Hotels near The Round Tower (Rundetårn)

Built 1637-1642 as part of the Trinitatis Complex, Rundetårn is the oldest functioning astronomical observatory in Europe. Christian IV designed it without stairs - instead, a 209-metre spiral ramp winds up the inside, originally so the king could ride a horse-drawn carriage to the top. Peter the Great rode a horse up it in 1716. The structure is 41 metres tall.

The top observation platform offers a 360-degree view of central Copenhagen - the only public viewpoint inside the old city walls. The Library Hall halfway up hosts rotating exhibitions and concerts. The base contains a small museum about the tower's astronomical and royal history. Open daily 10:00-21:00 in summer, 10:00-18:00 winter. Admission 40 DKK adult.

Pro Tip: Time your visit for 30 minutes before sunset for the best photos of the city's red rooftops. The ramp is easily wheelchair-and-stroller accessible - a rare feature among Copenhagen's old monuments.