Trinitatis Church Copenhagen
A historic 17th-century church in Copenhagen, part of a complex with the Round Tower, known for its Baroque interior and music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Trinitatis Church Copenhagen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 17th-century church in Copenhagen, part of a complex with the Round Tower, known for its Baroque interior and music.
"A FIVE star rating kind of church, please ignore those 4 stars!"
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to Trinitatis Church is free, making it an accessible cultural stop in Copenhagen.
Combine with Round Tower 🗼
Visit the adjacent Round Tower for incredible city views after exploring the church.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baroque Interior
Main Nave
Admire the beautifully decorated ceiling and seating in a unique Baroque style, a testament to its post-fire reconstruction.
Grand Pipe Organ
Chancel
Be awed by the impressive pipe organ, a centerpiece of the church's musical heritage and a stunning visual element.
Round Tower Spire Views
Adjoined Round Tower
Climb the spiral ramp of the adjacent Round Tower for panoramic city views, a highlight for many visitors.
Planning Your Visit
Combine with the Round Tower
Check for Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to Trinitatis Church is free, making it an accessible cultural stop in Copenhagen.
Combine with Round Tower 🗼
Visit the adjacent Round Tower for incredible city views after exploring the church.
Listen for Organ Music 🎶
You might catch the choir practicing or organ music, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Check Event Schedule 🗓️
Look for concerts or special services for a unique cultural experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to Trinitatis Church is free, making it an accessible cultural stop in Copenhagen.
Combine with Round Tower 🗼
Visit the adjacent Round Tower for incredible city views after exploring the church.
Listen for Organ Music 🎶
You might catch the choir practicing or organ music, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Check Event Schedule 🗓️
Look for concerts or special services for a unique cultural experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Trinitatis Church for its free admission, beautiful Baroque interior, and impressive pipe organ. Many highlight the unique historical context as part of the Trinitatis complex, especially when combined with a visit to the adjacent Round Tower. While some find it a peaceful place for reflection, others note that its beauty is best appreciated when not during a service.
"The church that you can visit for free. The ceiling and seating inside are beautifully decorated, with a unique style. There’s also a huge pipe organ inside the church that’s really impressive."
Donlawat Chitsing
"This a FIVE star rating kind of church, please ignore those 4 stars 😇 a combo of centuries, royalty, and solvency today! The church is a vibrant member of this community, serving young and old with a breadth of partnerships. Here is a little history:
https://www.trinitatiskirke.dk/eng eng | Trinitatis kirke
Trinitatis Church was commissioned in 1637 by King Christian the 4th to be part of a building complex comprising a church for the student body of the University of Copenhagen, Rundetaarn (the round tower) which functioned as an astronomers’ observatory, and a university library in the attic above the church.
The king himself was active in the planning of the building and on the front of the Round Tower we find a rebus that can definitively be attributed him. His draft of it is found in the Royal Archives on the back of his sketch of three barges that he wished to be built at the Royal Shipyard in 1640. The rebus can be interpreted in several ways; Thomas Bang, professor at the University and the first librarian in the new hall above the church, took it in 1648 to mean: “Govern knowledge and justice, Lord, in the heart of the crowned king Christian IV.” Knowledge is understood as the right and proper Christian learning.
The church is about 50 m long, 20 m wide and 18 m tall on the inside. There are suggestions that the dimensions may have been decided by the library’s need for floor space. The Round Tower was finished 1642-3, the last capstone was set in the church in 1651, and the church was consecrated on Trinity Sunday, 1st June 1656.
In 1683, the church was granted a parish, which made regular earnings possible, but at the same time weakened the bond with the University.
In 1728, a great fire destroyed large parts of Copenhagen. Trinitatis Church was heavily damaged and was closed for repairs for 3 years; the church furnishings and the university library perished. The church reopened in 1731, and most of the baroque furnishings are from ca. 1730. Over the years, several restorations have added to the interior, most recently in 1981-82.
Trinitatis Church belongs to the National Church of Denmark (Den Danske Folkekirke), which is Lutheran-Evangelical. It is today an active and vibrant place of work and worship. Mass is held every Sunday, and from September through May there is a weekly and well-attended Evensong.
Trinitatis Night Church also has a weekly music service directed more towards a younger congregation and often experimenting with the form and music of the service.
The church takes an active part in its community; it has a very active Community Care assisting parishioner in need and supporting worthy projects in and around the church. Trinitatis Church has long upheld good relations with neighboring churches and places of worship, twice-monthly well visited lectures or sing-alongs are organized in cooperation with the Church of Our Lady.
Music has a very prominent position in the day-to-day life at Trinitatis Church. Most weeks from September through April see at least one concert – often performed by the church’s own accomplished, professional musicians - and during the summer months a series of concerts especially planned for visitors take place. The Royal Danish Academy of Music is also a valued collaborator, and throughout the year, students from RDAM will participate in services and concerts, acquiring valuable experience for their professional life."
Christina Coons
"We visited in January 2024 and The Church was extremely beautiful to see.
