Langelinie: Copenhagen’s Waterfront Promenade of History and Leisure
Stroll along Copenhagen’s historic Langelinie promenade for harbor views, sculptures, the iconic Little Mermaid, and a vibrant taste of Danish maritime tradition.
Langelinie unfurls along the northern edge of central Copenhagen, where the city, sea, and sky fuse in a medley of Nordic life. This sculpted waterfront promenade began as a military wharf and rampart more than two centuries ago, protecting the harbor from potential attackers. Over time, it blossomed into a place of both prestige and pleasure—a haven for leisurely strolls, royal ceremonies, and the arrival of ocean liners laden with exotic stories. Today, Langelinie is a place where cats stretch in morning sun, joggers loop along the water's edge, and cruise ships glide into port, giving the promenade an ever-changing international energy. The celebrated Little Mermaid statue gazes wistfully from her granite throne, a perennial symbol of the city’s ties to Hans Christian Andersen and the world’s literary imagination. Along the route, you’ll encounter eclectic sculptures, blossoming flowerbeds, waterside cafés, and sweeping vistas of Copenhagen’s spires and towers. Langelinie Pier forms part of the modern cruise terminal but remains open to the public, letting you draw near immense ships or simply gaze across the waves toward distant wind farms. There’s no formal entry, no ticket booths—the experience is open to all. If you arrive in late spring or summer, you may catch local fishermen angling, children delighted by distant ship horns, or a boat regatta slicing the bay. All year, the promenade’s mixture of history and recreation, along with glimpses into Danish maritime culture, make Langelinie a must for anyone seeking a true sense of Copenhagen’s soul.
Local tips
- The Little Mermaid statue is busiest in the late morning—visit early for quieter photos.
- Look for the Gefion Fountain, a striking Norse mythology sculpture just nearby.
- Many cruise ships dock here—on busy days the promenade fills with international travelers.
- Pack a picnic or try fresh seafood from seasonal pop-up stalls along the waterfront.
- Bring layers; the wind off the Øresund can be brisk, even in summer.
A brief summary to Langelinie
- Langeliniekaj 2, Copenhagen, Østerbro, 2100, DK
- +4533663366
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
From Copenhagen’s city center, Langelinie is comfortably reached on foot within 20–30 minutes, passing through the Royal Gardens and along the dramatic waterfront. Expect broad, scenic paths and the opportunity to admire landmarks like Amalienborg Palace and the Kastellet star fort en route.
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Public Transport
Buses from major city center hubs, including those near Nørreport and Kongens Nytorv, run frequently to stops close to Langelinie. Tickets cost approximately DKK 24 per adult; from the nearest stop, the promenade is just a short walk, following signs toward the waterfront and cruise piers.
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Taxi
Taxis from central Copenhagen offer a quick and convenient way to reach Langelinie, typically taking 8–15 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally range from DKK 120–180. Drop-off is near the entrance to the promenade, close to the Little Mermaid.
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Car
Pay parking is available beside the promenade, though spaces fill up quickly during cruise arrivals or weekends. Expect to pay DKK 25–40/hour. There are no special tolls for entering this part of Copenhagen, but consider local parking regulations and high demand.
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Bike
Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes make for a scenic ride to Langelinie, often taking 10–15 minutes from the city center. Bike parking is available along the promenade free of charge. Rentals, including city bikes, typically cost DKK 20–35 per hour.
Attractions Nearby to Langelinie
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Segway Cruise Copenhagen
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The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
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Inugsuk
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The Little Mermaid
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Langelinie Pavillonen
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Langelinieparken
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Langelinie Park
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Kastellet
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Trekroner Fort
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Copenhagen Contemporary
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Kongeskibet Dannebrog
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Gefion Fountain
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St Alban's Church
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Den Frie Udstilling
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Museum of Danish Resistance
Landmarks nearby to Langelinie
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Maritime Monument
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Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
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Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
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ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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Our Fallen
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Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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I am Queen Mary
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St. Paul's Church
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Amaliegade
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Larsens Pl.
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Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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The Tower Playground
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Fælledparken
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Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Bredgade 18