Church of Our Saviour

Church · Mikkel Vibes Gade ·

Church of Our Saviour

Church · Mikkel Vibes Gade ·

Spiral-spired church with external staircase offering panoramic views

Information

Sankt Annæ Gade 29, 1416 København, Denmark Get directions

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

30 of the World's Most Spectacular Spirals

"A corkscrew-shaped tower stretches from the top of this church. Climb to the tip, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Copenhagen. At the beginning of the 17th century, King Christian IV launched an effort to expand Copenhagen by building several fortifications and canals southward on the island of Amager. The newly occupied area needed a church, so construction on the Church of Our Savior began in 1695. The tower of the church, which was designed by Lambert Van Haven, did not have a spire. Decades later, Lauritz de Thurah designed a spire, drawing inspiration from the spiral shape of Rome’s Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza. It was inaugurated on August 28, 1752, by King Frederik V. The copper-clad wooden spire stands on an octagonal base and features semicircular arches and round windows with gilded frames. Four statues guard its base. The stairs—150 in total—twist counterclockwise, looping around the tower four times. A plinth holding a gilded globe and a sculpture of Jesus stands at the end." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/spectacular-spirals-list

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Church of Our Saviour

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Climb up a Church Steeple - On the Outside You can see the black and gold spiral steeple of the Church of our Saviour, or Vor Frelsers Kirke, all over Copenhagen . It's not until you are standing beneath it you realize that golden spiral is actually a staircase—on the outside. If you are among the brave, you can climb the stairs all the way to the top of the steeple, for a view over the lively Christianshavn neighbourhood of Copenhagen. If (like me) you are afraid of heights, you can admire the church from below and muster your courage... for next time."

What To Do: Day Two In Copenhagen

Church of Our Saviour

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

12 Must-Do Experiences in Copenhagen

Church of Our Saviour

@ricksteves

706 Postcards · 220 Cities

Copenhagen Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"Features a striking spiral spire and a bright Baroque interior, combining an iconic exterior with an uplifting, light-filled sanctuary." - RICKSTEVES

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/denmark/copenhagen

Church of Our Saviour

Arunas J.

Google

Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) is one of Copenhagen’s most unforgettable landmarks. The baroque interior is beautiful, but the real highlight is the iconic golden spiral tower. Climbing the external staircase is an experience in itself, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the city, canals, and rooftops of Christianshavn. The final steps are narrow and thrilling, making the view at the top feel even more rewarding. Inside, the church is elegant and peaceful, with impressive craftsmanship and a rich sense of history. A must-visit for architecture lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting a unique perspective of Copenhagen.

Brett H.

Google

Busy…so our tickets for entry were an hour and half later than arrival. Recommend to Buy online and reserve before arriving. The climb is pretty intense, many stairs, tight stairwells corners and openings but it was all worth it! The views of Copenhagen at dusk were breathtaking, helpful and kind staff, totally recommend!

Patrycja Z.

Google

Beautiful place! Climbing to the top and amdiring views of the city is one of the nicest experiences in Copenhagen. Important note - there is not only a lot of stairs to the top, but in some moments it's narrow and steep stairs. So it's not so easy to get there, but really worth to visit.

Google

The Church of Our Saviour is one of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit if you enjoy history, architecture, and incredible city views. The church itself is beautiful, with a striking baroque interior, but the real highlight is climbing the tower. The spiral staircase on the outside of the spire takes you up high above the city, and the views from the top are absolutely stunning, stretching across Copenhagen and even out to Sweden on a clear day. The climb is steep and narrow in places, and the final stretch on the outside can feel a bit dizzying if you’re not great with heights, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort. It’s best to go on a clear day to really appreciate the panoramic view. The tower can get busy, so going early or outside peak hours makes the experience more enjoyable. Overall, the Church of Our Saviour is an unforgettable stop in Copenhagen. Whether for its history, its unique architecture, or the breathtaking views from the tower, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Carlo F.

Google

We visited the spire which is a great activity to do while in Copenhagen. Important to note that access to climb the spire is by timed entry and that tickets need to be booked in advance. We did this through a QR code at the entrance and fortunately there were still available times to purchase as this sold out quickly. The climb to the tower is very narrow and steep, but the pay off with the view is fantastic! I highly recommend!