Located right next to The Round Tower in Copenhagen, it is worth attending to appreciate the many beautiful things and listen to the lovely organ music.
Several other people were at the Church at the same time and it seems like a popular place to see.
The admission is free and it is worth taking the time to appreciate things, such as the lovely painting."
Alex Kennedy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trinitatis Church is centrally located in Copenhagen at the corner of Købmagergade and Landemærket. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from Nyhavn and other central attractions.
Yes, it's directly adjacent to the famous Round Tower (Rundetårn) and close to the University of Copenhagen. It's also within walking distance of Nyhavn and Strøget shopping street.
While Trinitatis Church itself is free to enter, the Copenhagen Card covers entry to the Round Tower, which is part of the same complex and offers fantastic city views.
Street parking in central Copenhagen can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk to the church. There are several parking garages within a short distance.
Start by exploring the church's interior, then ascend the Round Tower for panoramic views. The historical context of the university library above the church adds another layer to the experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the official Trinitatis Church website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
No, admission to Trinitatis Church is free. This makes it a wonderful and accessible cultural experience for all visitors.
For general visits to the church, no advance booking is required as admission is free. However, if you plan to attend a specific concert or event, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Trinitatis Church and the Round Tower are separate attractions, though part of the same complex. Entry to the church is free, but there is a fee to climb the Round Tower, which can be covered by the Copenhagen Card.
As an active place of worship, visitors are expected to be respectful. Photography may be restricted during services or events. Check for any posted signs upon arrival.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a beautifully decorated Baroque interior with a stunning ceiling, ornate seating, and a magnificent pipe organ. The historical significance as a former university church adds to its charm.
Yes, the church's interior, with its unique decorations and grand organ, offers excellent photographic opportunities. However, be mindful of services and avoid flash photography.
The Round Tower, built by King Christian IV, served as an astronomical observatory and is famous for its unique spiral ramp instead of stairs. Climbing it offers spectacular views of Copenhagen.
While official guided tours might not always be available for the church itself, the adjacent Round Tower often has information available. The historical context is rich, and you can learn a lot by reading the information provided within the complex.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful and serene, especially when organ music is playing. It's a place for quiet contemplation and appreciating historical architecture.
🎫 🎶 Music & Events
Yes, Trinitatis Church is renowned for its vibrant music scene, hosting numerous concerts throughout the year, often featuring its accomplished organists.
You can expect a variety of classical music, including organ recitals, choral performances, and special event concerts like Bach's Easter Cantatas.
The best way to stay informed about concerts and events is to check the official Trinitatis Church website or their social media channels.
Yes, Trinitatis Church is an active parish church with regular Sunday masses and Evensong services. They also have a 'Night Church' with music services geared towards a younger congregation.
It's possible, as the organ is a significant part of the church's life. You might hear it during rehearsals, services, or even impromptu playing by the musicians.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a time when the church is less crowded to allow children to move more freely. While the church is a place of worship, the Round Tower provides a more interactive and visually stimulating experience for younger visitors.
🎶 Music Lovers
Check the church's schedule in advance to catch a performance. Even if you can't attend a concert, you might be lucky enough to hear the organ being played during your visit, adding a magical layer to the experience.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the church's Baroque interior, learn about its reconstruction after the fire of 1770, and understand its original purpose as a university church. Don't miss the adjacent Round Tower, which served as an astronomical observatory, providing further context to the era's intellectual pursuits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Trinity of Purpose: Church, Observatory, Library
The dimensions of the church are thought to have been influenced by the library's spatial needs, highlighting the interconnectedness of the buildings. The Round Tower, completed in 1642-3, and the church, consecrated in 1656, stand as enduring symbols of this multifaceted project. The rebus on the Round Tower's facade, attributed to Christian IV himself, further underscores the intellectual and divine themes woven into the complex.
While the church eventually gained its own parish in 1683, weakening its direct ties to the university, its historical role as a hub for learning and worship remains a defining characteristic. Today, it continues to be an active parish church, a venue for cultural events, and a significant historical landmark in Copenhagen.
Resilience and Restoration: The Fire of 1770
Following the fire, the church was reopened in 1731, and much of its current Baroque furnishings date from this period of reconstruction. Over the centuries, subsequent restorations have further refined the interior, with a notable one occurring in 1981-82. These efforts have ensured the preservation of the church's architectural beauty and historical integrity for future generations.
Adding to its rich musical heritage, Trinitatis Church also houses an Italian Baroque organ from 1770, which was brought to the church in 2015. This historical instrument, alongside the main organ, contributes to the church's reputation as a significant venue for musical performances.
A Hub for Music and Community
The church actively collaborates with the Royal Danish Academy of Music, providing valuable performance opportunities for students who participate in services and concerts. This partnership enriches the musical offerings and supports the development of emerging talent.
Beyond its musical endeavors, Trinitatis Church is deeply involved in its community. It operates a robust Community Care program to assist parishioners in need and support local projects. The church also fosters interfaith dialogue through regular lectures and sing-alongs organized in cooperation with the Church of Our Lady, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and connection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit