Attraction
Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen's amusement park and pleasure garden, open since 1843 beside the Central Station, with historic rides, gardens, concerts, restaurants and seasonal Halloween and Christmas events.
Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke)
Christianshavn's Baroque church, famous for its corkscrew spire with an external staircase that climbs to 86 metres for wide views over the harbour and the city.
At a glance
- Type
- Baroque church with external spiral spire
- Area
- Christianshavn, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Official site
- vorfrelserskirke.dk
Good to know
- Tower climb
- Elephant-supported organ
- Carillon
- Booking recommended
Why we recommend it
The Church of Our Saviour, Vor Frelsers Kirke, is a Baroque church in Christianshavn designed by Lambert van Haven and built between 1682 and the 1690s. It is known around the world for its spire, added in 1752 to a design by Lauritz de Thurah. The spire twists in a corkscrew around the outside of the tower, with an external staircase that leads visitors up towards the gilded globe and figure of Christ at the very top, about 90 metres above the ground.
The climb has 400 steps. The first part winds up through the interior of the tower, and the final 150 steps are on the outside of the spire, where the narrowing copper staircase reaches a height of 86 metres. The views across the harbour, Christiansborg, Christiania and the city's rooftops are among the best in Copenhagen, but the last section is exposed and narrow, so it is not for anyone uncomfortable with heights.
The church interior is worth a visit too. The great organ, built by the Botzen brothers around 1700, is mounted on the wall and supported by two carved elephants, and the church's carillon of 48 bells, the largest in Northern Europe, plays on the hour during the day. The church is open to visitors daily from 11:00 to 15:30, although hours can change because of services and ceremonies.
The tower is open daily from 9:00 to 20:00, with last entry 30 minutes before closing, but it closes for the whole of January and on certain holidays. Because capacity is limited, the church recommends booking a timed ticket online in advance and arriving about five minutes before your slot. The tower can close temporarily in rain, snow or strong wind, since the copper steps become slippery and need to dry before it reopens, so check the weather and keep your plans flexible. Children, and anyone with mobility problems, should be prepared for steep wooden stairs in the inner section.
The church is a short walk from Christianshavn metro station. Christianshavn's canals, Freetown Christiania and the bridges to Nyhavn and Slotsholmen are all close by, so the climb fits easily into a walk around this part of the city.
Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) FAQs
How many steps are there to the top of the spire?
There are 400 steps. The last 150 are on the outside of the spire and reach a height of 86 metres.
What are the tower opening hours?
The tower is open daily from 9:00 to 20:00, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. It is closed in January and on some holidays.
Do I need to book the tower?
Booking is recommended because capacity is limited. Book online and arrive about five minutes before your time.
Does the tower close in bad weather?
Yes. It may close temporarily in rain, snow or strong wind, because the copper steps become slippery.
When is the church itself open?
The church is open daily from 11:00 to 15:30, although services and ceremonies can change this.
Is the climb suitable for people afraid of heights?
The final section is outdoors, narrow and exposed, so it is not recommended for anyone uncomfortable with heights.
What is special about the organ?
The organ from around 1700 is mounted on the wall and supported by two carved elephants.
How do I get there?
Take the metro to Christianshavn station, a short walk from the church on Sankt Annæ Gade.