Kalina M.

Google

Absolutely breathtaking experience! The Church of Our Saviour is not only a beautiful piece of architecture, but also offers one of the very best views of Copenhagen. The spiral staircase up the tower is a little challenging, but that only makes reaching the top more rewarding. Standing outside on the winding staircase with the city right beneath your feet feels magical. You can see all of Copenhagen – from the canals and colorful houses to the modern skyline. Totally worth the climb, and a must-visit spot if you want a unique perspective of the city!

Benedict S.

Google

My wife and I visited during our honeymoon in Denmark! The interior of the church is great, very beautiful! The details are stunning! We loved the view from the top of the tower as well — beware though, it’s quite the hike up stairs! Not for those who can’t climb vertical stairs well, and not for those who may be motion sick or afraid of heights. However, there is a cool video not too far up in a theater room that discusses the church’s history in Danish & English!

Mark H.

Google

Church of Our Saviour – Copenhagen A stunning baroque church with one of the best panoramic views in Copenhagen. The highlight is the climb to the top via a unique external spiral staircase—fun and adventurous, but not for the faint-hearted. With over 400 steps, it’s a bit of a workout, and the narrow, winding paths can be challenging for anyone with vertigo. Entry costs €8, and it's well worth it for the view alone.

Ted R.

Yelp

This really should be a must-do experience in Copenhagen. The name of the church in English is Church of Our Savior, but most Americans call it "that spiral church" which seems to resonate with just about everyone. Two tips: First, skip this if you don't like heights because if you don't feel comfortable with outside steps, it's not worth going to (although it's a very cool church to look at). Secondly, be SURE you get advance tickets at least one day in advance. This is easy to do on the Internet, but critical. Fortunately for me, this church was only a 10 minute walk from my hotel. Also, fortunately, I love climbing to the top of churches. The church was built in 1752 and is stunning. The tower has 400 steps; the first 250 steps are inside the tower on steep, narrow, old wooden stairs, and the final 150 steps on the outside, wrapping around the spire on a winding, narrow (but two people can easily pass each other), spiral staircase. Please note that I'm 70 years old, but still didn't have any issues, except for a few quick rest stops on the way up. I didn't have time to explore the inside of the church, but I thoroughly enjoyed walking in the neighborhood surrounding the church (just about 10 -15 minute walk from Central Copenhagen) and the magnificent view from the outside of the church.

Gerald L.

Yelp

It's a fun little tower to climb. Can't remember the entry cost, but pro tip: if you intend to see many sites here, get the Copenhagen card which applies to this church. Climb difficulty depends on your fitness level but imo it's easy. Steep inside, but easy. The outside is a little scary off you're afraid of heights, and it narrows as you get closer to the top. The spiral stairs part is outside the church. Plus you get the chance to meander through the streets on your way here.

Iris T.

Yelp

I hyped everyone up for the Church of Our Saviour. My kids know it as the Tower of Doom. First up, it is a church that is still in use, but it also gives you a breathtaking view of the city. It's included on the Copenhagen Card but you still need to book your entry time online to avoid crowds. They do not allow walk ins - or at least they didn't in July. They also close the climb up if there's rain or is excessively windy for safety reasons. I took my friend and my two kids, ages 4 and 8. They did not want to go. I gave them a choice to stay at the front desk and they ended up making it up, since they didn't want to be left behind. You can store your larger bags (like backpacks) by the front desk at your own discretion. You should. It gets a bit cramped. I kept my purse on me though. As opposed to the Ruundetarn, there are a lot of steps. Roughly 400 up and another 400 down. It's not terrible but the closer you are to the top, it can get narrow and cramped. If you're tall, watch your head. It also gets to the point that groups going in one direction need to stop to let the ones coming down go just so you have room to go up. The last set of stairs to get outside is more like a ladder and you really feel it when you're getting ready to get back inside the church and you look down to see how steep and narrow those steps are. It is a beautiful view though! Your heart is pumping from the climb up, the wind hampers your breathing a bit... I heard a number of people breathing quite hard - but you're there! You go up further until you can go no more. When I went, there was a lady who was seemingly stuck at the very top and didn't budge from it, but no matter. (She spoke to us... just didn't let go.) Both of my kids made it up too despite their reservations. It took time to get them moving at first but they did it! My eldest got down without issues but going down those ladder steps, I just held my 4 year old in one arm and took us both down 2 flights before I let him down. But yes, younger kids can do it! (They got ice cream afterwards.) If you have a fear of heights or claustrophobia.... You can definitely turn around if you really can't do it. I couldn't stare down at the ground for long while at the very top (it is a bit high) but I didn't feel unsafe while up there. That was definitely an experience to remember! A bit of a thrill at the very end, haha.

