This is my fourth visit to Copenhagen. One of my best friends lives there and as I like spending time with her, I try to come see her as often as possible.
I consider that there is no harm in coming back often to the same place. I’m not a “Been there, done that” kind of person. For me, traveling is not checking on a list a place I’ve been to before moving on to the next destination. For me, to travel is to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of a place, it is to take the time to sip a cup of coffee or tea while watching people pass by, it is to go to the cinema and see a movie, it is to discover a new neighborhood, a new restaurant, a new attraction…
But I’m going a bit out of topic here. What I wanted to say is that even though I have been to Copenhagen more than once in recent years, there were still places in this city I had not visited. And one of these places is, surprisingly enough, one of the popular attractions in Copenhagen: the tower of the Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of Our Savior).
The Church of Our Savior was built at the end of the 17th century, but the staircase that surrounds the spire above the belfry to its summit was built 50 years later. In 1752, when it was inaugurated, King Frederik V was one of the first person to climb to the top of the bell tower during a ceremony.
Since then, climbing to the top of the bell tower is one of the favourite activities of tourists in Copenhagen. Every year, more than 60,000 people make the climb. It must be said that the view at the top of these 400 steps is often described as being one of the most beautiful in the city.
So, why did I wait to my fourth visit to Copenhagen before going there? I must admit that I am a little claustrophobic, and the idea of climbing a narrow staircase at 90 metres from the ground with a lot of tourists did not enchant me.
But I took my courage in both hands and I climbed to the top of the Church of Our Savior bell tower. Since I was there on a Wednesday morning, there were not too many people and the only place where I felt less comfortable was on the stairs inside the bell tower (I prayed very hard that the huge bells would not start ringing while I was right under them).
The stairs outside are surprisingly large (although they are narrowing as you approach the top). The view at the top is obviously impressive, even on a foggy day (on a clear day you can see the Turning Torso in Malmö, Sweden).
Climbing to the top is exciting, but do not forget to visit the church itself. The interior is beautiful. The organ dates from 1698 and is one of the most photographed musical instruments in the world. The altar is also worth seeing.
In short, I am proud of myself! And glad to be once again in Copenhagen!
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