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There are quite a few ways to check out the city of Copenhagen from a higher altitude.
Airplane?
Let’s go lower.
Hot air balloon?
Probably, but it might prove to be quite expensive.
Towers?
Yes! There are some beautiful towers right within the city that make viewing easy and inexpensive…the Marble Church Tower, Christiansborg Tower, the Spiral Tower of the Church of Our Saviour, to name a few.
Another tower, Rundetaarn, one of the many architectural projects of Christian IV was built as an astronomical observatory during the 17th century. Today, the Round Tower serves as an observation tower for expansive views over the city, a public astronomical observatory and a historical monument.
The cylindrical tower, built from alternating yellow and red slender bricks, is most known for its equestrian staircase, a winding corridor which wraps itself seven and a half times around the hollow core, leading to the top. The lack of stairs helped in the transport of fragile and heavy astronomical equipment to the top of the tower. When the size of instruments proved to be much too large, as they improved over time, and the Ostervold Observatory was built, the Round Tower became outdated in the early 19th century. The unusual internal structure, however, inspired something extremely unique…racing.
The first bicycle race held in the tower took place around 1888. In 1911, a bicycle race down the tower was arranged by the local newspaper. Other races followed, culminating in a world record in 1988 set by Thomas Olsen during a unicycle race. Currently, every spring, a unicycle race is still held in the Rundetaarn.
Other forms of transportation have also ascended this cylindrical tower. Peter the Great, Czar of Russia, rode to the top of the tower on horseback in 1726 with his wife following in a carriage and in 1902, the first motorized car, a Beaufort, navigated the winding corridor to the summit.
Although the tower is attached to the Trinitatis Church, it has never served as a church tower, and the bells of Trinity Church hang in the Bell Loft which can be seen about halfway through your climb to the the top of the tower. After your visit to the tower, you can walk through the Trinity Church, which was built in 1656, as a church for professors and students of the University.
When you reach the observation deck, located about 114 feet above ground level, the old city of Copenhagen with its many spires and rooftops spreads out 360 degrees before you. On a clear day, Sweden and the Oresund Bridge, which links the two countries, can be seen in the distance.
While traversing the observation deck, take note of the wrought-iron lattice made in 1643 by Kasper Fincke who was a court artist in metalwork. Christian IV’s monogram and the letters RFP are integrated into the latticework, representing the King’s motto, Regna Firmat Pietas (Piety strengthens the Realms).
The observatory is a small domed building, built on the roof of the tower, reaching a height of 21 feet and a diameter of 18 feet. Built in 1929, it is still in use by amateur astronomers and the general public and is accessed by a narrow winding stone staircase from the observation deck.
Due to varied opening times throughout the year, I was unable to visit the observatory, although a few tour groups were witnessed being led through the space.
As I made my way down to the street level…around and around…I pondered the history of this seasoned tower. Certainly, not one of the most impressive views in Copenhagen, it is worth visiting for its uniqueness and if you are able to visit the observatory. In a city where most things are quite expensive, in a bid to occupy an hour or so, it is worth the small admission fee.
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Rundetaarn (The Round Tower)
- http://www.rundetaarn.dk/en/
- Address: Kobmagergade 52A, 1150 KBH K, Denmark
- May 21-September 20, daily, 1000-2000, September 21-Mid October, daily 1000-1800, Mid October-Mid March, Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun, 1000-1800, Tues and Wed, 1000-2100, Mid March-May 20, daily 1000-1800. Closed December 24 and 25 and January 1
- Observatory: Currently, the observatory is studying the sun. Open dates, Sundays from June 26 through August 14, 1300-1600.
- Admission: Adults, 25 DKK ( approx. $3.75), Children (ages 3-15), 5 DKK (approx. $.75), Annual season ticket 150 DKK (approx. $22.50).