Søren Kierkegaard

Born into a wealthy Copenhagen family in May 1813, Søren Kierkegaard declared himself a genius at an early age and rapidly went on to prove he was right.

Generally regarded as the founding father of the Existentialist Movement, Kierkegaard studied theology at Copenhagen University.

He experienced a religious awakening in 1838 which prompted a more serious turn in his studies, and that, together with the collapse of his engagement to Regine Olsen, had a profound influence on his writing. His book Enten/Eller (Either/Or) from 1843 heralded his debut as an important philosopher, one who became more and more devout as his life progressed.

Kierkegaard died in November 1855 and was somewhat neglected until after World War II when interest in his work was revived, a revival that has been maintained to this day.

Søren Kierkegaard related locations in Copenhagen

On the building at the corner of Nytorv and Frederiksberggade (now housing a branch of Danske Bank) you will find a memorial plaque with the following wording in translation: 'In a house located here until 1908, Søren Kierkegaard had his home from his birth on May 5th 1813 until April 27th 1848'.

In the entrance to No. 3, Klareboderne a memorial plaque has the following text in translation: 'In this building Søren Kierkegaard came daily as a pupil of the school/Borgerdydsskolen from 1821-1830'.

At the Copenhagn City Museum a room has been set up with Kierkegaard memorabilia.

Søren Kierkegaard is buried at the Assistens Kirkegaard (cemetery entrance from Kapelvej), where you will find a map showing the exact location of his grave, not far removed, by the way, from that of his fiancée Regine Olsen.

Statues

In the garden of the old Royal Library building is a bronze monument of a seated Søren Kierkegaard putting pen to paper. Made by Louis Hasselriis, Carl Aarsleff and Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan. Unveiled in 1918.

Behind the Marble Church facing Store Kongensgade is a statue depicting Søren Kierkegaard on one of his strolls through the city. Made by Knud Nellemose and unveiled in 1973.

Søren Kierkegaard

Søren Kierkegaard related locations in Copenhagen

Statues

Interesting links

Copenhagen City Museum

Assistens Cemetary



Basic facts Practical information City maps History Great Danes - past Hans Christian Andersen Bishop Absalon Karen Blixen Søren Kierkegaard Carl Nielsen Arne Jacobsen Niels Bohr Georg Jensen August Bournonville Great Danes - present Historic events The Little Mermaid Tourist > About Copenhagen > History > Great Danes - past > Søren Kierkegaard Søren Kierkegaard Born into a wealthy Copenhagen family in May 1813, Søren Kierkegaard declared himself a genius at an early age and rapidly went on to prove he was right. Generally regarded as the founding father of the Existentialist Movement, Kierkegaard studied theology at Copenhagen University. He experienced a religious awakening in 1838 which prompted a more serious turn in his studies, and that, together with the collapse of his engagement to Regine Olsen, had a profound influence on his writing. His book Enten/Eller (Either/Or) from 1843 heralded his debut as an important philosopher, one who became more and more devout as his life progressed. Kierkegaard died in November 1855 and was somewhat neglected until after World War II when interest in his work was revived, a revival that has been maintained to this day. Søren Kierkegaard related locations in Copenhagen On the building at the corner of Nytorv and Frederiksberggade (now housing a branch of Danske Bank) you will find a memorial plaque with the following wording in translation: 'In a house located here until 1908, Søren Kierkegaard had his home from his birth on May 5th 1813 until April 27th 1848'. In the entrance to No. 3, Klareboderne a memorial plaque has the following text in translation: 'In this building Søren Kierkegaard came daily as a pupil of the school/Borgerdydsskolen from 1821-1830'. At the Copenhagn City Museum a room has been set up with Kierkegaard memorabilia. Søren Kierkegaard is buried at the Assistens Kirkegaard (cemetery entrance from Kapelvej), where you will find a map showing the exact location of his grave, not far removed, by the way, from that of his fiancée Regine Olsen. Statues In the garden of the old Royal Library building is a bronze monument of a seated Søren Kierkegaard putting pen to paper. Made by Louis Hasselriis, Carl Aarsleff and Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan. Unveiled in 1918. Behind the Marble Church facing Store Kongensgade is a statue depicting Søren Kierkegaard on one of his strolls through the city. Made by Knud Nellemose and unveiled in 1973. Interesting links Copenhagen City Museum Assistens Cemetary