Teresa M.

Yelp

Note: Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card as of May 2025. WoW, WoW, WoW! I wasn't sure I'd survive this adventure. At times, I was on my hands/knees, my mouth as dry as the Sahara... my fear of heights in full gear! I pulled myself up steep steps, through narrow passageways. Often times, having to yield to oncoming traffic. More often, having to step aside for a younger, braver climber. Once the door opened to start the outside winding path up, my breath hitched. I paused & tried to pick my lips... heart racing, I grasped the wall & blindly reached for the rail. There were cheers of "you can do it!" Mixed with "you don't have to do it." I did have to do it tho, and so I did. I stepped out completely with a slow exhale , as the sweat began to drip... my heart racing. I continued up, white knuckled, until the path narrowed & I found myself alone at the tippy top. The wind blew and I could feel the sway of the tower... back down i bolted... umm if one can bolt slowly & very, very carefully. I'd absolutely do it again, too. The view was spectacular & my sense of accomplishment- mmm

HoyMay P.

Yelp

The historical sights here are very large in scale and quite impressive. This church fit that description. Very beautiful altar in gilded gold.

Jaclyn Y.

Yelp

Pros: - you get a good view - included in Copenhagen card - free bathroom on entry level Cons: - steep descent that turns tower into a one-way path - railings at top look fragile and narrow. Floor is also sloped downward??! - splinters from wood railings I am not normally scared of heights, but I felt so unsafe up there. It probably didn't help that it was a particularly windy day!

Martyn L.

Yelp

Vor Frelsers Kirke is a church in central Copenhagen. It has an attractive interior, but its unique property is that you climb to the top of the spire with stairs that are on the outside. This is amazing, and such good fun. Of all the things we did in Copenhagen, I think this stands out as my favourite. The climb is work, but not that onerous (and I am not in great shape). It is 400 steps up, of which the last 150 are on the outside of the spire. There are railings, and I never felt unsafe at any time, even though I am a little afraid of heights sometimes. It is a bit windy at the top, but again not so much as to be uncomfortable. The climb is not always wide enough for folks to travel in both directions but always felt safe and easy. The staff were friendly. At the top, the stairs just end, because, it is a spire, and there is nowhere else to go. We took our 2 year old son up in a carrier on one of our backs. I would not have been comfortable with him travelling on foot, but mostly because some of the climb was steep stairs. It is easy to forget that Copenhagen is very very flat. So this viewpoint gives amazing views in all directions. I loved the climb, the views and the experience. I can't recommend this highly enough. If you are in Copenhagen, go here.

Kathy V.

Yelp

The short of it: Exhausting. Cool. Worth it. The long of it: Our Saviour's Church was already on our list of must-dos before we got to Copenhagen. Then after seeing it from the boat on our first canal tour, we were even more excited to go there the next day! It cuts a pretty picture in the sky, visible from much of Copenhagen. I didn't realize until the canal tour, but the gold spiral around the spire....is an outdoor staircase that visitors are welcome to climb! Entry and tower access are included with the Copenhagen Card and it should be at the top of your list to do as well. It is a lot of stairs, and towards the top and outside they can get quite narrow. Be patient, wait your turn, if you need a breather step aside and let others pass or take a stop at one of the landings/points of interest along the way. The view from the top is top notch! The best in the city, of all the spots I was able to visit. It gets windy, so be smarter than me and don't wear a dress or a skirt. Or do...and just be ready to keep yourself un-exposed! 360 degree, unobstructed views....it can't be beat! I am not a religious- or church-person, but I can appreciate them as historical monuments and works of art. When they also act as points of interest beyond their religious significance, I like them even more. That said, I appreciate that this church has a separate entrance for the tower, so you don't technically enter the church and if a mass or a special event is going on inside, you don't feel like you are disturbing that, just to get your bird's eye city views! This attraction and activity was very early on in our visit, but it stuck with me as one of the best! If you have the time and mobility (it's a lot of stairs, y'all), this is a must see!

