Culture on the waterfront

Talk of the town: The library was the scene of one of history's largest book thefts, when USD 50 million worth of rare material was stolen between 1968-1978. The culprit, a library employee, was unearthed in 2002.

Since its founding in 1648, Denmark's national library has amassed around 21 million books to become the largest library in Scandinavia: no wonder it's spread across four sites, including these two in Slotsholmen. The old library dates from 1906 whilst the adjacent building, the Black Diamond, was completed in 1999, the nickname alluding to its facade of black granite and glass.

Wonderfully positioned on the waterfront opposite Christianshavn, the Black Diamond has become a popular gathering place, hosting art exhibitions, dance, and theatre. To the rear of the library is the Royal Library garden, a leafy oasis for those seeking a moment's peace, whilst in the library itself visitors can avail themselves of free internet, newspapers, and information.