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Langelinie: Copenhagen's Waterfront Promenade and Royal Views

Historic harbor-side promenade in Copenhagen renowned for the Little Mermaid statue, waterfront views, open-air sculptures, and lively local gathering spots.

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Langelinie is a historic seaside promenade and park in Copenhagen, known for the iconic Little Mermaid statue, panoramic harbor scenery, and the vibrant atmosphere of cruise ships, joggers, and locals. Originally a popular strolling route for the Danish aristocracy, it now welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to experience its maritime charm and public art.

A brief summary to Himmelskibet

  • Bernstorffsgade 7, Copenhagen, København V, 1577, DK
  • +4533151001
  • Monday 11:15 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 11:15 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 11:15 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 11:15 am-10 pm
  • Friday 11:15 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 11:15 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 11:15 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early morning or late evening for the most peaceful atmosphere and best photos of the Little Mermaid.
  • Combine your visit with Kastellet fortress and the nearby Danish Resistance Museum for a full sightseeing walk.
  • Bring snacks or enjoy a coffee at the Langelinie Pavilion while watching ships and locals go by.
  • Look out for cruise arrivals—Langelinie can be much busier when ships are docked.
  • Public restrooms are available near the northern end of the promenade and are generally well maintained.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the city center, Langelinie can be reached with a leisurely ~20–30 minute walk. The route leads you through the historic district past the grand royal palace at Amalienborg, followed by green spaces and harbor vistas, until the distinctive lines of Kastellet fortress appear nearby. The promenade begins just beyond, with waterfront views guiding the final approach.

  • Public Transport

    Metro lines M3 (Cityring) or M4 connect the city center to Østerport Station in around 5–8 minutes (single ticket ~DKK 24). From there, it’s a pleasant walk along leafy avenues beside the Kastellet moat; the promenade entrance is well signposted and visible towards the harbor. Buses to Esplanaden also provide easy access.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from central Copenhagen to Langelinie takes 7–15 minutes and generally costs DKK 90–160, depending on traffic and time of day. Drop-off is possible near the start of the promenade. Parking in the area can be limited during busy periods, especially when cruise ships are docked.

  • Cycling

    Copenhagen is extremely bike-friendly, and Langelinie sits directly on the city’s network of harborfront cycle paths. Public rental bikes are widely available; expect a relaxed 8–15 minutes ride from the city center. Look out for ample bike racks along the promenade.

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Discover more about Himmelskibet

Langelinie is one of Copenhagen’s most cherished waterfront destinations, gracefully curving along the city’s northern harbor. Once a favored promenade for the Danish elite in the 19th century, Langelinie has evolved into a welcoming enclave for visitors and locals alike—a place where the rhythm of city life softens, replaced by the sound of gulls and the gentle lapping of waves. The promenade begins near the star-shaped Kastellet fortress, flows past ornamental gardens, bronze sculptures, and the city’s iconic Little Mermaid statue, and stretches all the way to the bustling cruise ship terminal. Throughout its length, you’ll encounter runners, cyclists, families picnicking under chestnut trees, and anglers casting for herring. Nautical history is close at hand; the harbor is often alive with visiting naval vessels or pleasure craft, and the views across to the industrial Nordhavn juxtapose modern shipping with royal pageantry, as the Royal Yacht is often docked nearby. The centerpiece for many is the Little Mermaid, poised at the edge of the water since 1913, quietly greeting travelers from all over the world. Her presence draws crowds year-round, but Langelinie offers much more—its statues, such as the bold Genetically Modified Little Mermaid, whimsical benches, and WWII monuments, create a year-round outdoor art gallery. On warm days, vendors sell ice cream, and the open lawns fill with Copenhageners savoring the maritime air. The old Langelinie Pavilion, with its modernist design, is an example of Danish architectural elegance overlooking the waterfront. Access is free at all hours, and with every visit, Langelinie offers a different mood: lively and bright in summer, tranquil and atmospheric beneath winter’s grey sky.

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