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A Photo Journey Through Copenhagen, Part 1: the Electronic Love Parade, Superkilen Park, and the Royal Danish Library

Two people sit closely together at the end of a set of multicoloured chairs in the Garden of the Royal Library. They appear to be engaged in conversation while looking at a phone and a notebook. Lush green hedges, trees, and a brick building form the background, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

Copenhagen is easily one of my favourite cities—especially in summer. In 2023, Victoria and I had the incredible opportunity to live there for six weeks, from May to early June. I had a long list of things I wanted to see and do and, towards the end of our visit, I had up to 17 hours of daylight in which to do it! Yet, even after weeks of wandering, I felt like I had only scratched the surface of the city’s many street festivals, art galleries, museums, parks, libraries, architecture, and other sites that I wanted to see. But I’m not disappointed by what I missed—if anything, it only gives me more reason to go back!

My Copenhagen adventures were vast, so in this post, I’ll focus on just one event—the Electronic Love Parade—and two sites: Superkilen Park and the Royal Danish Library. In an effort to be merciful to you, gentle reader, I am trying a new thing where I keep my posts to 2,500 words. If you include captions in my word count, I’ve now officially blown far past that. Nonetheless, I am going to cover some other highlights in a second post, where I’ll share photos and briefly highlight the Ordrupgaard Art Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the National Museum of Denmark.

To start us off, here is a collection of my favourite photos from Copenhagen:

  • Two people sit closely together at the end of a set of multicoloured chairs in the Garden of the Royal Library. They appear to be engaged in conversation while looking at a phone and a notebook. Lush green hedges, trees, and a brick building form the background, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
  • A calm waterfront scene with several wooden oars extending from the side of a boat into the water. The oars create reflections on the rippling surface. In the background, a small sailboat with a reddish-brown sail glides across the water, with a shoreline of houses and trees behind it under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A lively street scene at an outdoor event where a diverse crowd dances to live drumming. In the center, a performer with long braids, wearing a patchwork skirt and beaded necklace, leads the dance with expressive movements. Surrounding him, people of all ages, including children, smile and move energetically. In the foreground, a drummer wearing a black cap plays, adding to the festive atmosphere. The background features storefronts and greenery, enhancing the vibrant urban setting.
  • The photograph shows the interior of a modern, multi-story library building with a soaring atrium. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide a view of a canal where a yellow and black passenger boat is traveling on the water. The interior architecture features curving balconies and walkways connecting the different floors of the building. Escalators lead down to a lower level. People are seen walking on the various levels, giving a sense of scale and activity to the space.
  • Street scene of a group of people dancing in a crowd, including adults and children, with festive energy.
  • A man and a woman sit in the open window of an ornate building. The man, on the left, holds his phone; the woman holds hers up as if taking a photo. Their legs hang outside. The building has light-colored stone on the first floor and red brick on the second. A sign reading “Blagårds Plads” is visible below the window.
  • A group of people dance at an outdoor silent disco event. They are wearing wireless headphones. Two people stand at the front dancing, a woman in a pink skirt and a man in a floral shirt. A DJ booth is behind them along with other festival-goers.
  • A white cat with black spots rests on a weathered picnic table among a collection of colorful yarn balls in shades of blue, pink, green, grey, orange, yellow and brown. A basket and other items sit on the table behind the cat. The scene is captured outside on a sunny day, with the sun casting shadows.
  • Three women sitting on a park bench are looking upwards with expressions of awe and wonder. One woman points towards the sky. Beside the bench on the left, a young boy lies on the grass, also looking up. Backpacks and a large Daim chocolate bar sit near the bench. A flower bed with pink flowers is visible in the background.
  • At an outdoor festival in June 2023, a woman in a yellow dress and hat sits on the grass, looking up affectionately at a man with curly hair who is hugging a large, heart-shaped red foil balloon. They are surrounded by picnic items including Danish flags, cups, and bottles. A crowd of people is visible in the background, indicating a lively event atmosphere. A yellow brick building is also visible behind the crowd.
  • An outdoor dance class is taking place on a street blocked off to traffic. In the foreground, a woman with a headset leads the crowd. A diverse group of people of all ages mimic her movements with enjoyment. The background shows buildings with graffiti and colorful facades, adding an urban, lively atmosphere to the street scene.
  • A diverse group of people are dancing outside on a sunny day, forming couples in casual clothing. Several people are actively dancing, holding hands and moving in step. The atmosphere is lively, suggesting a social gathering or community event in a public space. In the background, more people are present, and some construction or urban features are visible.

