8 best viewpoints in Copenhagen

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When I find myself in a new city, I always stick to the principle: land, water, air if possible. In this case, the air is represented by viewpoints, which allow one to see the city from a bird’s eye view…

When you are in the clouds, you can see the size of a city, you can see all the sights that you have visited or should visit, you can orient yourself better, you can rise above the crowd, etc.

Especially in Copenhagen which is completely flat. In the very center of the city, thanks to legal restrictions, the tallest buildings are structures that have been standing there for who knows when. That’s why the view from above is the most authentic experience because nothing has changed there. Lookouts are very precious and I like to visit them whenever possible.

Here is my list of the best viewpoints in Copenhagen:

Round tower

All roads first lead to this round tower, which is located in the center of the city and is one of the famous tourist attractions in the city.

The tower was built in 1642 by order of the then King Christian IV. The tower was supposed to have a triple purpose: an observatory at the top, a university library and a church on the ground floor.

The tower offers a 360-degree view of the city. A spiral ramp, the only one of its kind in Denmark, leads to the top, which twists 7 and a half times around the core of the tower to the top. Numerous anecdotes are related to it, which you can listen to during your visit.

Children were hiding in numerous niches, which are used for rest, so one of the choir boys unfortunately fell out of the window. Peter the Great’s carriages and cars also climbed these spirals during World War II.

Today, the tower houses the oldest observatory in Europe. Visitors here can observe various astronomical events and even sunspots on certain days through special filters.

Numerous cultural events and exhibitions are organized in the former university library, which Hans Christian Andersen used to visit enthusiastically. There is also a cafe where you can take a break.

For more details visit the official website. The tower is not accessible for people in wheelchairs.

Town house

With a height of 105.6 m, this tower in the town hall is one of the tallest in Copenhagen.

Since it is located in the center of the city, it offers a view of many things.

There are 300 steps separating you from the viewpoint, so if you’re in good shape, you can buy tickets quickly and easily at the tourist office next door. Visiting the tower requires additional precautions and controls.

Marble or Frederick’s Church

The blue-green dome of this church, which is located next to Amalienborg, can be seen from all parts of the city.

It is close to the sea, so the main obstacle to this viewpoint is the fog, which often occurs in the winter months. You will observe the city from a height of about 50 m, and I wrote more about this church here. They say that on a sunny day you can see Sweden from here.

Kristiansborg

Christiansborg Tower is the tallest tower in the city. It is 106m high and was built between 1907 and 1928 as part of Christiansborg Palace. During the construction, due to the budget, due to various other reasons, the plans for the tower were changed.

So when it was finally finished it had only one crown instead of the original three.

During 1934, two more were added because it was considered that with one crown the whole complex resembled a railway station. During 2006 to 2009, the roof was completely renovated and is currently brown in color. It is expected to acquire its characteristic green shade over time.

Maersk tarnet

Here’s the lookout, which is not only wheelchair accessible, but completely free.

This futuristic-looking building is part of the university complex and houses the medical faculty. The facade of this building is covered with 3300 copper blinds, which have their own energy function. Since the entire building is in glass, these copper blinds have the task of reducing the energy, which is consumed to cool the building.

They are also positioned to reduce the impact of wind on the building. Because of all these smart solutions, the Maersk building has received numerous awards. The building is 75 m high and because it is located a little further north, it offers you a view of the roofs of the Nørrebro neighborhood.

As well as the lakes in Copenhagen.

One of the modern elevators will take you to the 15th floor to the gallery where on a clear day you can see all the main points of the city.

And to make some interesting pictures.

Church of the Holy Salvation

And now here is a challenge for those who love adrenaline. The Church of the Holy Salvation, located near Kristiania, is one of the most beautiful churches in Copenhagen and one of the oldest.

It was built around 1600. 400 steps lead you to the top. But the last 150 are outside. The tower is about 90 m high and when the wind is strong it can sway.

So here you go. Of course when conditions are impossible, the viewpoint closes so check the weather forecast when heading this way.

Knippel bridge

This bridge has slipped in among the vantage points thanks to the fact that it has these characteristic towers on each side.

In the past, traffic under the Knippel Bridge was controlled from these towers, but today they have another purpose. Recently, you can climb into them and observe:

the port, surroundings, have a drink, etc.

Today, Kulturtårnet is a place where various events and celebrations are held.

Bella Sky Hotel

This is not an advertisement for the hotel, which normally has an excellent view from every room.

The only thing is that there is nothing to see here.

I was accommodated in this hotel, that’s why I mention it. If you are a nature lover then from here you can observe the endless greenery of Amager as well as the take-off and landing of planes at the airport. On the last floor there is also this glass bridge, which connects these two buildings.

Conclusion

And so ends my selection of viewpoints in Copenhagen, which I have climbed and which I would gladly climb if it were possible. There are many more of these others, but I reckon that if I climbed just one, that’s already a plus.