It goes without saying that the Danes have a rich history in astronomy. The Vikings are presumed to have navigated using star constellations as their guide and the first renowned astronomer, Peder Nattergal, was a Danish canon and mathematician. A fascination with the celestial sky runs deep in Danish history.
If ever you go to Copenhagen, by all means, visit the classic sights like The Little Mermaid and Nyhavn but try and fit in a visit to Rundetaarn (The Round Tower). It’s an interesting and quirky place to visit – it is, in fact, the bell tower for Trinitatis Church as well as the functioning observatory Europe. It also grants you great views across the rooftops of Copenhagen.
The Rundetaarn was commissioned by Christian IV of Denmark and its foundation stone was laid in 1637 and completed by 1642. Even though it’s only 36m tall (118ft), you climb 209m (685ft) to get to the top because of the spiral, equestrian ‘staircase’ that winds around the core of the building.
On the way up (and down), you happen upon the Library that once housed the University’s books and which was frequented by Hans Christian Anderson. Above that, you’ll find the Bell Loft for the church. And look out for the toilet that the astronomers used to use.
Socrates once said that “Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” When this tower first appeared on the Copenhagen skyline, it must have seemed like it was touching the sky – rising above the earth. Reaching for the stars in all ways possible.