How does the restoration impact our visitors and neighbours?
Find practical updates here, including temporary closures and changes to access, as well as all the experiences you can still enjoy while the Observatory is being restored.
In connection with the restoration, the Round Tower will be closed for most of January. You should also expect some partially closed days during the initial and final phases of work, when the top section will be closed. The Observatory will remain closed throughout the restoration.
If you live nearby, you will notice that we will be taking up more space during the restoration period. A temporary work site will be set up on the square at Landemærket/Købmagergade, where visitors and locals will be able to look inside the dome and follow the specialists at work. You can expect some construction noise and work lights during the lifting and reinstalling of the dome, and longer queues along Købmagergade in peak season. In return, you’ll be able to witness rare, traditional craftsmanship up close.
This spring, the fully restored dome will be lifted back into place. Later in 2026, both the dome and telescope will reopen and visitors to the Round Tower will once again be able to get closer to the stars when the sliding doors open and the telescope points skywards.
You’ll find questions and answers about the neighbour and visitor experience during the restoration period at the bottom of this page. If you have any other enquiries, you are always welcome to contact the Round Tower at post@rundetaarn.dk
FAQ
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The Round Tower will be fully or partially closed during the following times:
24 Nov // The Observatory will be closed to visitors while the telescope is dismantled and remain so for the rest of the restoration process.
8 – 12 Dec // The Viewing Platform and Observatory will be closed while the scaffolding and construction site are set up. The Spiral Ramp and Library Hall will be open as usual.
5 Jan – 5 Feb // The Round Tower will be completely closed while the dome is taken down and other repairs are carried out.
End of April // There will be no visitor access while the dome is reinstalled.
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History // Dome restoration only happens once in a lifetime.
Cultural heritage and craftsmanship // You can follow the highly specialized work of the craftsmen occasionally on the square where Landemærket meets Købmagergade, as well as on the Round Tower website and via our social media.
Light Year 2026 // In 2026, we are celebrating the 350th anniversary of Ole Rømer’s discovery of the speed of light. To mark the occasion, the Round Tower will be filled with various exhibitions, music and talks about light, astronomy and history, along with special activities for children during the winter holidays.
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Yes, the Spiral Ramp will be open while the Observatory is being restored, except for the announced closing days Jan 5 – February 5.
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The Viewing Platform will be open during the restoration period, except for the announced closing days between Dec 8 and 12, and between Jan 5 and Feb 5.
Please note that scaffolding will remain at the top until spring/summer, when the restoration is completed, and that the iconic view will not offer its normal full 360° panorama while the work is ongoing.
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Yes, you may experience slightly longer queues than usual. However, you will get an opportunity for a close-up view of the dome’s restoration from the queue.
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Yes, the Library Hall will be open for exhibitions. In 2026, we’re celebrating “Lightyear 2026” – and the 350th anniversary of Ole Rømer’s discovery of the speed of light with four changing exhibitions and a variety of events.
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Around mid-January, weather permitting. Dismantling the dome requires calm weather as it will be hoisted down by crane. Dismantling will take place at night or very early in the morning.
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We will continuously update our website with news from the restoration project.
On the square where Landemærket meets Købmagergade, you’ll also be able to follow the craftsmen’s work from time to time and see the dome restoration up close.
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Both the disassembly and reinstallation of the dome will be carried out by highly specialized professionals. Naturally, the area will be secured.
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// November 2025: Telescope is dismantled and sent for restoration in Germany,
// December 2025: Scaffolding and construction site are established.
// January 2026: Dismantling of the dome, depending on the weather.
// January-April 2026: Restoration – copper, carpentry and smithing.
// April/may 2026: Re-attaching of the dome, depending on the weather.
// May: Conclusive restoration work in the Observatory.
// Summer/Fall 2026: The Observatory is expected to re-open. -
We are restoring the leaking copper roof to protect our cultural heritage.
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The restoration is true to the current observatory from 1929. It entail:
// Dome: Copper coating and restoration of the wood construction on the dome including the shutters.
// “Eaves” – where dome and observatory building meet – needs fresh copper coating.
// Steel guides and support feet are changed to stainless steel.
// Observatory: New flooring and minor repairs.
// Telescope from 1929 is restored by experts in Germany.
// Maintenance work including limewashing is carried out in the Spiral Ramp. -
Copper roofing work involves the use of open flames and could pose a potential risk to the historical building, which could be fatal to our cultural heritage. It is partially separated from the building as a safety precaution. However, the dome needed to be hoisted down any way as it is necessary to improve the construction allowing it to turn 360 degrees.
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No, the restoration will not affect the ticket price in the future as it is being financed by the Round Tower’s savings.