Spring is a perfect time to visit Copenhagen. From our arrival in May to our departure in mid-June, the trees were heavy with flowers blooming pink, white, yellow, and purple. Daffodils, poppies, peonies, and tulips were in abundance. The fragrant scent of lilacs followed me down many streets. As a resident of the west coast of Canada, I found Copenhagen’s weather and temperatures similar to Vancouver’s, though slightly cooler, with the seasons lagging by three to four weeks due to its more northern location—Copenhagen is about 710 kms (441 miles) farther north than Vancouver1.

  • A woman walks away from the camera down a sidewalk on Niels Hemmingsens Gade in Copenhagen. A shoulder-high, red-brick wall and trees full of blooming white flowers line the right side of the sidewalk, while a long row of parked bikes line the left side of it.
  • Lilacs line either side of a dirt path leading towards a couple of old thatched buildings at an open air museum in Copenhagen.
  • A woman in athletic clothing stands on a paved path in a park or garden on a sunny day. The path is lined with trees in full bloom with white flowers, creating a canopy overhead. Manicured hedges and green shrubs are visible to the sides of the path. The sky is clear and blue.
  • A large lilac bush blooms in front of a large brick building, the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen.
  • A garden row of peach-toned poppies and red and pink peonies line a dirt path beside a white museum building with a brown thatched roof at Frilandsmuseet in Copenhagen.
  • Two kids in a bike carrier wait beside buckets full of white and pink peonies at a florist stall in downtown Copenhagen.
  • A bouquet of red, pink, and orange-yellow roses sit in a black bucket on a brown-wood planked stand at a florist stall in downtown Copenhagen.
  • A close-up of a pink-toned bouquet featuring calla lilies, roses, and dahlias is for sale on the sidewalk of a florist stall in Copenhagen.
  • Vibrant spring flowerbed with orange tulips, yellow daffodils, and colorful small blooms. Round metal table in soft focus background.

I was determined to improve my photography skills on this trip. I sought out interesting compositions, experimented with my camera settings, and pushed myself to photograph strangers—something that makes me deeply uncomfortable but often results in the best shots! I also became more mindful of my surroundings, allowing me to spot cool and unusual details I might have otherwise missed. Here are a few of my favourites:

  • A low-angle, eye-level shot captures three verdigris-colored dragon sculptures guarding a pedestrian thoroughfare in Copenhagen, Denmark. The winged dragons are mounted atop a low, weathered, concrete wall in front of the Copenhagen City Hall, a tall brick building with multiple windows, a turret, and intricate detailing. The path curves away into the distance and lush green trees are seen in the background in addition to other architecture.
  • Stone staircase with a Lindenworm/dragon sculpture forming the railing.
  • Low angle view of the corner of a tan building with a carving of a lindenworm/winged dragon wrapped around a pillar. The building has tan stonework with decorated windows. Flagpoles extend from the sculpted corner.
  • An ornate light post featuring a verdigris dragon sculpture wrapped around the top section, with a hanging traditional-style light fixture.
  • A smiling woman is embracing a large, abstract owl sculpture made of tan and white mosaic tiles. The owl stands on a low brick platform. The woman wears black leggings, a black hooded jacket, and bright pink sneakers. A red brick apartment building is visible in the background, along with a small child's bicycle and a red park bench.
  • A view of the Church of Saint Nicholas tower in Copenhagen, Denmark, rising high against a clear, bright blue sky. The tower has a copper spire with a distinctive green patina, and a red brick base. It is adorned with clocks on four sides and what appears to be decorative green tentacles coming out of two of the window arches. The surrounding buildings have black roofs. Trees are in the foreground adding to the overall urban landscape.
  • A closer view of the previous image. A view of the Church of Saint Nicholas tower in Copenhagen, Denmark, rising high against a clear, bright blue sky. The tower has a copper spire with a distinctive green patina, and a red brick base. It is adorned with clocks on four sides and what appears to be decorative green tentacles coming out of two of the window arches. The surrounding buildings have black roofs. Trees are in the foreground adding to the overall urban landscape.
  • Two large, bright green inflatable octopus tentacles appear to be bursting out of the windows of a European building. The building is light colored with gray and brick façade details, and the tentacles have bulbous details suggesting suction cups. One tentacle has a curled tip as if reaching for something.
  • A whimsical outdoor memorial called "Lost Gloves Copenhagen." A chainlink fence topped with and backed by greenery is covered with a variety of lost gloves and mittens, some hanging from clothespins. Below the fence are concrete blocks with faded graffiti, and in front sit two burgundy-colored well-worn office chairs. A sign reading "LostGlovesCopenhage" is placed above the fence line.
  • An outdoor scene shows a temporary DJ setup, likely for a festival or public event. The DJ station is built around a red vehicle with signage reading "Sound Truck DK". A woman is working behind the DJ equipment as a man in a jacket and orange work pants stands nearby. Large JBL speakers flank the setup. The scene is outdoors, with people milling about in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead. A canopy decorated with colorful, spiraling streamers covers the DJ area.
  • A daytime photograph depicting a lively outdoor festival with numerous attendees enjoying the event on a grassy area. Pastel-colored slinkys are hung overhead on a wooden frame. People of various ages are dressed casually and situated in a park-like setting. In the background, there is a body of water and a cityscape visible across the harbor.
  • Antique, light-yellow carriage displayed in a museum. It features a rounded, bulbous gold body with a royal crest and Roman numeral VIII, wooden spoked wheels of varying sizes, and a small, simple seating area in the back with a leather cushion. The carriage has an ornate wooden frame.
  • A rostrum, or toothed snout, from a sawfish rests on top of an antique, painted wooden storage chest. The long, flat rostrum is light gray and has sharp teeth along both edges. The chest is decorated with green and gold detailing. Above the chest are panels of a decorative ceiling with floral motifs.