Yun C.

Yelp

My favorite architecture in Copenhagen! Beautiful looking afar the church and exciting walking on the spiral tower! The stairs going up gets very narrow inside and when you get outside. It gets pretty high up the spiral narrows until you can't fit pass it anymore. It was a good work out! It gets very windy when you get up on the spiral tower and I almost felt like I can be blown away! So hold on tight and enjoy the awesome view! There is also a brief cartoon movie clip inside the tower which was pretty informative and cool about the history of the church. They have it in Danish and English alternating. Walking inside the church was also very relaxing.

PatrickJ T.

Yelp

The Church of Our Saviour was built in 1696 I think. Located in Christainshavn area of Copenhagen, Denmark. It is hard to miss because of its tower and gold steeple. It is 400 steps to the top. The outside of the steeple is only accessible from April to October. Fortunately, we came at a good time. Not too crowded so no waiting to make it to the top. Before we went up, we checked out the inside of this place of worship. Lovely old Church. There is a fee to go up to the tower. We had the Copenhagen Go Card so there was no extra fee for us. Don't know if the rules have changed since we were here a year ago. Regardless, I think it is worth it to pay the price. Views are terrific! Just make sure to watch your step! Have fun and be safe! It is a tight squeeze at times.

Cindy L.

Yelp

We stumbled upon this church while we were walking around town and decided to go up when we saw people walking around the tower. The price to go up was very reasonable and not expensive at all. The top climb gets a bit difficult since the stairs are old, creaky, and narrow. People coming down will try to squeeze through and at the top peak, it fits just one person. However, the view going up the stairs is totally worth it. You won't be able to help it but stop every so often to enjoy the view. There's some interesting art behind the gates and such in the church and also make sure to be there when the bell rings! It's pretty cool, though a bit loud.

Willie R.

Yelp

A local friend and climbed the stairs of Our Savior's Church for some impressive views of Copenhagen and the city across the river. We had been walking around the entire day and my glutes were on fire, but we went anyway and it was an interesting experience. The line from the entrance looked foreboding, but it was really more a function of it taking a while for people to get tickets than to actually ascend the stairs. Once you get to the first main landing area, you can step out and take photos. It feels a little shaky because the platform slopes slightly down, but it's not like you're going to fall out. You can then take the second set of stairs to the very top if you don't mind heights.

Janice C.

Yelp

This climb isn't for the faint of heart. The climb at the campanile of the Il Duomo in Florence is higher, but nothing compares to this: 400 steps to the top of the spire with the last 150 steps being outside. It's just you, the wind, a set of narrow stairs and a railing ... with views and views of Copenhagen all around you. 25 DKK is all it takes to conquer your fear of heights. Do it for that instragram worthy pic.

Ed U.

Yelp

I'm not sure what it is between me and stairwells, but we have a mutually sadomasochistic relationship based on a history of resentment. I have to admit the resentment is probably one-way since the stairs usually don't have any perspective that's unique to me, just to those of us who may be acrophobic, claustrophobic, a bit agoraphobic, and let's face it, admittedly out of shape. At least that's what goes through my fertile head before climbing old church steeples and fortress towers like the leaning Torre Asinelli in Bologna, the majestic Giralda in Seville,... ...or closer to my home, the 3rd-floor menswear section at Ross when the escalators break down and you have to push through the emergency exit doors to get downstairs to the express cash registers. Not that I would know. Anyway, add Vor Frelsers Kirke to that esteemed architectural list, or as it's called in English, the Church of Our Saviour, which was built in the late 17th century. What makes this vertiginous climb particularly idiosyncratic is the corkscrew spire at the top (see photo), which requires you to climb on the outside on a staircase that winds four times around the steeple to the tippy-top. Geronimo! Unless you're auditioning for an episode of an obstacle course game show, I don't think the view is terribly different from the base of the spire if you get faint-hearted at the thought of being fodder for the gulls at that height. Regardless, the panoramic views up there are Instagram-worthy and well worth the 300+ steps up from the ground floor despite the inevitable jostling you will face with more aggressive tourists going in the opposite direction (see photos). Etiquette is apparently not an option. If the thought of such a climb makes you nauseous, you can enjoy the altar and organ in the church which are quite elaborate by Danish standards. Admission is 25 DKK (Danish krone) or about $4.40, for adults and 10 DKK for children.

