Det Kgl. Bibliotek – The Royal Danish Library (The Black Diamond)
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond: a waterfront fusion of national library, bold architecture, quiet reading rooms and vibrant cultural life on Slotsholmen.
Set on Copenhagen’s waterfront at Søren Kierkegaards Plads, the Royal Danish Library – known as the Black Diamond – fuses a 1906 historic library with a striking 1999 glass-and-black-granite extension. Inside, this national library and cultural hub combines vast reading rooms, exhibitions, a photography museum, and one of the city’s most dramatic atriums, complete with harbour views, café, bookshop and concert hall.
A brief summary to Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
- Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1, Indre By, Indre By, 1221, DK
- +4533474747
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
- Thursday 8 am-8 pm
- Friday 8 am-8 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Head straight to the upper floors of the Black Diamond for sweeping views over the atrium, harbour and the bridges linking the modern extension to the old library.
- Seek out the Old Reading Room in the historic wing to experience classic library ambience; enter quietly and respect that it is a working study space.
- Check which exhibitions are on before you arrive so you can plan extra time for the National Museum of Photography or any temporary displays in the galleries.
- Combine an indoor visit with a stroll along the waterfront outside and a short detour into the peaceful Library Garden behind the historic building.
- Weekday late afternoons and early evenings are usually calmer study times; use these hours if you prefer a quieter atmosphere in the public areas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Food Options
- Lockers
Getting There
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Metro and walking from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take metro line M1 or M2 to Christianshavn station, then walk for about 10–15 minutes through Indre By to the library. The total journey typically takes 20–30 minutes door to door. A single metro ticket within the city zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the route is step-free at stations, though some older streets near Slotsholmen have uneven paving.
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Bus from city centre areas
Several city bus lines serve the Slotsholmen area from major hubs such as City Hall Square and Nørreport, with journey times of around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly 20–30 DKK for a single ticket valid within the central zones. Buses typically stop within a few minutes’ walk of the library; vehicles are low‑floor and suitable for wheelchairs and prams, but they can be crowded at commuter times.
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Bicycle via Copenhagen’s cycle network
Using Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes, the Royal Library is an easy 5–15 minute ride from most central districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro. You can use a personal bike or rent a city bike, with typical rental costs from around 50–150 DKK for a few hours depending on provider and season. The terrain is flat and the approach well lit, but be prepared for busy cycle traffic during rush hours and follow local cycling rules closely.
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Harbour bus by water
For a scenic approach, take one of Copenhagen’s harbour buses that stop at piers near Slotsholmen, usually 5–10 minutes’ walk from the library. Travel time along the harbour varies between 10 and 30 minutes depending on your starting point. Harbour buses are integrated into the public transport system, so standard tickets and passes apply, costing around 20–30 DKK for a single journey. Services are less frequent in the evening and in poor weather, so check times in advance.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
Where Denmark’s memory meets the harbour
The Royal Danish Library on Slotsholmen is both Denmark’s national library and a main library for the University of Copenhagen, holding the most comprehensive collection of Danish books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and scores anywhere in the country. Its roots reach back to 1648, when King Frederik III founded a royal collection that would gradually expand into a legal deposit library from 1697, preserving a copy of almost everything printed in Denmark. Today, the complex at Søren Kierkegaards Plads is the public face of that institution: a place where students, researchers, and curious visitors share the same building as priceless archives and national treasures, from medieval manuscripts to early photographs and modern literary estates.From royal cabinet to national institution
Originally created as the king’s personal library, the collection grew through ambitious acquisitions, notable donations and the absorption of private libraries over the centuries. By 1793 it opened to the wider public, shifting from a courtly cabinet of curiosities to a scholarly cornerstone of the emerging Danish nation. Subsequent mergers, most recently with the State and University Library in Aarhus, have turned it into a single, country‑wide institution while keeping Copenhagen as its symbolic heart. Within these walls, carefully controlled reading rooms and vaults house extraordinary collections, including archives associated with figures such as Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard, and large manuscript groupings that chart everything from medieval law codes to global exploration.The Black Diamond and the old library
The most eye‑catching feature is the Black Diamond, the modern extension completed in 1999. Clad in polished black granite and glass, its irregular, faceted façade reflects the shifting light of the harbour, giving the building a sculptural presence on the waterfront. Inside, a tall, light‑filled atrium is sliced by curving balconies and criss‑crossed by walkways that connect to the older 1906 library behind. From the upper levels you can look down into this dramatic internal canyon, watch ferries glide past through the glass wall, and glimpse readers working in the quieter wings. The three bridges that span the gap between new and old physically stitch together centuries of Danish architectural and intellectual history.Reading rooms, archives and hidden treasures