Elektronisk Kærlighedsparade

Copenhagen is a vibrant city where there’s always something going on. Throughout our stay, we were spoiled for choice with a variety of festivals including those celebrating music, dance, theatre, beer, food, photography, visual art, and science. One of the first we attended was the 48 Timer Festival (48 Hour Festival), a weekend-long cultural event in the Nørrebro district. True to its name, it spans 48 hours and highlights “the weird, the personal, the geeky, and untraditional initiatives” that define the neighbourhood. The festival is a collaborative effort, organized by local artists, businesses, organizations, and residents.

The 48 Hour Festival weekend kicked off on a Friday afternoon in mid-May 2023 with the Elektronisk Kærlighedsparade (Electronic Love Parade), which is a “gathering of dancing souls and queer minds for a powerful walk through the streets of Nørrebro to the sound of pumping electronic music.” We had an absolute blast at this event! The festivities started at 3:00 pm in a public square (Blågårds Plads), where two trucks equipped with DJs and loud speakers got the party started. We danced there for an hour before the parade began. One truck led the way while the other brought up the rear, with volunteers in yellow vests shepherding us through the city streets. What began as a sizeable crowd quickly swelled as we turned onto one of Nørrebro’s main streets, where homeward-bound commuters eagerly joined in. Victoria and I danced until our feet hurt too much to carry us anymore. If we hadn’t already been in love with Copenhagen, this event would have definitely won us over.

