The Philosopher’s Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard

Exploring Copenhagen through Søren Kierkegaard’s Lens: A Practical Review of ‘The Philosopher’s Last Walk’

If you’re someone interested in philosophy, history, or just enjoy a good walk with some cultural insights, The Philosopher’s Last Walk could be an interesting addition to your Copenhagen itinerary. This self-guided audio tour takes you through the streets that shaped Søren Kierkegaard, one of Denmark’s most influential thinkers, ending at his grave in Nørrebro. What makes it appealing? First, the price is quite friendly at just $7.99 per person. Second, it offers a chance to get to know not just Kierkegaard but also some of Copenhagen’s iconic sights along the way.

On the flip side, it’s a self-guided experience, meaning you’re responsible for your timing and navigation, which might not suit everyone. If you’re someone who prefers guided groups or detailed museum visits, this might feel a bit light. But if you like exploring at your own pace, with a mix of history, culture, and a dash of philosophy, this tour could be a fitting choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a flexible, affordable way to combine sightseeing with a bit of intellectual curiosity.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $7.99, offering good value for a detailed audio experience.
• Self-guided format allows flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Includes major landmarks in Copenhagen connected to Kierkegaard’s life and work.
• Offline access ensures you won’t need internet, perfect for wandering through city streets.
• Informative and witty commentary keeps the walk engaging, according to an enthusiastic reviewer.
• Length of about an hour to 75 minutes makes it manageable for most schedules.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Søren Kierkegaard’s Family House

Your journey begins at his family home, a modest beginning for a philosopher who would shape existential thought. While the tour doesn’t specify if you get inside the house, standing outside and imagining his childhood adds a personal touch. It’s a quiet, contemplative start, setting the tone for a thoughtful walk.

Passing by the Church and Rundetårn

Next, you’ll stroll past a local church—likely one of Copenhagen’s historic churches—and then the Rundetårn, a famous round tower with a spiral ramp. These sightlines offer not only a glimpse into Copenhagen’s architecture but also a sense of the city’s layered history, which Kierkegaard himself knew well.

Copenhagen University and the Cathedral

The tour takes you by the university, where Kierkegaard studied and later taught. It’s a great spot to reflect on his academic journey. Following that, the Cathedral—most likely the Church of Our Lady—provides a majestic backdrop. For many, these landmarks serve as reminders of the city’s intellectual and spiritual life in which Kierkegaard played a part.

Crossing the Bridge and Lakes

The route then goes along a bridge and past the lakes, giving you a more scenic view of Copenhagen. These areas are popular for locals and visitors alike, and they soften the historic walk into a more relaxed, city-center experience. It’s here that you’ll get a sense of how the city’s everyday life intertwines with its history.

Entering Assistens Cemetery

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit inside Assistens Cemetery. It’s not just a resting place but a park-like space with notable figures buried there, including Kierkegaard himself. The peaceful environment makes it a reflective spot—ideal for contemplating his philosophical legacy.

Final Stop: Kierkegaard’s Grave

The walk concludes at Kierkegaard’s burial site. Standing there, many visitors find a moment of connection with his ideas and personal story. It’s a fitting end to a journey that’s as much about the city as it is about the thinker.

What We Loved About This Tour

The value is undeniable—at just under $8, you get a comprehensive look at both history and philosophy. The audio quality and witty commentary keep the walk lively, which is a big plus for those who prefer engaging narration over dry facts. The fact that it’s offline accessible also means you can wander freely without worrying about data or Wi-Fi.

What Could Be Better

Since this is a self-guided tour, it’s less suited for those who prefer expert guides or group interactions. Also, since entrance fees to sites aren’t included, you’ll need to budget for those separately, especially at the university or any museums you might want to visit before or after.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is perfect for independent travelers with a curiosity for philosophy or Danish history. It’s great for those who enjoy walking tours but prefer to set their own pace and avoid group schedules. History buffs or students of Kierkegaard’s work will find it particularly enriching, but it also offers enough cultural sights to appeal to casual visitors.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Expect about 1 to 1.15 hours, making it easy to slot into a busy day.
• Price: $7.99, which is quite reasonable considering the depth of content.
• Accessibility: Offline access is a big plus, especially for wandering through the city.
• Meeting Point: Starts at Nytorv 2, a central and accessible location.
• End Point: At Kierkegaard’s grave in Nørrebro, perfect if you want to explore the neighborhood afterward.

Considerations

Remember, tickets to any attractions along the route aren’t included. Also, you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones. It’s straightforward, but keep in mind that you’ll be navigating by yourself, so a little familiarity with the city or a map app is handy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a traveler who enjoys combining sightseeing with intellectual exploration, The Philosopher’s Last Walk offers a nice, budget-friendly way to get to know Copenhagen and one of its most intriguing figures. It’s especially good if you like to wander at your own pace and appreciate witty, well-produced commentary.

While it’s not a comprehensive guide to Kierkegaard or Copenhagen, it hits the right notes for a relaxed, meaningful stroll. The experience’s affordability and flexibility make it worth considering—just prepare yourself for a contemplative walk and a peaceful visit to the philosopher’s final resting place.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable if I don’t speak Danish?
Absolutely. The tour includes lifetime access to the audio in English, so language won’t be a barrier.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, on average, travelers book about 7 days ahead. It’s a simple process, and the app provides your access once booked.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone, headphones, and the Voicemap app. The tour is designed for most travelers and is private, so only your group will participate.

Are entrance fees to sites included?
No, tickets to museums or attractions along the route are not included, so plan to pay separately if you visit any.

How long does the tour take?
The walk lasts about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on your pace and how long you linger at each stop.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Since it’s mainly a walking and listening experience, it’s suitable for older children and teens interested in history or philosophy. It’s not specifically designed as a family tour, but there’s no reason older kids couldn’t enjoy it.

Can I stop and explore each sight more thoroughly?
Yes. Being self-guided means you can pause the narration and spend more time at places that catch your interest.

Is there any particular time of day best for this tour?
Anytime during daylight hours works well, especially since you’ll be walking through city streets and parks. Morning or late afternoon might offer the best light and fewer crowds.

All in all, this audio tour offers a nicely balanced mix of history, culture, and thoughtful reflection—perfect for a reflective walk through Copenhagen.