Royal Library Garden in Copenhagen: A Hidden Oasis of History and Tranquility

Introduction

Tucked quietly between the Royal Library and Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Library Garden (Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have) is one of Copenhagen’s most peaceful and enchanting green spaces. Despite sitting at the heart of the bustling city, this charming garden feels like a secret retreat. Here, history, art, and nature meet in perfect harmony.

Created in 1920 on the site of an old naval harbor, the Royal Library Garden is more than a pretty park. It tells a story of transformation—from a working port to a lush urban sanctuary filled with fountains, sculptures, and flowering trees. Locals come here to read, picnic, or simply enjoy the serenity, while visitors are often delighted to discover such tranquility just steps from major landmarks.

Whether you’re pausing between sightseeing stops, sketching by the pond, or listening to the gentle splash of the central fountain, the Royal Library Garden invites you to slow down and connect with Copenhagen’s layered history.

What is the Royal Library Garden in Copenhagen famous for?

The Royal Library Garden is famous for:

🌳 Peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the city.

💧 A reflecting pool and central fountain that create a calming backdrop.

🏛️ Historic setting—once part of Copenhagen’s naval harbor.

🎨 Artistic sculptures and memorials, including a striking copper sculpture by Mogens Møller.

📚 Its connection to the Royal Library, Denmark’s largest and most important library.

Why should you visit the Royal Library Garden?

Visiting the Royal Library Garden is like stepping into another world within the city. Whether you’re a book lover, a history buff, or someone looking for a quiet break, this garden is a perfect escape.

It’s ideal for reading or journaling amid nature and history.

Couples and families enjoy peaceful strolls under flowering trees.

Photographers love capturing seasonal changes, from spring blossoms to golden autumn leaves.

It’s also a refreshing pause between visits to nearby landmarks like Christiansborg Palace and the Black Diamond.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit the Royal Library Garden?

🌿 Opening hours:

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (times may vary slightly by season).

🌅 Best times to visit:

Morning: Quiet and ideal for reading or photography.

Afternoon: Lively with locals on lunch breaks and children playing.

Spring & early summer: When flowers and trees are at their most vibrant.

The garden is beautiful year-round, but mornings and evenings offer the most serene experience.

How much does it cost to visit the Royal Library Garden?

💰 Entry is completely free.

You don’t need a ticket or reservation, making it one of Copenhagen’s best free attractions.

What can you see or do at the Royal Library Garden?

There’s plenty to enjoy in this charming, art-filled garden:

💧 Central Fountain and Reflecting Pool: Perfect for quiet contemplation.

🎨 Sculptures and memorials, including an abstract copper piece by Mogens Møller and a memorial to fallen sailors.

🌳 Shaded benches and hidden corners for reading, drawing, or conversation.

🕊️ Birdlife and seasonal blooms, bringing color and movement to every visit.

📸 Photography opportunities, especially in spring and autumn.

It’s also a great spot for a picnic or to rest between visits to nearby museums and palaces.

What is the history behind the Royal Library Garden?

The Royal Library Garden was designed in 1920 by landscape architect Jens Peder Andersen and gardener Jens Peder Andersen Møller on the site of Copenhagen’s old naval harbor, which dates back to the 17th century.

The harbor once stored ships and goods for Denmark’s naval fleet, but by the early 20th century the area was transformed into a public garden to complement the Royal Library and nearby government buildings.

Today, the garden preserves traces of its maritime past, such as the old mooring rings along the walls, while serving as a symbol of Copenhagen’s ability to merge history with green urban living.

Where is the Royal Library Garden located and how do you get there?

📍 Address: Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1, 1221 Copenhagen, Denmark

🚇 By Metro: Take the M3 or M4 to Gammel Strand Station—just a short walk away.
🚌 By Bus: Several city buses stop nearby at Christiansborg or Ny Kongensgade.
🚲 By Bike or Foot: Easily accessible via the city’s excellent bike paths and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Insider Tips for Visiting the Royal Library Garden

☕ Pack a picnic or coffee: Bring a snack and enjoy the benches or grass by the fountain.

📚 Visit the Royal Library: Pair your garden visit with a look inside the Black Diamond’s modern architecture and rare books.

📸 Best light for photos: Early morning or late afternoon provides soft, golden light.

Nearby Attractions to the Royal Library Garden

While in the area, explore these nearby gems:

Christiansborg Palace – Denmark’s seat of parliament, royal reception rooms, and ancient ruins below.

The Black Diamond (Det Kongelige Bibliotek) – The modern extension of the Royal Library with a striking waterfront design.

National Museum of Denmark – A treasure trove of Danish history, from Vikings to modern culture.

Nyhavn – The iconic harbor with colorful houses and historic ships.

Strøget – Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street for cafés and boutiques.

Turn Your Visit into an Interactive Adventure

The Royal Library Garden isn’t just a pretty park—it’s a living story of Copenhagen’s evolution, from naval hub to green urban retreat.

👉 Discover its hidden symbols and maritime past with a Questo quest. Solve clues, uncover secrets, and experience the garden in a way that blends playful exploration with deep history. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s the perfect way to make your visit unforgettable and interactive.