  • A group of DJs performs energetic electronica to a crowd at the Electronic Love Parade in Blågårds Plads, Copenhagen. A woman with an afro and large sunglasses sings into a microphone. To her right, a fair-skinned man in a bright yellow vest holds a stuffed unicorn while setting up equipment. Another DJ with short hair is positioned to her left, adjusting controls on audio equipment. The name "NØRREBROHALLEN" is visible on the side of the equipment. A yellow smiley face balloon is partially visible above them.
  • A large crowd of people is dancing and raising their hands at an outdoor event in Copenhagen's Blågårds Plads. In the background, a DJ is set up on a truck-stage, with fog billowing out. Attendees are dressed in diverse clothing, from casual wear to festival outfits. Sunlight filters through trees, creating a lively, festive atmosphere during the Electronic Love Parade.
  • A diverse crowd gathers at an outdoor event with a DJ booth set up on the back of a truck. A DJ in a black t-shirt is on stage next to a person at a turn table, with an assortment of speakers and decorations above. The crowd standing on the street behind the stage appears to be enjoying the music with the green trees lining the sidewalk and buildings in the background.
  • A person smiles at the camera at an outdoor event, the Electronic Love parade celebrating love and equality, in Blågårds Plads in Copenhagen. A crowd of predominantly young people dances and mingles behind the smiling person. Trees with green leaves line the square, with buildings visible in the background under a blue sky.
  • A diverse crowd of people participates in the Electronic Love Parade in Copenhagen. The group walks along a city street lined with buildings and shops, including one named L. Verichsen and a flower shop titled "blomster", all in casual summer attire. The atmosphere appears relaxed and celebratory in bright sunlight.
  • A large crowd of people fills a city street in Copenhagen as part of the Electronic Love Parade. Diverse attire suggests a casual, celebratory atmosphere. Buildings line the street, and a "bus" sign can be seen, indicating the presence of public transportation. The sky is clear.
  • A large crowd of people is walking down Nørrebrogade in Copenhagen during the Electronic Love Parade. Attendees are dressed in casual and festive clothing, with some wearing bright colors and unique accessories. The street is lined with tall, ornate brick buildings under a clear blue sky. A traffic sign indicates a speed limit of 40. The overall atmosphere is lively and celebratory.
  • A crowd of people strolls down Nørrebrogade in Copenhagen as part of the Electronic Love Parade. Participants are dressed in brightly colored and eclectic outfits, some dancing as they walk. In the background, a truck is visible, decorated with yellow balloons and green pennants, providing music for the parade. Buildings and trees line the street in the background.
  • A crowd of people participates in the Electronic Love Parade, walking along Nørrebrogade in Copenhagen. A decorated truck serves as a mobile sound system, with DJs performing on a platform adorned with green pennants and yellow balloons. Participants, dressed in diverse and colorful outfits, walk alongside the truck, some taking pictures with their phones. Buildings and trees form a backdrop to the lively event.
  • A large crowd of people walks down Nørrebrogade in Copenhagen during the Electronic Love Parade on a sunny day. The view is from behind the crowd, showing a dense gathering stretching far down the street towards a distant DJ stage. Trees and buildings line the sides of the street. Many wear casual attire, and some bicycles can be seen.
  • A daytime shot featuring a dense crowd of people on Nørrebrogade street in Copenhagen during the Electronic Love Parade. A small portable stage on the back of a truck, decorated with yellow balloons and green pennants, is at the front of the crowd, where two individuals address the crowd, set against mature trees and light-colored apartment buildings lining the sunny street.
  • A diverse crowd of people, some in vibrant and expressive outfits, gathers outdoors at Jagtev 69 during the Electronic Love Parade. Attendees are mingling, drinking from cans, listening to music, and enjoying a break from dancing. Many have tattoos, body piercings, and unique hairstyles. The building behind them has graffiti and posters. The general atmosphere is festive and celebratory.
  • A large crowd gathers at Jagtev 69 for the Electronic Love Parade, with many people surrounding and dancing near a flatbed truck. The truck has been converted into a makeshift dance floor, with several individuals dancing on top, decorated with yellow balloons. In the background, a building wall covered with graffiti is visible. The atmosphere appears festive and lively.
  • Three children are watching a gathering at Jagtev 69 related to the Electronic Love Parade. All three stand behind a green, somewhat overgrown wooden fence. From left to right, these children wear different outfits. The child on the left has on shades and a black fedora, a blazer and white button shirt. The child in the middle has a long dress with polka dots. The child on the right has a gray t-shirt. A parking sign is visible on the fence that reads "TIDSBEGRÆNSET PARKERING." The backdrop features a light-colored building with several windows.

Speaking of queer minds, Copenhagen is an incredibly 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly city. Looking through my photos has been like climbing through an escape hatch into a more loving and accepting world as conditions south of my country’s border deteriorate. (Yes, it’s a temporary get-away; yes, I know that Copenhagen, like any city, has its issues too.) It’s reassuring to revisit a place—even if it’s just through photos and a couple of years later—where public benches can be painted in the colours of various Pride flags without significant backlash. Copenhagen also has a public square located next to its city hall that was renamed Regnbuepladsen (Rainbow Square) in 2014, as both a tribute to the Pride flag and a demonstration of the city’s commitment to diversity.