Dana H.

Yelp

We almost didn't do it. We had been walking 15 miles a day and our feet were very sore. But we did it. And I am so happy we did! It was nowhere near as difficult as I expected. The majority of the climbing is inside, up very narrow staircases you're climbing as opposed to walking up. Seriously, use your hands and feet together, you'll feel much better. Once your outside, you walk some easy wide steps to the top. There may be a short queue to the very tippity top step, but that selfie is worth it. Great place to see beautiful Copenhagen, and it's a very cool part of the history.

Dan A.

Yelp

Amazing views of CPH with an Adrenalin rush for 50 DKK! Best times to go are either early or late to avoid the crowds. I arrived at 18:30 and it was perfect as there were hardly any visitors. A must when visiting Copenhagen especially on a beautiful day!

Uli B.

Yelp

Like most of the previous folks, I'm not commenting about the church itself, but about the view from the top - funny how our priorities have shifted over the past decades.... The hike up is really quite easy, at least if you're reasonably fit and not grossly overweight; some parts of the staircase are quite narrow and the latter group of people might get stuck. Once you get to the top, the view is really fantastic and I right away tested out the new iOS 7 feature that let's you try out panoramic pictures. I really urge you to put this on your Copenhagen to-do list...along with riding the bicycle across town and visiting the Little Mermaid ;-) Also, I suggest to do this hike just before lunchtime as you can afterwards get some really nice smørrebrød at a nearby café called "Sweet Treat".

Clark O.

Yelp

Awesome views of Copenhagen, as this is one of the highest points in the city. Be prepared to wait in line if you show up during peak tourist season. But the wait is definitely worth it. The inside also has a stunning organ that is carved out of wood. A must for any trip to København.

Yi Z.

Yelp

This may be the most crowded place in all of Copenhagen. First, you wait in a line outside in the garden area. When you finally get inside and pay, you have to stay in the single file line and stare at the butt of the person in front of you for the hundreds of steps to come. In many spots, the path is only wide enough for traffic in one direction. That means if people are coming down, then the line of people going up have to stop until there's a break in the flow. As you can imagine, this means that the process of getting up is very slow and tedious. When you finally get outside, the view is spectacular. It's hard to capture in photographs but it certainly makes the journey worthwhile. Outside, the stairs get narrower and narrower as you near the top. For those who are afraid of heights, do not attempt this because you cannot easily turn back due to the crowds.

Eva K.

Yelp

Long before I moved to Denmark, I already knew about this piece of landmark from Jules Verne's book - Journey to the Center of the Earth. In the book, the professor and his nephew climbed the church tower almost daily to get used to the feeling looking into the abyss before they went on expedition to enter the volcano in Iceland. As luck would have it, I moved here few years later and went to see this church in real life. It was as beautiful as I had imagined, both inside the church (with the angel statues by the altar - they give you that creepy feeling that you're being watched at) and outside, up on the spire. I have been on top of the spire only twice, blame my weak knees, but those two times I remember well how beautiful the city of Copenhagen looked from above. Never mind the Round Tower, do this instead and you could see way to the horizon to Sweden. Until now, whenever I'm doing my afternoon / morning jogging in Christianshavn, I still pause and look at that majestic tower that is glittering under the sun.

Mark T.

