Vor Frelsers Kirketårn
The tower has an external spiral staircase and provides a view over Christianshavn.
🌐 vorfrelserskirke.dk🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-20:00 "At rainfalls, snow or strong winds the to
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Church of Our Saviour
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Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) in Copenhagen's Christianshavn district is a masterpiece of Danish Baroque architecture, world-renowned for its unique external spiral staircase. While the church nave was consecrated in 1695, the distinctive spire was added much later in 1752 by architect Lauritz de Thurah. The gilded staircase winds counter-clockwise up to the very top, where a golden globe supports a figure of Christ, offering one of the city's most sweeping panoramic views. Inside, the church features a magnificent Roman-inspired altar by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger and a monumental 17th-century organ supported by two intricately carved elephants. Additionally, the church houses Northern Europe's largest carillon, consisting of 48 bells that perform melodies across Christianshavn daily. The combination of daring exterior design and rich interior craftsmanship makes it one of Denmark's most iconic and visited landmarks.
- Location: Denmark
- Top sights: Vor Frelsers Kirketårn · Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen · Nulpunkt Amagerport af P.V. Jensen-Klint
- Nearby: Carlsberg Byen (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 48 | 43 | 34 | 47 | 64 | 69 | 83 | 54 | 70 | 62 | 63 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Church of Our Saviour is an active church and can be visited during opening hours. The tower with the spiral staircase can be climbed for an entrance fee. The church itself is usually free to enter.
Typical hours
The church is usually open daily, but opening hours for the tower may differ. Services are held regularly, during which visitor traffic may be restricted.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the church without flash. From the tower, great photo motifs of the city are possible. A tripod may not be allowed on the tower.
Time needed
Allow about an hour for climbing the tower and visiting the church. The climb itself is strenuous but rewarding. If you want to view the church in peace, take another half hour.
Combine with
The church is located in the Christianshavn district, which is interesting with its canals and Freetown Christiania. A combination with a boat tour through the canals is recommended.
Getting there
The church is well reachable by metro (Christianshavn station) or bus. From the center it can also be reached on foot via Knippelsbro Bridge.
Insider tip
Climb the tower early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds. The spiral staircase is narrow, so go only with light luggage. Wear comfortable shoes.
Geography
Facts
- Tower height: 90 meters
- Staircase has 400 steps
- Spiral winds counter-clockwise
- Carillon with 48 bells
- Organ supported by elephants
- Spire completed in 1752
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Church of Our Saviour (10)
Lille Mølle🏛 museum
Lille Mølle is a former windmill in Christianshavn, now a museum.
Orlogsmuseet🏛 museum
The naval museum at Søkvæsthuset shows the history of the Danish navy.
Overgaden🏛 museum
Overgaden is an art institution in Copenhagen with changing exhibitions.
Christianshavns Vold🌳 park
The Christianshavns Vold fortification is now a park with bastions and moats.
Christian's Church
Christian's Church in the Christianshavn district was built in the 18th century.
Edition Copenhagen
Edition Copenhagen is a Danish printer that produces art prints.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the church tower?
The gilded external staircase that winds spirally to the top.
Can you climb the stairs?
Yes, visitors can climb the 400 steps to the top (fee applies).
In which district is the Church of Our Saviour located?
It is located in the Christianshavn district of Copenhagen.
How is the view from the top?
You have a fantastic panoramic view over all of Copenhagen and as far as Sweden.
Is there a carillon in the church?
Yes, it has one of the largest carillons in Northern Europe, which plays regularly.
Church of Our Saviour: where is it located?
Church of Our Saviour is located in Denmark.
Church of Our Saviour: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vor Frelsers Kirketårn, Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen, Nulpunkt Amagerport af P.V. Jensen-Klint.
Church of Our Saviour: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Church of Our Saviour: why is it worth visiting?
Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) in Copenhagen's Christianshavn district is a masterpiece of Danish Baroque architecture, world-renowned for its unique external spiral staircase.
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