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

Exploring Copenhagen through the lens of its most famous philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard, becomes surprisingly accessible with The Philosopher’s Last Walk. This self-guided audio tour, priced at just $7.99, offers a crafted journey through the city’s most significant landmarks tied to Kierkegaard’s life and ideas. It’s designed for those who enjoy a mix of cultural history, walking, and a touch of philosophical reflection — all at their own pace.

What we particularly love about this experience is its blend of historical storytelling and scenic exploration. The narration is witty and informative, making the walk engaging rather than dry. Plus, the offline accessibility and clear route map mean you can wander freely without stressing about losing your way or needing internet.

A potential consideration is that this tour doesn’t include entrance fees to sights like Copenhagen University or other attractions along the route, so travelers should plan for extra costs if they want to go inside. Also, as a self-guided experience, it relies entirely on your interest in Kierkegaard and Copenhagen’s landmarks, making it less ideal if you prefer guided groups or in-depth museum visits.

This tour suits curious travelers eager to link Copenhagen’s streets with the mind of one of Denmark’s greatest thinkers, all while enjoying a flexible urban walk.

Key Points

• Affordable and accessible: Cost only $7.99 with lifetime access via the VoiceMap app.
• Flexible timing: Lasts approximately 1 to 1.15 hours, perfect for a short but meaningful stroll.
• Self-guided freedom: You control the pace and timing, ideal for independent explorers.
• Rich historical and cultural sights: Includes landmarks like Søren Kierkegaard’s family house, Copenhagen University, and his final resting place.
• Witty, well-produced narration: The commentary is praised for being informative and often witty.
• No included entrance fees: Additional costs may apply for museum entry or other attractions.

A Deep Dive into The Philosopher’s Last Walk

We know that exploring a city through a single, well-crafted walking tour can be both inspiring and practical — especially when it offers the freedom to go at your own pace. This audio tour checks both boxes, with a focus on Søren Kierkegaard, one of Denmark’s most influential philosophers. For those interested in philosophy, history, or Copenhagen’s cultural landscape, this tour provides an excellent way to connect the dots while exploring the city.

Starting Point: Søren Kierkegaard’s Family House

The journey begins at the family’s residence, a modest but historically significant spot that offers the first glimpse into Kierkegaard’s early life. The narration introduces his background, setting the stage for a deeper appreciation of his later works. It’s a good starting point that immediately anchors the walk in both personal history and Copenhagen’s streets.

Passing by the Church and Rundetårn

As you stroll past the local church and the iconic Rundetårn (The Round Tower), the tour weaves in stories about Copenhagen’s skyline and the city’s intellectual atmosphere in Kierkegaard’s time. These landmarks aren’t just pretty sights; they contextualize his environment and the cultural backdrop of 19th-century Denmark.

University and Cathedral

Next, walking by Copenhagen University and the Cathedral provides a layered view of the city’s religious and academic life, which heavily influenced Kierkegaard’s thinking. The narration hints at his critiques and philosophical stance, making these stops feel lively rather than static sightseeing.

Crossing the Bridge and Lakes

The scenic bridge and lakes offer a peaceful interlude. Reviewers mention that the map functions well, ensuring a smooth navigation through these picturesque areas. Expect views that are both calming and inspiring, especially as you ponder Kierkegaard’s ideas on the individual’s relationship with society.

Into Assistens Cemetery

The tour’s emotional highlight is the visit to Assistens Cemetery, where Kierkegaard’s final resting place is located. The narration pays homage to his life and legacy, with some reviews noting the walk’s wit and depth. It’s a poignant end that ties his philosophical journey to the physical landscape of Copenhagen.

What Makes This Tour Valuable?

The price point of $7.99 for this self-guided experience ranks high on value. You gain access to carefully curated commentary, offline maps, and the freedom to walk at your leisure — all through one app. It’s a seamless way to turn a city stroll into an educational experience. Plus, the tour’s structure allows you to skip or linger at sights based on your interests, unlike traditional guided tours with fixed schedules.

The narration’s wit, praised in a review, keeps the walk lively. The storyteller manages to balance historical facts with humor, making the experience enjoyable even for those who aren’t die-hard philosophy buffs. For people interested in Søren Kierkegaard’s life or Copenhagen’s culture, this tour makes the connection accessible and engaging.

Navigating the Itinerary

Each stop is thoughtfully chosen to reflect different facets of Kierkegaard’s life and times. Starting at his family house grounds you in his personal history, while passing by the university and cathedral helps connect his ideas with his environment. The stroll along the lakes offers a break in the city’s rhythm, and the cemetery provides a reflective finale.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Timing: The tour takes about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, perfect for a lunch break or a leisurely afternoon.
• Preparation: Download the VoiceMap app and your tour before heading out, ensuring offline access.
• Extra costs: Be aware that entrance fees aren’t included — Plan for additional tickets if you wish to explore any buildings or museums en route.
• Walking shoes: Comfortable footwear is recommended given the length and cobblestone streets.
• Flexibility: This is a solo adventure, so you can start at any time during the opening hours and take breaks whenever you like.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys a mix of history and storytelling, this tour offers a quiet, contemplative way to spend an hour in Copenhagen. It’s particularly suited for those interested in philosophy, Danish culture, or history buffs who appreciate a personalized experience. It’s also a great choice for anyone wanting to add depth to their sightseeing without the constraints of a group or a rigid schedule.

While it doesn’t include entrance fees, the overall value lies in the rich narration and scenic route. The moderate price, combined with the flexibility, makes it appealing for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for an affordable cultural walk.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those with an interest in history, philosophy, or Copenhagen’s cultural sites.

Do I need to bring my own headphones?
Yes, the tour requires a smartphone and headphones for the narration. The app itself is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Does this tour include entry to any attractions?
No, it does not include tickets or entrance fees to any attractions along the route. You may need to buy separate tickets if you wish to go inside places like Copenhagen University or other stops.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on your pace and how long you linger at each stop.

Is the tour available outside of Denmark’s opening hours?
Yes, the tour is operational from December 2024 through June 2026, available any time between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM.

Can I do this tour more than once?
Absolutely. The tour offers lifetime access, so you can revisit as often as you like.

Is it possible to skip parts of the route?
Yes, since it’s self-guided, you can choose to skip or spend more time at certain spots based on your preferences.

Are there group discounts?
The experience is private, designed for individual groups or solo travelers, so no group discounts are indicated.

What makes this tour stand out compared to other Copenhagen walks?
Its focus on Søren Kierkegaard, combined with a witty, well-produced narration and flexible pacing, provides a unique blend of cultural insight and personal reflection.

To sum it up, The Philosopher’s Last Walk offers an affordable, flexible window into Copenhagen’s cultural landscape through the eyes of one of its most profound thinkers. It’s ideal for curious travelers who enjoy a relaxed but meaningful walk filled with stories, scenic views, and a touch of philosophical pondering. Whether you’re a seasoned philosopher or simply seeking a different way to explore the city, this tour makes history and ideas come alive, one step at a time.