Yelp

By the time I ended up in Copenhagen, I had already seen many panoramas from many high points in many different cities around Europe. As such, I was debating whether or not to go to this one. It was over a third of the steps being on the outside that sold me, just as something that should be experienced. The climb had a few things that I found pretty unique. First, there are several "scenes" depicting something. I have no idea if it is historical, religious, or purely artistic in nature. Second, there is a warning light that will tell you if the bells are ringing (usually it is just a sign). Finally, there is an area where you can see all the cogs that power the clock. As for the climb from a physical standpoint... there were only two places with extremely narrow and steep staircases, but other than that, while you might have to let a person pass here and there, it is not as cramped as some other such climbs can be. And, and only because I once encountered such a climb without... there are railings! The climb outside is interesting. At the point where you will enter the outdoor staircase, you are going to be at a sufficient altitude to see pretty much everything you're going to see. You see a nice variety of city, rural, maritime, and the planes going in for landing too. This is perhaps the unique thing, you can keep going for those extra 150 steps, in a spiral getting ever narrower, not so much for the view, but just because. But, if you do plan to take every last step, be prepared to wait in line a little bit as others make their way up to, and down from the top.

Michael U.

Yelp

Located near noma, kadea and EraOra this old Church stands out against the Copenhagen skyline and although the insides themselves are pretty standard fare, the affordable climb to the top of the spiral provides panoramic views of the city from a different angle than the Rundetaarn with a particularly interesting look out towards the airport.

Jana C.

Yelp

Had a blast climbing over 400 steps of this wonderfully historic kirke, and managing to somehow find my way walking and using what little Dansk I knew.... Absolute madness going up those steps, but the view near Hippiesville/Christiana and the history of the church brought me here...charming and only wish that they offered an English-speaking tour. Fun meandering my way to reach this church. Featured in Amazing Race S19!

Liz P.

Yelp

Great view. It's a long way to the top. We went on a windy day and we felt the tower sway. Scary when there's no traffic control and no capacity - makes you appreciate OSHA. Bring your student ID for a discount.

Beck R.

Yelp

If you're afraid of heights visit this one in winter (like we did) where you'll find the tower to be closed. Looks mightily impressive from the outside though, so i'll try again one day....during the summer.

Jim A.

Yelp

"If your Brave Enough DO THIS!!!" I have climbed the stairs inside Church Domes but this was a TRIP!!! Once you climb past the bells you exit and continue to ascend a spiral stairway OUTSIDE the steeple. The stair narrows as you get to the top and the steps are aluminum flashing, so be careful when its wet, but the railing offers security. If you dare to make it to the top the view is the best in Copenhagen. Definitely worth the 30kr. If it is crowded and you want to return later in the day ask the desk for a return receipt.

Gretch F.

Yelp

Got there at 4:45 Pm on a Sunday (8/25/19). Supposed to be open until 7:30 pm. Someone called in sick so they closed it to the public! Ridiculous that this very famous is landmark is closed due to one person!! Unacceptable and VERY disappointed.

Danielle F.

Yelp

As some others have written, this church can get a bit crowded, but it is still a worthwhile spot to visit. As long as you're not afraid of heights, the climb up the steeple on the outside provides for an excellent view. Given that the church is located in Christianshavn, it provides excellent views of central Copenhagen. Definitely pay attention while you're doing it, as it's nearly 400 steps on the outside of the steeple and on a windy day the environment can pose an interesting challenge. Additionally, the staircase narrows as you move higher. You might encounter a nervous individual while you're out there as well, so patience is definitely a virtue. It is a rather unique structure and not just due to the external staircase on the steeple. Inside the church, there is a beautiful altar and a massive organ to take a peek at.

Chloé Y.

Yelp

I always try to get a view of any city that I visit from somewhere high up - this was a great option as it was additionally cultural and it was cheap! I especially loved the old wooden steps that the Church of Our Saviour had. It's a small church so it was a bit of a squeeze for the two way foot traffic but it does make for quite an intimate experience say hello to people going up/down. When you get to the top of the wooden steps, you continue your journey to the tip of the spire on the OUTSIDE! It's an exhilarating experience if you like being high up and have the fresh air breeze around your hair! The spiral staircase entwining the spire gets narrower and narrower so there's a bit of a wait at the top when you wait your turn to squeeze in the small space. The view as you walk up is amazing, perfect to look upon as you're catching your breath. Totally worth the climb!

Stephanie P.

