The tower's viewing platform shows green copper spires and red roofs. The spiral ramp itself is a graphic interior subject.
The Round Tower, or Rundetaarn, is a 17th-century observatory tower on Købmagergade in the old town of Copenhagen, Denmark, and it offers one of the most accessible elevated views of the historic centre. Instead of stairs, a wide spiral ramp winds up the inside of the tower, and the curved brick walls make a graphic interior subject in their own right. A symmetrical wide-angle shot looking up or down the ramp works well, especially with a person in the frame for scale. At the top, a viewing platform looks across red-tiled roofs and the green copper spires of the old town, including Trinitatis Church next door and the spires of the city's other landmarks beyond. The platform has a railing and fine metal grille, so a lens close to the openings and a low angle help avoid obstructions. The best light is late afternoon, when the sun is lower in the west and warms the roofs and copper, while midday light is flat and morning light can leave the western view in shade. The tower is open all year, so there is no seasonal restriction, although clear days give the longest visibility and winter dusk gives a calm blue-hour option when opening hours allow. The platform is small and gets crowded at peak times, particularly in summer and on school holidays, so patience is needed for an unobstructed angle. Tripods are impractical in the narrow ramp and on the crowded platform, and many visitors shoot handheld; check the tower's website for current rules. Drones cannot be used over this part of the central city without authorisation. An admission fee is charged for the tower, with current prices on rundetaarn.dk. Restrooms and a cafe are available within the tower complex or on the nearby pedestrian street. A wide-angle lens of 16-35 mm covers both the ramp and the panorama.
| Best time | Late afternoon |
|---|---|
| Best season | All year |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København K |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide-angle lens, handheld
Location
Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København K
55.6813, 12.5753 View on map
Highlights
- Spiral ramp interior with curved brick walls
- Green copper spires and red roofs from the platform
- Symmetrical wide-angle compositions of the ramp
- Warm late-afternoon light on the old town
Tips for visiting
- Use the ramp's curved walls for a symmetrical wide-angle shot.
- Press the lens close to the platform grille to reduce obstructions.
- Go in late afternoon for warm light on the roofs.
- Check current prices and opening hours on rundetaarn.dk.
- Shoot handheld; tripods are impractical on the ramp and platform.
When to visit
Late afternoon on a clear day gives warm light on the roofs. Arrive at opening to avoid the busiest summer periods.
Accessibility
The ramp is gentle rather than stepped, so the climb is manageable for many visitors, but the final section includes steps and the platform is small. Wheelchair access to the very top is limited; check with the tower.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for the Round Tower?
Yes, an admission fee applies to the tower. Current prices and opening hours are listed on rundetaarn.dk.
Are there stairs to the top?
No. A wide spiral ramp leads to the top, which makes the climb gentle, though a short set of steps remains near the platform.
When is the best light from the platform?
Late afternoon, when low western sun warms the roofs and green copper spires.
Can a tripod be used?
Tripods are impractical on the ramp and small platform, so handheld shooting is the usual approach.