Beyond the atrium lie a series of distinct reading rooms, each with its own mood. The Student Reading Room provides open study space, while the Old Reading Room, with its wood panelling and long tables, channels a more traditional scholarly atmosphere. Other rooms focus on rare and non‑circulating material, where researchers consult items that never leave the building. Deep within the stacks and secure archives, some of the country’s most significant manuscripts and letters are preserved under controlled conditions. The photography collections are extensive enough to merit a dedicated National Museum of Photography on site, tracing the medium from its 19th‑century beginnings to contemporary work across tens of thousands of images.A cultural stage on the waterfront
The Royal Library is also an active cultural venue. The ground floors host changing exhibitions on literature, history, art and photography, often drawing directly on the library’s holdings to tell wider stories about Denmark and the world. The 600‑seat Dronningesalen functions as a concert and theatre hall, bringing music, talks and performances into the building’s daily rhythm. A café and restaurant open toward the water, inviting you to linger over the harbour view, while a compact bookshop focuses on design objects, literary titles and carefully chosen souvenirs. Step outside, and you can continue into the tranquil Library Garden tucked behind the historic wing, a quiet green courtyard that contrasts with the open sweep of the quayside out front.Experiencing everyday life inside a national library
What makes this place distinctive is the coexistence of everyday study life with high culture and national heritage. On any weekday, hundreds of students use the building as their campus library, laptops glowing beneath the large Per Kirkeby ceiling painting in the atrium, while tourists ride the escalators simply to take in the views. Moving through the Black Diamond, you sense both the scale of the collections hidden from sight and the openness of the public spaces designed for anyone to enjoy. Whether you come for architecture, a quiet hour with a book, a major exhibition or an evening concert, the Royal Danish Library offers a layered glimpse into how Denmark cares for its past while looking outward across the harbour to the city’s future.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Circle Bridge
0.1 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
The Stable Boy's House
0.3 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.3 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Holmens Bro
0.4 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Frederik VII
0.4 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Højbro
0.5 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Magstræde
0.6 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Højbro Plads
0.6 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Højbro Pl.
0.6 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.6 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.6 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.6 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Unmissable attractions to see
Black Diamond
0.0 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.1 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Kopenhagen
0.3 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Lille Langebro
0.3 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.3 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Christiansborg Palace
0.4 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
0.1 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Kadeau
0.4 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant 1733
0.5 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Noi
0.6 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Cafe Wilder
0.6 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Marv & Ben
0.6 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.6 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
King Hans Cellar
0.6 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Rio Bravo
0.6 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Puk
0.6 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Tight
0.7 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
à terre
0.7 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.7 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.6 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
0.6 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Hygge Original
0.6 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.6 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Magasin du Nord
0.6 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Akimbo
0.7 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.7 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Strøget
0.7 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
& Other Stories
0.7 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
0.7 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magnolias
0.7 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.7 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ruby
0.5 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Zefside
0.6 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
0.6 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Eiffel bar
0.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Marble Bar
0.6 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Dubliner
0.6 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.6 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Southern Cross Pub
0.7 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Brønnum
0.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
