Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library travel guide

Founded in 1653 by King Frederik III, Det Kgl. Bibliotek, or The Royal Library, is Denmark's national library and one of the largest in the Nordic countries. Initially established to house the king's private collection, the library has grown into a vast repository of cultural and historical treasures.

The library's collection expanded dramatically in the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to acquisitions and donations from various scholars and institutions. In 1793, it became a legal deposit library, ensuring that it received a copy of every book published in Denmark.

One of the most significant expansions came in 1999 with the opening of the Black Diamond, a modern architectural masterpiece that now serves as the library's main building. This stunning addition, designed by Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, features sleek black granite and glass, offering a striking contrast to the historic buildings of Copenhagen.

Today, The Royal Library is not only a center for research and knowledge but also a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and lectures. It continues to play a crucial role in preserving Denmark's literary heritage while embracing modernity and innovation.

One of the standout features of Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library, is its striking architectural blend of old and new. The modern 'Black Diamond' extension, with its sleek black granite façade, dramatically contrasts with the historic 17th-century library building, creating a visually stunning juxtaposition. This architectural marvel not only houses books but also serves as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and literary events in its concert hall and various exhibition spaces.

Another unique feature is the library's extensive collection, which includes some of the most significant historical documents and rare manuscripts in Denmark. Among these treasures are the original manuscripts of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and Søren Kierkegaard's philosophical works.

The Royal Library also boasts a serene garden known as 'The Library Garden,' offering a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. This tranquil space is perfect for a quiet stroll or a reflective moment surrounded by nature. Additionally, the library's digitization efforts have made vast amounts of its collections accessible online, ensuring that both scholars and casual readers can explore its resources from anywhere in the world.

Det Kgl. Bibliotek, also known as The Black Diamond due to its striking modern extension, houses over 35 million items, including rare manuscripts, photographs, and maps. Among its treasures is a unique collection of Hans Christian Andersen’s original manuscripts and diaries. The library’s architecture is a harmonious blend of old and new; the old building dates back to 1906, while the modern Black Diamond extension, inaugurated in 1999, features a sleek granite façade sourced from Zimbabwe. Additionally, the library hosts a weekly concert series in its Queens Hall, transforming this scholarly haven into a vibrant cultural venue. A hidden gem within the library is its roof terrace, offering panoramic views of Copenhagen’s skyline.

København is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, København offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in København and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Christiania, Amalienborg Palace, The Little Mermaid, The Round Tower, and Nyhavn.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, København has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in København, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Denmark!

The best time to explore Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library, is during the spring and summer months, from April to September. During this period, Copenhagen enjoys mild, pleasant weather that is perfect for leisurely strolls around the city and the library's picturesque surroundings. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery to the adjacent gardens, making the experience even more delightful. Summer, on the other hand, offers extended daylight hours, allowing visitors to spend more time immersing themselves in the library's rich history and extensive collections.

Visiting during weekdays, particularly in the morning hours, can help avoid the larger crowds that tend to gather later in the day and on weekends. Special events, such as literary festivals, exhibitions, and lectures, are often scheduled during these peak seasons, providing unique opportunities to engage with Danish culture and intellectual life. Be sure to check the library's event calendar in advance to make the most of your visit.

Overall, the best time to explore Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library, is when you can combine favorable weather conditions with a chance to participate in exclusive cultural happenings, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.

Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in København, Denmark. If you're flying in, Copenhagen Airport is approximately 4.5 miles (7.3 km) away from København. From there, you can easily reach Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in København, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library, which is located 1 mile (1.7 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1, 1221 København K, Denmark.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library!

With a rental car, discovering the popular Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library and Denmark's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Copenhagen Airport and the city of København, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Denmark cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in København and beyond.

Conveniently explore Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library and plenty more captivating attractions in København by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that København has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library below.

Aside from Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library, København is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around København, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Christiania, Amalienborg Palace, and The Little Mermaid.

Christiania is a bucket-list park and top attraction in København, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 32,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Christiania is Bådsmandsstræde 43, 1407 København K, Denmark.

Another appreciated attraction in København is Amalienborg Palace. Like Christiania, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars among 26,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this museum is Amalienborg Slotsplads, 1257 København K, Denmark.

The Little Mermaid is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of København. This establishment and top attraction in København has been rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 24,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of København below.