Round Tower (Rundetarn), Copenhagen

Round Tower (Rundetarn), Copenhagen (must see)

The Round Tower 鈥� Copenhagen鈥檚 answer to the question: 鈥淲hat if we made a giant architectural cinnamon roll鈥� but for science?鈥� This 17th-century spiral of brick in the heart of the Danish capital was 鈥渃ooked up鈥� by King Christian IV as part of his grand architectural project, originally intended as an observatory for the astronomer genius Tycho Brahe.

Back in the 1600s, Europe was getting really into astronomy. The Round Tower came with its own academic library, the Trinitatis Church, and a university chapel. The spiral ramp was so strong and wide that one could easily ride a horse or even drive a carriage up and down it. Apparently, some kings did actually, including Russian Tsar Peter the Great. Because stairs are for the common folk...

Now, if you're a fan of Hans Christian Andersen, you're gonna love this. The Round Tower pops up in 鈥淭he Tinderbox.鈥� That鈥檚 the one where a soldier meets a witch, climbs into a hollow tree, and finds three coin-filled vaults guarded by increasingly horrifying dogs. The biggest of which has eyes 鈥渢he size of the Round Tower.鈥� Subtle product placement, Hans...

Today, tourists from all corners of the Earth climb its 7.5-turn helical corridor just to snap that perfect panoramic selfie of the city. Because it鈥檚 not just a tower but a slow-motion ascent into Danish history, science, and surprisingly chic art installations.

As you wind your way up, your first pitstop is a gallery space featuring contemporary art that occasionally makes you question your understanding of gravity. Then it鈥檚 on to the bell loft 鈥� because what's a tower without a good ol鈥� bell room? And finally, the key attraction: the observatory itself, complete with a 360-degree view of Copenhagen. There鈥檚 even a thick glass platform near the top 鈥� for the brave souls who enjoy standing on transparent floors and peering into the abyss.

Tip:
There鈥檚 a cozy caf茅 nearby for a crowd-free coffee break, a blessedly clean toilet halfway up, and a souvenir shop with actual quality stuff 鈥� not your usual tourist tat. So take your time, bring your curiosity, and maybe leave the horse at home...

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Copenhagen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Round Tower (Rundetarn)
Sight Location: Copenhagen, Denmark (See walking tours in Copenhagen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Copenhagen, Denmark

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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