Church of Our Saviour

The Church of Our Saviour, known locally as Vor Frelsers Kirke, stands as a prominent baroque church in Copenhagen. Its most distinctive feature is an external corkscrew spire with an external winding staircase that visitors can climb. The church occupies a notable position in the Christianshavn district. The structure dates from the late 17th century and represents a significant example of Dutch baroque architecture in Denmark. The spire remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes on the Copenhagen skyline. Church: daily 11:00–15:30. Tower: daily 09:00–20:00; last admission 19:30.

The interior contains baroque architectural elements and furnishings consistent with its period of construction. The church houses an organ and decorative features typical of Dutch-influenced Danish church design. The main attraction for many visitors is the external staircase ascending the spire, which offers elevated views across the city for those who undertake the climb. The carillon in the tower plays at intervals. Visitors should note that the upper sections involve steep climbing and may not suit all physical conditions.

A visit duration varies considerably depending on individual interests. Those who only wish to view the interior may spend approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Visitors planning to climb the spire should allow additional time, as the ascent involves numerous steps and the external staircase can become congested when busy. The complete experience including both interior viewing and spire climb typically requires between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. Tower admission in 2026 is DKK 70 for an adult. Copenhagen Card admission is free.

The spire climb is weather-dependent and may close during adverse conditions for safety reasons. Summer months generally offer longer daylight hours and more favorable conditions for viewing from the top. Winter visits may present atmospheric qualities but reduced visibility and colder temperatures at height. Morning visits may offer calmer conditions. Church: daily 11:00–15:30. Tower: daily 09:00–20:00; last admission 19:30. The address is Sankt Annæ Gade 29, 1416 Copenhagen. Christianshavn Metro Station is a few minutes away on foot, and bus 2A stops beside the church’s side entrance. The tower is not step-free: access is exclusively via 400 steps.

The church may operate with separate arrangements for worship access versus tourist visits to the spire. Some baroque churches in Copenhagen maintain free entry for religious services while charging for tower or spire access. Visitors should verify current arrangements through official channels. Tower admission in 2026 is DKK 70 for an adult. Copenhagen Card admission is free. The tower is not step-free: access is exclusively via 400 steps. The internal route includes narrow, steep stairs; the final 150 steps are outdoors on the spiral spire.

The Church of Our Saviour sits in Christianshavn, a district connected to central Copenhagen by bridge. Public transportation options include the Copenhagen Metro, with Christianshavn station serving the area. Bus routes also operate through this neighborhood. The area rewards walking exploration. The address is Sankt Annæ Gade 29, 1416 Copenhagen. Christianshavn Metro Station is a few minutes away on foot, and bus 2A stops beside the church’s side entrance. The internal route includes narrow, steep stairs; the final 150 steps are outdoors on the spiral spire. There are 400 steps; the final 150 are outside on the spiral spire, reaching a viewpoint 86 metres above ground.

The spire staircase presents genuine physical challenges. The steps are narrow, steep, and exposed to weather at upper levels. Those with vertigo, mobility limitations, or cardiovascular conditions should carefully consider whether to attempt the climb. The external upper section lacks enclosure and may be unsuitable in windy conditions. Proper footwear is essential. The interior contains active religious space requiring respectful behavior. The tower is not step-free: access is exclusively via 400 steps. There are 400 steps; the final 150 are outside on the spiral spire, reaching a viewpoint 86 metres above ground.

Photography conditions vary between interior and exterior spaces. The baroque interior presents challenges of mixed lighting that may affect image quality without appropriate equipment. The spire climb offers distinctive vantage points for cityscape photography, though the confined staircase limits opportunities for equipment handling. At the summit, space is restricted and other visitors will be present. Drone operation would require compliance with Danish aviation regulations and is not advisable near historic structures without explicit permission. Advance booking is recommended because capacity is limited. During busy periods, especially Friday through Monday around 10:00–17:00, staff may require visitors without tickets to book online before entering.