  • A vibrant street scene in Copenhagen's Vesterbro district depicts a crowded street party. A raised yellow mechanical lift displays a Transgender Pride flag with blue, pink, and white stripes, and two versions of the Rainbow pride flag, hung on the sides. People of various ages and appearances fill the foreground, some smiling and interacting. Buildings line the street in the background. Speakers are placed on the scene, with people taking photos.
  • A park bench painted in a rainbow of colors, situated outside The Library at Rentemestervej in Copenhagen, is shown. It features a sequence of horizontal stripes with light blue on the top, continuing with dark blue, green, white, yellow, pink, and red. Trash bin and plant growth are next to the bench.
  • A park bench painted with the colors of the Transgender Pride flag sits outdoors on a speckled concrete slab. The bench features horizontal stripes of blue, pink, white, pink, and blue, from top to bottom. Dark metal armrests support each side. Behind the bench are plants and foliage. This bench is located outside The Library at Rentemestervej in Copenhagen.
  • A series of vibrant, rainbow-colored park benches sits alongside a paved pathway in Copenhagen. Each bench features the colours of a different Pride flag, from Lesbian Pride to Gay Men Pride. Behind the benches is a dense, green hedge. The benches are in front of The Library at Rentemestervej.
  • A series of vibrant, rainbow-colored park benches sits alongside a paved pathway in Copenhagen. Each bench features the colours of a different Pride flag, from Lesbian Pride to Gay Men Pride. Behind the benches is a dense, green hedge. The benches are in front of The Library at Rentemestervej.
  • A street scene shows several bicycles parked at and around a unique, spiraling bike rack painted in rainbow colors in Copenhagen's Superkilen park. The bikes are a mix of personal bicycles, many with baskets, as well as a newer model mint green 'Bolt' electric rental bicycle, distinguished by its black battery casing and visible logo. Behind the bikes, people are seen sitting on a ledge against a light orange building. The brick ground is bathed in warm sunlight.
  • Photo of Regnbuepladsen in Copenhagen during springtime. Rows of slender trees, fully covered in white blossoms, create a shaded walkway. In the foreground, a person wearing dark clothes and jeans walks along the path. Across the street, cars travel and pedestrians walk along the sidewalk. A large brick building with a green spire rises behind the trees on one side of the square.
  • A bronze statue featuring two men, the Lute Players, stands atop a tall, red brick column in Regnbuepladsen, Copenhagen. The men are depicted holding and blowing long horns upwards. The statue stands against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and surrounding buildings, including an apartment building with visible windows and a sloping roof. Blooming trees with white flowers accent the scene.
  • A low-angle view of the Lure Players statue in Regnbuepladsen, Copenhagen, framed by branches filled with white blossoms. The statue depicts two figures, back to back, each raising a decorative horn above them. The statue appears green and weathered from age. The blossoms surround the edges of the image, creating a frame against the clear, bright blue sky in the background.
  • A vibrant pride flag flaps gently in the wind, set against a backdrop of a clear, bright blue sky. The flag, composed of horizontal stripes in the colors of the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet – is attached to a tall, white flagpole. The flag flies in Regnbuepladsen, Copenhagen.
  • A building at Jagtev 69 features a mural with the phrase "I'M GAY" painted above a large depiction of a stylized eagle with outstretched wings. The wings are rendered with a sketchy, informal style. The building stands beside another brick building and some trees. Some people are standing near the sign. The sky is visible at the top a clear blue.
  • An outdoor poster display advertises the "Elektronisk Kærlighedsparade (Electronic Love Parade)" on May 12th, 2023. The poster shows a cartoon bee with a human-style body, wearing a yellow-and-black striped suit. Next to the poster are printed "Rules to dance by," including instructions to stay on the right side of the road, respect the yellow vests, use the assigned toilets, adhere to "leave no trace," and respect consent before hugging or touching. The rules forbid racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and sexism, and encourage caring for yourself and each other.

Superkilen Park

Victoria and I stayed in the Nørrebro district, northwest of downtown, about a 20-minute transit ride from the historic city centre. On one of our first mornings in Copenhagen, I decided to walk the route instead of taking the bus—a journey that took just over an hour. The warm spring sunshine made the prospect of a walk even more tempting. A few minutes into my journey, I came across Superkilen Park. My heart thrilled at the sight: the park burst with photographic possibility, practically singing to me through its bold white lines, trees heavy with pink blooms, circular white benches, and a striking star-shaped fountain.

  • A person with a stroller walks through Superkilen Park in Copenhagen, surrounded by pink-blossomed trees, white benches, a star-shaped fountain, cement tables, and white lines on the pavement.
  • A person with headphones walks through Superkilen Park in Copenhagen, surrounded by pink-blossomed trees, a star-shaped fountain, bikes, and white lines on the pavement.
  • A view of Superkilen park in Copenhagen, Denmark. A prominent feature is the pathway painted with bold, wavy white lines across a gray surface. Trees with pink blossoms dot the landscape, and several white benches of modern design provide seating for visitors. Some people are seen walking, biking, or relaxing on the benches in the sunny outdoor space. A park and playground are in the background.

I kept returning to Superkilen Park throughout our trip—it was such a joy to photograph, and each visit revealed something new. The name Superkilen translates to “Super-wedge,” referring to the park’s wedge-like shape. It is located in one of Copenhagen’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, and was designed to promote unity between immigrants and locals. To celebrate the area’s cultural diversity, Nørrebro residents were invited to nominate objects—such as benches, swings, trees, streetlights, playground equipment, and signage—either from their country of origin or from places they had visited. These items were then either replicated or purchased and transported to the park, resulting in over 100 objects sourced from or inspired by 62 different nations! (I’m unsure which items are original equipment brought from the location and which are reproductions, so I’ve listed them below and labeled the picture captions as ‘from/inspired by’ to reflect this uncertainty).

