Library tours and visits

The National Library is primarily intended for those studying our material. But it is also a fantastic building encompassing both classic and modern architecture, design and art.

On the ground floor, you can take part of an exhibition that tells the story of the unique role and history of the National Library. In the Treasury Room on floor 2 in the annex, you will find the world's largest medieval manuscript Codex Gigas – the Devil's Bible.

We do not offer regular library tours. However, you are welcome to explore the building yourself using our app. Remember to show due consideration to researchers and students having the National Library as their workplace.

Download our app

Download the National Library's app and go exploring!

The app in Google Play External link. (for Android)

The app in App store External link. (for Iphone)

  • At present we can't offer any visits to or tours of the Nelly Sachs’ room, which is situated in our closed storage rooms.

    However, you can take a virtual tour of the Nelly Sachs' room here External link..

  • On the ground floor, there is an exhibition that tells the story of the unique mission and history of the National Library.

    In the Treasury Room, situated in the annex, you can have a look at the Codex Gigas – said to be the world’s largest preserved medieval manuscript. This giant work, also known as the Devil’s Bible, measures 89 x 49 cm and weighs a colossal 76 kg. For security reasons it is displayed behind security glass. If you would like to browse the work, there is a digitised version available.

  • The Devil’s Bible, or Codex Gigas, is on display in a cabinet in the Treasury Room in the annex. It has deteriorated after being displayed open for many years and is therefore now closed and behind glass. If you would like to browse through the pages and view the famous Devil’s Bible, you may do so digitally on a screen next to the cabinet.

  • A visit to the National Library is free of charge, including group tours.

  • You are welcome to explore the public areas at the National Library as long as you respect fellow visitors. You can also browse through our microfilmed and digitised newspaper collection in the microfilms’ reading room.

  • Please contact info@kb.se at the National Library one week prior to your visit to get confirmation that the time is suitable. To get the most from your visit, the group should not be larger than 10 people at a time. The best time to visit is Monday to Friday between 9.00 and 12.00.

  • The Library allows visitors to take photographs using their own cameras in parts of the collections, for private purposes only. Read more about the rules regarding taking photographs.

    Mass media and film production companies can apply for a special permission to film and take photographs in the library and of its collections.

  • The National Library strives to make the library facilities accessible for everyone. Read more about accessibility here.

  • Due to security reasons, it is not possible to physically visit the closed storage rooms. Instead we offer a virtual 360 tour External link..

  • Yes, you are welcome to the National Library with your group, but you should not be more than 10 people. Remember to keep your voices down.

EXHIBITION

Browse through the Codex Gigas

Codex Gigas, or the Devil’s Bible, is most likely the world’s largest remaining medieval manuscript. See it for yourself at the National Library!

Read more about Codex Gigas
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