Yelp

If you re afraid of heights don't try this one! I did it once for my friend and wouldn't do it again. It also needs strong legs to get up there. Don't know how many steps there are but there are a lot!!! No elevator included so don't try it with problematic knees or anything. I think the best part really, is your way up. You wonder all the time if you re close to the top while you see people coming down. The higher you get the less space you have to pass the people coming down. At some points it really needs organising to get everyone past. Once you re on the top the view is breathtaking. Literally. I mean when I got out I just turned my back to the view and tried to crawl hugging the church. It does not really work though. There are many people and things get very tight at some points. The stairs extend also a bit higher if you re brave enough. Obviously I was not. I mean it is a must see for tourists but I think locals should also experience it at least once. It is quite unique. I also liked that on your way up you pass the bells. Just careful not to be next to them when they ring! They are huge!

Helena D.

Yelp

Really worth the exhausting climb for the amazing view!! It's pretty fun climbing up too (but the inside section of stairs really is a work out). It can feel a bit weird climbing on the outside staircase, so if you're not good with heights this one won't be for you. It can be pretty busy with tourists so be prepared to wait at different sections of the stairs just to get past. I also recommend climbing straight to the top first then stopping to take pictures of the views on the way down (when you first reach the outside section, turn left to keep climbing, if you turn right it's a dead end, so you have to go back). Overall, a fun, long climb up and wonderful views - highly recommend doing this.

Johanne M.

Yelp

I want to make this review in English, so that the visitors of Denmark can get an inside view of this beautiful church. I was wandering the streets of Christianshavn when I followed my feet to the tower of the church. I can't remember ever being there, except from the out side. So I decided to go inside and see what beauties it was holding inside. There was such a beautiful alter, that could have stolen my thoughts for hours, then when turning around discovering something even more beautiful. A big work of art surrounding the organ that made my jaw drop. I'll recommend everybody which is nearby to make a trip to this place.

Andrea W.

Yelp

Awesome views from way up high! We stumbled by this on accident while visiting Christiania, and I saw someone on the tower so we decided to go up! It was a sunny day, and the view to below was very nice. The only downside is that there are a lot of (steep) stairs to climb. Definitely easy to find though, and it's not too far away from downtown although public transit probably needs to be taken to get here. Definitely worth a visit! Such amazing views!!

Lauren T.

Yelp

I loved this climb! We went up the round tower earlier in our trip and thought we got great views until I convinced my friends that this church offered way better views. And I was right! I have climbed the Notre Dame clock tower in Paris and this was a lot easier than that! I'm pretty active and thought this would be harder than it was based on the reviews I read but don't be intimidated! It's a good climb but it is very doable!! And so worth it for the gorgeous views of Copenhagen!! Afterwards, a fifteen minute walk to the Copenhagen street food makes for a good day!

Isabel G.

Yelp

If you are afraid of heights, maybe sit this one out. If you are not afraid of heights and you want an intimate climb through narrow stairways, an incredible 360 view of Copenhagen, and some toned calf muscles, then ascending the tower of the Church of Our Saviour should be on the top of your list of things to do in Denmark.

Maggie P.

Yelp

SO MUCH WORK OUT ACCOMPLISHED. THE VIEW IS SO REWARDING. and it is not even that expensive. Defo a must go touristy attraction if you are in cph. will i come again? nah.. im done with the my work out of the year

Ave D.

Yelp

So beautiful that I got a tattoo of it. No, really, I did. The various stairways going up are cramped, steep, and require some maneuvering/ducking/sidestepping/superhuman perseverance/etc., but what a fantastic view! The inside of the church on ground-level is also great. If the tower is open (I think from March to... late summer/early fall), go! It's worth the small fee and the tight hamstrings.

Jasmine X.

