The Kissing Stairs, Copenhagen Travel Guide

4.5 (50)

Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.

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The Kissing Stairs

Langelinie is a historic waterfront promenade in Østerbro, Copenhagen, famed for its marina views, grand ship arrivals, lush parklands, and the world-renowned Little Mermaid statue. Originally shaped by Copenhagen’s maritime heritage, today it’s a lively hub for locals and travelers to stroll, watch ships, and enjoy open-air sculptures amid a breezy harbor atmosphere.

A brief summary to The Kissing Stairs

Sankt Annæ Pl. 31, Copenhagen, København K, 1250, DK

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Kissing Stairs.

Visit early in the morning for peaceful views and fewer crowds around the Little Mermaid statue.
Bring a picnic or enjoy snacks from local cafés—there are plenty of benches and grassy spots along the promenade.
Look for hidden statues and memorials throughout the park, not just the famous Little Mermaid.
Cycling is popular—rent a bike for a relaxed ride along the seafront and connect easily to other sights like Kastellet.
Langelinie is accessible year-round, but autumn and spring mornings offer especially atmospheric walks.

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Getting There

Walking

From Copenhagen’s central district near the royal palace, it’s a pleasant 20–30-minute stroll to Langelinie, taking you past leafy parks and important city landmarks such as Amalienborg and the star-shaped Kastellet fortress. The promenade begins near the famous Little Mermaid statue, offering plenty of signs and open, level paths. The area is fully accessible, though some cobblestone stretches may require care for those with mobility concerns.
Public Transport

City buses frequently link Copenhagen Central Station and Østerport Station to Langelinie. The journey typically takes 10–15 minutes by bus or S-train to Østerport, followed by a short walk past Kastellet to the promenade. Single adult tickets cost around 24-30 DKK. All stops are clearly marked and local maps are available near transport hubs.
Taxi

A taxi ride from the city center to Langelinie is usually 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expected fare ranges from 120–150 DKK. Taxis can drop you close to the main promenade entrance, especially convenient during inclement weather or if mobility is a concern.
Cycling

Copenhagen’s dedicated cycle lanes make Langelinie an easy 10–15-minute ride from the city center. Public bike rentals are widely available and cost from 20–35 DKK per half hour. Designated bike parking can be found at both ends of the promenade.
Driving

Limited paid parking is available near the Langelinie cruise terminal and marina area, generally 15-25 DKK per hour. Spaces fill quickly on days when cruise ships are docked or during major public events.

Discover more about The Kissing Stairs

Stretching along the eastern edge of Copenhagen, Langelinie offers one of the city’s most scenic and atmospheric urban walks, where the Baltic Sea’s breezes mingle with centuries of maritime history. Once the city’s outer fortress line and later a jetty for international ships, Langelinie blends old-world charm with modern recreational life. Today, its broad promenade invites visitors to wander by glittering yacht marinas, watch cruise ships docking, and glimpse local anglers dropping lines from the water's edge. The area has evolved since the 1800s from a defensive rampart into a popular public park, beloved for its leafy avenues, manicured lawns, and open views of Copenhagen’s coastline. Art and history dot the landscape: most famously, this is the home of The Little Mermaid statue, an enduring symbol of Copenhagen since 1913 and a magnet for photographs. Other monuments—such as the dramatic Gefion Fountain, Angel of Peace, and commemorative statues to wartime sailors—underscore Langelinie’s connection to Denmark’s legends and struggles. Langelinie is also known for its grand cruise liner pier and vibrant marina. On summer afternoons, Danish families picnic under chestnut trees, while locals pause over coffee or ice cream at harborside cafés. The promenade’s length encourages leisurely strolls, with panoramic vistas toward the city center, Kastellet’s star-shaped fortress, and the Oresund strait. Sunrises here are spectacular, and the interplay of sea and sky gives Langelinie a unique, ever-changing backdrop. Despite its busy location near city attractions, the atmosphere remains relaxing—ideal for unwinding after sightseeing or simply absorbing Copenhagen's maritime soul.