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The Garden of the Royal Library: Copenhagen's Hidden Tranquil Oasis

A lush, historic retreat nestled behind the Royal Library in central Copenhagen—offering sculptures, water features, and tranquil lawns amidst the city’s cultural heart.

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Tucked behind the imposing Royal Library in central Copenhagen, the Garden of the Royal Library is an unexpectedly peaceful retreat featuring lush lawns, serene water features, and a blend of historic sculptures with modern design. Nestled amid the city’s cultural landmarks, it’s a favorite of locals and visitors seeking a quiet moment between sightseeing or literary exploration.

A brief summary to Bredgade Kunsthandel

  • Tuesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late evening for the quietest atmosphere and best light for photography.
  • Pack a picnic—outdoor seating and lawns make the garden ideal for impromptu lunches in warm weather.
  • Look for hidden bronze statues and unique historic details as you explore the winding garden paths.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Royal Library or Christiansborg Palace for a deeper cultural experience.
  • While the garden is open year-round, spring and summer offer the most vibrant floral displays.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Travelers arriving from Hillerød can take a regional train to Copenhagen Central Station. From the station, the city's iconic Tivoli Gardens and City Hall tower mark the edge of the inner city. The Royal Library stands just a short walk beyond these landmarks, past clusters of lively cafés and museums. City buses also connect to the National Museum stop nearby. A single public transport ticket from Hillerød to the city center costs around DKK 60–75 (adult, one-way), with local transfer options included.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Hillerød's town center to the Garden of the Royal Library in Copenhagen offers a comfortable ride and delivers you to the main entry surrounded by historic government buildings. The journey typically takes about 40–50 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from DKK 650–850.

  • Car

    Driving from Hillerød, visitors will approach the city center via the major arterial roads leading to Copenhagen’s historic heart. Parking in the Inner City around the library is limited and can be costly, with street and municipal parking typically ranging from DKK 20–40 per hour. No tolls apply on this segment, but early arrival increases the chance of finding a spot.

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Discover more about Bredgade Kunsthandel

Surrounded by grand historic architecture and the gentle bustle of central Copenhagen, the Garden of the Royal Library (Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have) remains one of the city’s most beguiling secrets. Created in the 1920s on the site of the former Christiansborg Palace riding grounds, the garden seamlessly connects the old library, known as the 'Black Diamond,' with the historic Christiansborg complex. It offers a harmonious blend of meticulous landscaping, poetic art installations, and urban calm, making it both a prized green space and an atmospheric extension of Danish cultural life. At its heart, a lily-studded rectangular pond reflects the surrounding buildings, while swans and ducks drift by under willow trees. Sculptures dot the scene, including the evocative bronze figure 'The Mother with the Child on her Arm' by Moses Sür. From spring’s vivid blooms to rich autumn foliage, the gardens respond beautifully to the changing Danish seasons. Wide benches and inviting lawns provide perfect spots for reading, contemplating, or simply unwinding amid the city. Interwoven paths lead visitors around hedged rose beds, fountains, and carefully coordinated plantings that speak of both tradition and modernity. The setting attracts everyone from academics and commuters to artists and families, while the gentle chime of a nearby church bell or distant echo of city life highlights the garden’s delicate balance of solitude and accessibility. Throughout the year, the green plaza also hosts occasional open-air cultural events and temporary art exhibitions, enriching the visitor experience. Importantly, entry is entirely free, and the gardens are open from early morning until late evening, making it a welcome refuge for moments of inspiration, relaxation, or quiet discovery along Copenhagen’s most historic corridor.

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