Among the highlights are an octopus slide from/inspired by Japan; a Soviet-era bus stop from/inspired by Kazakhstan; Bulgarian chess tables; the star-shaped fountain from/inspired by Morocco; neon signs from/inspired by Qatar, Taiwan, Russia, and the USA; as well as benches and manhole covers from/inspired by a variety of countries. On one of my final evenings in Copenhagen, I wandered through the park’s three main areas, embarking on a photographic scavenger hunt to capture all these unique treasures. It is fitting that both the first and last photos I took in Copenhagen ended up being of Superkilen Park.

  • A diverse group of people gather to play chess at a set of cement tables from Sofia, Bulgaria with painted game boards, including chessboards, at Superkilen Park in Copenhagen.
  • People sitting on circular swing benches from Baghdad in Superkilen Park, with a cyclist passing by. A row of old buildings is visible in the background.
  • A kid balances from a metal rung at the far right of a wavy set of yellow monkey bars from Delhi, India in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen.
  • Four neon signs sit on top of tall poles on a city street in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen. One of these signs is a bright red star, another is a white square with red Chinese characters, another is shaped like a white beverage cup, while the fourth features red Russian letters.
  • A neon sign with a brown circular doughnut on top advertises "DeAngelis: Delightfully Different Donuts" on a city street in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen.
  • Two people sit on a concrete bench in Superkilen Park with two distinct chairs that face each other.
  • A concrete bench from São José, Brazil, features an advertisement for footwear for a store in the famous Kobrasol neighbourhood, found in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen.
  • A manhole cover from Gdańsk, Poland, featuring the city's flag design, which includes a crown with two crosses, found in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen.

Superkilen Park is a great example of how seriously Danes approach design and architecture. I admire how the designers sought to turn a public space into something both personal and universal by seeking contributions from local residents. The park offers a welcoming space for Nørrebro’s diverse population, fostering a sense of community among those who might otherwise struggle to feel at home. Throughout Copenhagen, there are many other architectural projects with a similar level of ambition and purpose.

  • A group of kids play in a star-shaped water fountain with blue and white tiles in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen.
  • A group of kids play on an oversized black octopus-shaped slide in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen.
  • Two people sit facing each other on a swing that has two red benches facing each other. A metal circle encloses the top of the swing. There are a series of these swings forming a loop.
  • A white-elephant shaped piece of playground equipment features a slide for a trunk and stairs for a long tail, with a red painted blanket on the elephant's back. Red leaves are seen in the foreground of the picture and a grey apartment building with windows in the background.
  • A cement structure with four-arches painted in white sits on a city street beside a road in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen. Two of the arches, the 1st and 3rd, have grey-painted backs while the other two arches, the 2nd and 4th, are open air. A brown apartment building with windows and balconies can be seen in the background.
  • A neon sign featuring a green crescent moon inset with a white tooth sits on top of a tall pole in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen. To the left of it is a street light from Germany.
  • A concrete bench from Iran is placed next to a red litter bin from the U.K. on a city street in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen. People on bicycles and parked bikes are visible in the background.
  • A brown manhole cover reads "StoneTown Conservation and Development Authority Zanzibar" in a patch of dirt and grass in Superkilen Park, Copenhagen.

Det Kongelige Bibliotek (The Royal Danish Library)

Since Victoria and I had accommodation located outside of the downtown centre, it was helpful for me to have a place where I could go for a break after a busy morning of sightseeing to rest my feet, make plans, and charge my batteries—both technological and personal. The main branch of Det Kongelige Bibliotek (The Royal Danish Library) was my favourite place to do that. It’s located along the harbourfront at Søren Kierkegaards Plads, within walking distance of many downtown attractions. It consists of two buildings: a historic brick structure built between 1898 and 1906, as well as a modern extension of glass and black granite, known as The Black Diamond, which was inaugurated in 1999. There are multiple reading rooms and study areas in the library, including some that provide access to the special collections. There’s also a café, a bookstore, and a couple of permanent exhibitions.

