Copenhagen › Places and landmarks
Round Tower
Christian IV’s observatory of 1642, climbed by a spiral ramp instead of stairs.
The Rundetaarn was built in the 1640s as an observatory for the university. Instead of stairs, a broad spiral ramp winds up inside, seven and a half turns, wide enough for a horse and carriage.
Peter the Great of Russia is said to have ridden up it on horseback in 1716. At the top is the oldest working observatory in Europe.
More in Copenhagen
NyhavnThe 17th-century harbour of coloured houses, wooden ships and café terraces.
Kongens NytorvThe King’s New Square, with the Royal Danish Theatre and a bronze king on horseback.
ChristiansborgThe palace on Slotsholmen that holds the parliament, the prime minister’s office and the supreme court.
BørsenChristian IV’s stock exchange of 1640, with a spire of four dragons’ tails, burned in 2024.
StrøgetOne of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe, from the City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv.
City Hall SquareThe square in front of Copenhagen’s red-brick city hall, with its 105-metre tower.
TivoliOne of the oldest amusement parks in the world, opened in 1843 in the middle of the city.
AmalienborgFour identical rococo palaces round an octagonal square, home of the Danish royal family.
The Little MermaidEdvard Eriksen’s statue of Andersen’s mermaid on a rock by the harbour, beyond this small map.
Bikes and cargo bikesMore than half of Copenhageners bike to work or school, many on cargo bikes with the children in front.
SmørrebrødOpen sandwiches on dark rye bread, piled with herring, roast beef or shrimps.