Copenhagen’s Rundetaarn Dome Lifted for Restoration

Josephine Wismar

January 12, 2026
5:35 pm

One of Copenhagen’s most recognizable landmarks, Rundetaarn, is temporarily losing its copper dome as part of a major restoration. The structure will be carefully lifted from the tower and lowered to street level for repairs.

The Rundetaarn Dome Restoration

In the center of Copenhagen, the historic Rundetaarn is preparing for one of its most delicate operations in decades. The tower’s well-known dome, which crowns the 17th-century observatory, is being removed for restoration. Workers will use a large crane to lift the copper-covered top safely down to street level. Once there, specialists will repair the wood structure beneath and replace worn sections of copper that have suffered from years of exposure to wind and rain.

The tower, commissioned by King Christian IV in the 1600s, has long been both an architectural gem and a symbol of Danish scientific history. Because the copper has oxidized and weakened over time, the city decided it was time for a full restoration rather than minor patchwork.

Precision and Caution During the Lift

Removing the dome requires extreme precision. The heavy copper shell sits high above Copenhagen’s old town, surrounded by narrow streets and historic buildings. Engineers spent weeks planning how to stabilize the structure before the lift. According to the restoration timeline, the crane operation will last several hours, weather permitting. At sunrise, the top will be detached, fastened with custom steel supports, and slowly lifted from the tower’s peak.

The Børsen fire earlier this year made many Danes nervous about restorations involving cranes and historic copper roofs. Because of that, safety has been prioritized. The crew has put several precautionary systems in place, including wind sensors and backup straps designed for delicate heritage work. The goal is to prevent any damage not only to the dome but also to the rest of the tower and nearby buildings.

What Happens Next

Once the dome is on the ground, conservation experts will inspect the structure piece by piece. Copper sheets that are still intact will be cleaned and reused. Damaged parts will be recast at a local metal workshop using traditional smelting methods, maintaining the original look from the 1600s. While the copper work takes place, carpenters will strengthen the wooden frame inside the dome before the restored top is eventually lifted back into place.

During the restoration, visitors will still be able to access most of the tower’s interior, including its famous spiral ramp and observatory platform. However, parts of the building will be wrapped in scaffolding for several months to protect both tourists and workers.

Impact on Locals and Tourism

Rundetaarn is one of Copenhagen’s top attractions, welcoming thousands of visitors each week. It stands as a prime example of how Denmark preserves its historical architecture while keeping it open to the public. Although the dome’s temporary removal changes the skyline for a while, city officials view the work as a necessary step to ensure the tower’s longevity.

Interestingly, local residents have taken the construction with patience and even pride. Many see it as an opportunity to follow the restoration of a national treasure up close. For many Danes, the tower’s history connects with daily life, education, and science. The observatory still holds astronomical events, reinforcing its cultural importance.

Looking Ahead

The full restoration is expected to take several months. Once completed, the dome will once again shine with new copper that will gradually turn green with time, matching its historical color. From what I can tell, the project underscores Denmark’s dedication to preserving both its artistic heritage and its architectural integrity. When the dome returns to its place atop Rundetaarn, it will not only restore the familiar skyline but also mark a new chapter in Copenhagen’s careful stewardship of its past.