Top 5 Aerial Views in Copenhagen

by Jasmin Ford

Copenhagen is a beautiful city and offers several great opportunities for spectacular panoramic views. If you're looking to explore the city from new heights, I’ve compiled a list of places that offer the best aerial views.

Church of Our Savior Helix Spire

Church of Our Saviour

Price: 35.00 DKK - 45.00 DKK / Free with Copenhagen Card
This is an impressive landmark in the heart of Christianshavn and the church is easily identifiable by its helix spire and winding external staircase.​

There are 400 steps to reach the top and the last 150 steps are on the outside of the spire so the climb isn’t for the faint of heart. If you do make it to the top you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the city.

Aerial view from atop the Glyptotek museum

Glyptotek

Price: 5.00 DKK - 110.00 DKK / Free with Copenhagen Card
This museum was founded by brewer Carl Jacobsen and contains pieces from his personal collection along with ancient sculptures and works from Danish painters from the 19th and 20th century. However, one of the real hidden gems is their roof terrace where you can sit back and relax while taking in the views.

Aerial view from atop the City Hall Tower

City Hall Tower

Price: 30.00 DKK / Free with Copenhagen Card
​As this is an active building, City Hall to be exact, access to the tower is limited to twice a day at 11AM and 2PM. It’s not a guided tour but you need an employee to escort you through the first portion of the of the ascent. After than you’re on your own to climb to the top (yes there are actual winding staircases here).

Equestrian staircase inside the Round Tower

Round Tower (Rundetaarn)

​Price: 25.00 DKK / Free with Copenhagen CardThis is a 17th century observatory but what makes this site unique is the equestrian staircase (which isn't a staircase at all) that makes the ascent to the top fairly easy. Coupled with the amazing lighting in the staircase which will make you want to stop and take pictures you will barely realize when you make it to the top. The views are slightly obstructed by protective fencing but it’s worth the climb in my book.

Interior view of Illum department store

Illum

Price: Free 
Illum is a beautiful department store in the Strøget area of Copenhagen. After you’ve shopped until you’re ready to drop head to the top floor to grab some food, snack or even an adult beverage to recharge.  If the weather is nice you can enjoy seating on their roof terrace and take in some of the city’s sights. After a long day of sightseeing the great thing about this terrace is that there are no stairs to climb.

Second floor view from inside Hay

Hay (honorable mention)

Price: Free
Hay is a design shop which features modern Scandinavian designs and is located Strøget the pedestrian shopping area. If you go to the 2nd floor and look out the windows, which may be open if the weather is nice, you can get a bird's eye view of the action on the street below. .