Church of Our Saviour | Copenhagen

Information

Landmark: Church of Our Saviour
City: Copenhagen
Country: Denmark
Continent: Europe

Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe

The Church of Our Saviour is a Baroque church renowned for its external spiral staircase, located in the Christianshavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark.

This Lutheran parish church serves as a prominent landmark within the city's skyline.

Visual Characteristics

The church exhibits a Baroque architectural style, constructed primarily from red brick with grey stone detailing. Its most distinctive feature is the 90-meter-tall spire, which is topped with a golden globe and a figure of Christ. An external, gilded spiral staircase ascends the spire, allowing visitors to reach the summit. The spire itself is clad in green copper.

Location & Access Logistics

The church is situated at Sankt Annæ Gade 29, Christianshavn, 1416 Copenhagen K. It is approximately 2 kilometers southeast of Copenhagen's city center. Public transport access is via the Christianshavn Metro Station (M1/M2 lines), located approximately 300 meters west of the church. Several local bus lines also serve the area. Limited paid street parking is available in the surrounding Christianshavn district; larger parking garages are located further afield.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the church began in 1682, with the main structure consecrated in 1695. The iconic spire, designed by Lauritz de Thurah, was added between 1749 and 1752. The initial church design is attributed to Lambert van Haven. Its original purpose was to serve as the primary Lutheran parish church for the newly established district of Christianshavn.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ascend the external spiral staircase of the spire to access a viewing platform, offering panoramic views of Copenhagen. The interior of the church features a notable altar, a large organ, and a baptismal font. Regular church services are held and open to the public.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restroom facilities are available on-site. Shade is limited within the churchyard, but the interior of the church provides shelter. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the area. Numerous cafes and restaurants are located on the adjacent streets of Christianshavn, offering various food and beverage options.

Best Time to Visit

For ascending the spire, mornings typically offer clearer views and fewer crowds. Late afternoons can provide softer light for photography, subject to weather conditions. The months of May through September generally offer the most favorable weather for outdoor activities. There are no specific tide requirements for visiting the church.

Facts & Legends

A persistent local legend claims that the architect of the spire, Lauritz de Thurah, committed suicide by jumping from its top because the external spiral staircase turns counter-clockwise, which was considered an architectural error. However, historical records confirm that de Thurah died in his bed several years after the spire's completion, disproving the myth.