In plain sight - Copenhagen's not-so-hidden gems.

A modern city by historical standards, Copenhagen remains rich in history despite its lack of ancient legacy. "In Plain Sight" acquaints Copenhagen's international community with the fascinating tales of their adoptive home city.

Photographs: Rundetaarn

Text: Jess Hearne

Much of Copenhagen's most notable architecture dates back to the reign of Christian IV, a 17th-century king celebrated for his architectural patronage and noted for his less successful military ventures. Among his legacies is the Round Tower, or Rundetårn, an astronomical observatory that remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Copenhagen's skyline.

Rundetårn holds a deep cultural significance in Denmark. It features in several of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales and serves as a familiar reference point when comparing the heights of buildings. The Danish saying "hvad er højest, Rundetårn eller et tordenskrald?" (which is higher/louder, the Round Tower or a thunderclap?) reflects its ingrained presence in Danish consciousness.

A structure of intellect

In the 17th century, European exploratory conquests surged, necessitating advancements in navigation and astronomy. On 7th July 1637, the foundation stone of Stellæburgi Regii Hauniensis, later known as Rundetårn was laid, marking the beginning of an era. The observatory was the cornerstone of a three-building complex known as the Trinitatis Complex, which included the tower, a church for students and the first library for Copenhagen University.

An architectural marvel

Constructed as a platform for the university observatory, the tower became the epicentre of Danish astronomy for hundreds of years. The structure was built from alternating red and yellow bricks symbolising the ancient Oldenburg dynasty and features a golden rebus designed by Christian IV himself: "Keep faith, justice and morality in the heart of the king." The lattice railings, designed by Caspar Fincke, a Bohemian-Danish court smith, bear the initials of Christian IV's motto: "Regina Firmat Pietas" (Piety Strengthens the Realms).

The observation deck offers a panoramic perspective of the city's rooftops and famous buildings. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Øresund Bridge.

The spiral ramp is perhaps Rundetårn's most iconic feature. Inspired by German Renaissance castles and ancient buildings like the Tower of Babel, it winds 7.5 times around the tower's hollow centre and is the sole path to the top. The spiral ramp is steeped in lore, from tales of Russian Tsar Peter the Great galloping to the top on horseback to the children of Copenhagen playing hide and seek in its many niches.

Halfway up the tower is the library hall. Once home to approximately 10,000 volumes and a book wheel that allowed readers to study multiple times at once, today, the 800-square-metre space hosts art exhibitions. Over the centuries, the room has served various notable functions, including housing the first collection of the National Museum of Denmark.

Crafted by the esteemed Danish astronomer Ole Rømer, the planetarium once adorned Rundetårn's Observatory. It bore the scars of the devastating 1728 fire in Copenhagen but rose anew through multiple restorations. In 1822, it found its home in a vertical embrace and a timeless clockwork mechanism was added a century later, tenderly wound each week to mark the passage of celestial rhythms.

An enduring legacy

In 1860, the University of Copenhagen bid farewell to Rundetårn as a university observatory. Yet, in 1928, it was reborn and transformed into a haven for both amateur astronomers and curious souls. From mid-October to mid-March each year, its doors open, inviting all to gaze upon the mysteries of the night sky.

Each spring, Rundetårn comes alive with the thrill of a unicycle race. Contestants navigate the spiral ramp of the historic tower, showcasing their skill and endurance. The world record currently belongs to Thomas Olsen, who completed the race in an astonishing 1 minute and 48.7 seconds in 1989.

Ultimately, Rundetårn is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of Copenhagen's rich history, cultural heritage and the unyielding human spirit. It continues to inspire awe, serving as a bridge between the past and the present and inviting all who climb its spiral ramp to partake in the timeless dance of the stars.

Rundetårn is currently open daily from 10:00 – 20:00. For more information, visit https://www.rundetaarn.dk/en