Inside and out, the Church of Our Saviour is a highly regarded work of architecture. This baroque church is one of the most recognizable buildings in Copenhagen. Its spiraling tower can be seen from across the city. From the top you can observe Copenhagen’s other remarkable rooftops. Attend mass with the locals to hear the organ in operation, or visit during the day to conquer the winding staircase to the tower’s top.
Vor Frelsers Kirke (the Church of Our Saviour) was constructed during the 1680s, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. The architecture by Lambert van Haven is indicative of the period this is what draws most visitors. The church interior highlights are an intricate Roman-styled altar and a huge, functioning organ.
Throughout its history the church has seen regular restoration and maintenance, and doesn’t look dated. Enter the church to see the large altar, depicting Jesus and his disciples. Behind the altar is the enormous organ. The sound that resonates beneath the 120-foot (36-meter) ceilings is beautiful, so try to come here during a mass to hear it.
Climbing the church spire isn’t for those with vertigo. The wooden stairs sway with the wind and the staircase gets narrower as it approaches the top. Notice the largest church bell system in northern Europe as you near the end of the climb. Every weekend the 48 bells are played from within the church and the song can be heard across the city. Continue to the top of the spire for unobstructed, panoramic views of Copenhagen.
The Church of Our Saviour is located in Christianshavn, just south of the city center. Thanks to wide bridges and good cycling lanes it is easily reached by bike. Walking from the city center takes about 20 minutes. Metered street parking is available in the area and the Christianshavn metro station is located just minutes away. The Church of Our Saviour is open daily and a fee applies to climb the tower.