Yelp

The best part about this church is climbing up to the top to get a view of Copenhagen. What's really interesting about the climb is how ominous it is. I've climbed a lot of towers in Europe, but never have I climbed one that posted so many warning signs and even played creepy/spooky music at the base of the real climb. When you walk in (from the right side) you go up some stairs and purchase your ticket. You go up a few more flights and get to see some little rooms with some history and some artwork. Then you reach the "top" and make a left at a dungeon door that has caution: climb at your own risk or whatever in a number of different languages. This alone freaked me out. Then you open the door and hear the spooky music and ascend on your climb on these wooden stairs. Part way there, there are a ton of warning signs about ringing bells (the bells did ring while I was there, and I was fine, didn't notice anything.) All the warnings are just bizarre. But the view from the top, my goodness that was definitely worth it. It doesn't take too long to climb and you don't need to be too fit. It's cool because they have a map that points out some of the notable sights so even if you're not familiar with Copenhagen, you'll actually know what you're looking at. Seriously though, the views are amazing. When you reach the top, if you make a left, you can actually keep climbing up. I reached the top in the middle of a rainstorm so the wind was insane and I couldn't stay for too long, but I definitely encourage you to make the ascent to the tip top. It's worth it. The church itself is nice, very simple and austere and also huge actually. But the tower is the best part. tldr; sweet church with awesome tower, check it out if you want amazing views of Copenhagen. also don't be freaked out about the warnings on the way there

Maggie A.

Yelp

The inside of the church is stunning! So gorgeous. The tower is a fun-ish (kinda scared of heights). I was doing great until the bells rang, then the floor vibrated, then the fun was over for me :-P Glad I went. The views are as great as you think they will be.

Dylan S.

Yelp

It was a real hassle to get up to the top of the tower but the view was worth it. We had to wait in line about 30 minutes. While we were waiting someone threw a water bottle down from the top and nearly hit me and exploded. Then, the staircases are very narrow and people are going up and down, making it very difficult to climb. But once at the top the views are fantastic. You can see all parts of the city of Copenhagen. Waiting around for a while may seem like a lot but no doubt it's worth it.

Samantha M.

Yelp

This church is a bit of a landmark right near Christiana, it's spire is quite a character marker and certainly intrigues a number of tourists. You can climb to the top for spectacular views out over Copenhagen.

Toqa H.

Yelp

One of the best places in Copenhagen, an ancient church which have many bells, great wood stair that will end you up to the highest place in the city! It's worth going!!

Matt B.

Yelp

The Church of our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) is a striking landmark in the Christianshavn are of Copenhagen and offers great views across the city and over the Oresund. The inside of the church is worth checking out, but the main reason to visit is the view from the top.The walk up is fairly easy if reasonably fit but parts of the staircase are narrow and can become backed up. The inside opens to an outside staircase, therefore avoid if you suffer from vertigo as the railings are not particularly high. Really good fun, plus there are some cafes to get a well deserved beer in the vicinity.

Inigo M.

Yelp

Beautiful view of the city. It's a steep climb up narrow, wooden stairs, past the huge church bells, until you reach the winding steps outside the tower that go all the way up. Christiania is visible.

Virginia Y.

Yelp

Definitely worth it for the views. The trek isn't too long compared to other churches I've been to in Italy. The views are breath taking and its just fun going up the spiral staircase! They offer student discounts so it's slightly cheaper than what you're suppose to pay. This is the only spot I know in Copenhagen that offers views that overlooks the whole city. You can almost compare it to the clock tower in Prague.

Linda F.

Yelp

The views are amazing, and the climb is fun. Important things are: go early, and bring a student card if you have one (you save 10 kr). The stairs get very narrow at a few points (not just at the top) so the traffic is one way. The earlier you go, the less people traffic there is. Plus, the morning sun is better for photographing towards the city (of course, the afternoon sun is better for photos towards the Øresund).

Jim W.

Yelp

A must do in Copenhagen. The stairs to the top of the tower are narrow and many so you will need to be in shape to get to the top. Once you are at the top you will have spectacular views of Copenhagen.

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Church of Our Saviour

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"Features a striking spiral spire and a bright Baroque interior, combining an iconic exterior with an uplifting, light-filled sanctuary." - RICKSTEVES

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/denmark/copenhagen

Church of Our Saviour

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The historical sights here are very large in scale and quite impressive. This church fit that description. Very beautiful altar in gilded gold.

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Ave D.

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Maggie A.

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Dylan S.

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Samantha M.

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Toqa H.

Yelp

One of the best places in Copenhagen, an ancient church which have many bells, great wood stair that will end you up to the highest place in the city! It's worth going!!

Matt B.

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Inigo M.

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Virginia Y.

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Linda F.

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Church of Our Saviour

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30 of the World's Most Spectacular Spirals

Copenhagen Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

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30 of the World's Most Spectacular Spirals

Copenhagen Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves