the ramp itself. One of the more interesting and underrated sights in the city.

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A story
Peter the Great of Russia drove a horse-drawn carriage up the Round Tower's helical ramp in 1716 during a state visit to Copenhagen. His wife Catherine reportedly followed in a six-horse carriage. The ramp was specifically designed for horse-drawn vehicles rather than stairs — it served as the route for loading books into the astronomical observatory above, which required horse-powered winches. The royal carriage story is attested in contemporary accounts.

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