  • A scenic daytime view across the water showcasing Copenhagen's architectural juxtaposition. On the right stands the modern Black Diamond, an extension of the Royal Danish Library, with its stark black facade. To the left, historic brick buildings with red roofs and a tall spire from Christiansborg Palace complete the skyline. Small boats traverse the water in the foreground.
  • A wide angle shot shows the Royal Danish Library in Copenhagen. A modern, boxy black granite building known as the Black Diamond is linked by glass enclosed walkways to a classic brick building. A street in front has bicycle parking, cars and pedestrians. A blue sky with white clouds is visible.
  • The Royal Danish Library, also known as the Black Diamond, is a modern architectural landmark in Copenhagen. The building features a sleek black facade reflecting the cloudy sky and a glass section crossed by multiple skybridges, connecting it to another building. A cyclist rides by in the foreground, with rows of bicycles parked outside.
  • The Royal Danish Library in Copenhagen presents a striking contrast between architectural styles. A modern, multi-story glass and steel structure adjoins a traditional brick building with arched windows and copper detailing. A skywalk connects the two buildings. The scene is bathed in sunlight under a bright blue sky. Pedestrians are walking at the crosswalks.
  • The interior of the Royal Danish Library in Copenhagen features multiple levels with visible walkways and railings. Escalators ascend towards a high, blue-tinted glass ceiling that provides natural light. Neutral color palette is used in the architecture. Banner reading 'Kameraet og os' hangs on the left.
  • Interior view of The Royal Danish Library, Copenhagen, showcasing modern architecture. Escalators lead to different levels, with large glass windows providing a cityscape view and waterfront beyond. A bridge connects upper floors, and people are seen walking and relaxing on the ground floor.
  • Interior view of The Royal Danish Library, Copenhagen, showcasing modern architecture. Escalators lead to different levels, with large glass windows providing a cityscape view and waterfront beyond. A bridge connects upper floors, and people are seen walking and relaxing on the ground floor.
  • The interior of the Royal Danish Library in Copenhagen features a large skywalk adorned with a huge painting on the ceiling by Danish painter Per Kirkeby. People walk through this bright, modern space with glass walls and prominent architectural features. The artwork adds a colorful, artistic element to the library's ambiance.
  • An evening view from the skywalk of the Royal Danish Library in Copenhagen, overlooking Christians Brygge road at twilight. The scene captures a city landscape with illuminated buildings, street lights, and subtle car lights. The sky transitions from a light sky blue to a deeper blue-purple sky, setting a calm and inviting mood. Tall modern buildings flank the view, reflecting the evening light.

The Old Reading Room was my favourite place to rest and make travel plans. Anyone is welcome to use this space, as long as you’re silent and respectful of others. It was a quiet and comfortable space with plenty of natural light. I was always able to find a desk, even when it was busy, and the desks had outlets where I could plug in my device chargers. These workstations are spacious and provide ample privacy; I never felt cramped or like I was intruding on others. Public libraries are amazing! After making use of this one in Copenhagen, I’ve promised myself to take full advantage of them in every city we visit.

  • The spacious reading room of the Royal Danish Library features long rows of dark wooden desks, each illuminated by a green-shaded lamp. Bookshelves lining the walls extend to the high ceiling. Large columns stand between the tables and the bookshelves. A large arched window with intricate latticework sits at the far end, above the bookshelves. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
  • The interior of the old reading room in the Royal Danish Library. Readers are seated at wooden desks illuminated by classic green-shaded lamps. In the background, shelves full of books line the walls. An ornate chandelier hangs from the high, arched ceiling, in front of a large, multi-paned window. The room has a quiet, studious atmosphere.
  • The old reading room in the Royal Danish Library features rows of dark wooden desks lit by green banker's-style lamps. Tall, fluted columns with ornate capitals rise to a high ceiling. Two rows of arched windows provide natural light, with a balcony visible between the two rows of windows, and overhead lighting is subtly visible higher-up. The atmosphere is quiet and scholarly.

Near the Old Reading Room, there is a hallway lined with bookcases that houses an old card catalogue filled with handwritten index cards. Victoria and I had a lot of fun looking through these drawers! I found the variety of penmanship styles utterly charming.

  • Interior view of the Royal Danish Library featuring large, dark wood card catalog cabinets lining either side of a wide doorway. Above the doorway is an arched window with decorative panes and hanging pendant lights. The doorway leads into a brightly lit vestibule with tables and chairs. Portraits and busts adorn the tops of the cabinets.
  • Interior shot of a library hallway. Arched ceiling, illuminated by multiple exposed-bulb chandeliers, leads the eye down the length of the open space. Bookshelves line the left wall. The right wall is composed of dark wood cabinets filled with rows and columns of card catalogue drawers. Tables and chairs with leather seats provide reading spots. Bust statues are placed along cabinet tops. The light reflects brightly off the polished tile flooring. A framed portrait of a scholar in a black coat is on the right.
  • A close-up of an open wooden drawer in a card catalog at the Royal Danish Library. The drawer, labeled "BRANDT-BREM" in red, is packed full of handwritten index cards. Metal rods run through the cards to keep them in place. The cards appear aged and give the sense of historical research.
  • Close-up of handwritten card catalog listing from the Royal Danish Library. The entry, rendered in German script, details various publications of H.C. Andersen's fairy tales, including specifics about publishers, illustrators (like Edmund Wagner), and pricing. The aged card is one of many in a drawer, providing a glimpse into historical library cataloging methods.
  • A close-up of a drawer brimming with aged index cards from the Royal Danish Library's card catalogue. The card in focus presents a handwritten entry in Latin, titled "Phil. Lonicerus, Chronicorum Turcicorum," detailing the origin, rulers, wars, and customs of the Turks. The entry is from 1534 and published in Frankfurt. The image evokes an atmosphere of historical research and archival preservation.
  • Close-up of a slightly open, dark-stained, wooden drawer. Overstuffed with horizontally stacked, worn index cards, many with yellowed edges. The top card reveals dark, loopy handwritten text in German or Latin with faded yellow paper tabs peaking through throughout the drawer.
  • A close-up shot shows a partially opened wooden card catalog drawer filled with aged cards. The top card is handwritten in Dutch, with the title: "Beschryving der Nederlantsche Penningen" (Description of Dutch Medals). The card is yellowed with age, and the writing is in dark ink. This historic card belongs to the Royal Danish Library's catalog.
  • Card catalogue entry for Anita Loos's "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," detailing its publication as an illustrated diary by Ralph Barton in 1926. The card is part of a drawer in the Royal Danish Library's card catalogue.
  • A full view of a large, antique wooden card catalog at the Royal Danish Library. The catalog is composed of many small drawers, each with a metal handle. Rows of bound books are organized above and below the card catalog drawers. The bookshelves stand from floor to ceiling with dark wood detailing. Two wooden chairs are situated in front of the catalog. The space is well-lit, and classical busts sit atop the shelves.

Another favourite spot of mine at the library, the Garden of the Royal Library, is tucked away behind the historic brick building. This peaceful and inviting spot features a fountain, flowers, benches, and rows of colourful chairs. Also, an interesting piece of history! The gardens were laid out in 1920 overtop what was formerly part of Christian IV’s 17th century naval harbour. Old metal moorings still hang from the wall at the end of the gardens behind a couple of benches.

  • A view of the rear of the Danish Royal Library's historic annex building as seen from the library's garden. The russet brick facade is punctuated by a symmetrical design of arched windows, some extending two stories high. The building's entrance features multiple arches covered with dense green ivy. Two imposing towers rise up from the wings of the building; their peaks topped with crown ornaments against a pale blue sky.
  • Scenic daytime view of the Garden of the Royal Library in Copenhagen. A long, rectangular pool with a tall, tiered fountain in the center dominates the foreground. People stroll along the pool's edge, and benches invite seating beneath mature trees. Architectural buildings with a green roof and a brown spire are behind the pool.
  • A large, weathered iron mooring ring is bolted to the base of an old building wall in the garden of the Royal Library. The ground around the ring is covered in fallen white and pink blossoms. Green foliage drapes from the wall above and from nearby trees.
  • A large, dark metal mooring ring is anchored to a weathered, light-colored wall in a garden setting. A metal spike secures the heavy ring to the wall. The ground is scattered with fallen blossoms and green foliage grows around the base of the wall. This mooring ring is located behind a bench in the gardens of the Danish Royal Library.
  • A view in the garden of the Danish Royal Library in Copenhagen. A brick building with several windows and a grey stone archway adorned with the crown of king Frederick is partly obscured by a large bush full of small, pale pink flowers. A statue stands in front of the building. Sunlight illuminates the garden setting.
  • A mass of delicate pink Deutzia flowers cluster on gently arching branches, creating a vibrant display in the Royal Library garden. The small, star-shaped blossoms, a soft pink hue with hints of white, stand out against the lush green leaves of the shrub. The image captures the beauty and tranquility of a floral display in a historical garden setting.

That’s it for this post! If you liked it, please check out part 2 of this photo journey through Copenhagen.

Thank you for reading!


1 Copenhagen is comparable to Prince George, BC, in terms of latitude (55.7 N to 53.9 N, respectively).