The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s most famous bronze figure, a small mermaid with a grand story, gazing from Langelinie’s harbour rocks toward the meeting of fairy tale and sea.
Poised on a granite rock along Copenhagen’s Langelinie promenade, The Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue with a global reputation. Unveiled in 1913 and inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale, she gazes out over the harbour, half woman, half fish, capturing themes of longing and sacrifice. Despite being just 1.25 metres tall, this wistful figure has become one of Denmark’s defining symbols and a must-see waterfront stop for visitors exploring the city’s maritime edge.
A brief summary to The Little Mermaid
- Langelinie, København Ø, København Ø, 2100, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the largest coach and cruise crowds and to enjoy softer light on the harbour for photos.
- Stay on the promenade rather than climbing onto the rocks; they can be slippery, and the statue is best appreciated with a little distance.
- Combine your stop with a walk through Kastellet’s ramparts and along the Langelinie promenade for wider harbour views and green spaces.
- Bring a light jacket outside summer; the waterfront can feel breezy and cooler than the city streets, even on sunny days.
- If you know Andersen’s original story, reread it before or after your visit; the statue’s expression and pose resonate more with the tale’s bittersweet ending.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen metro line to Østerport Station; trains run every few minutes and the ride from inner-city stations typically takes 5–10 minutes. A single zone ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK depending on how you purchase it and any travel card you use. From Østerport it is an easy 15–20 minute walk on level pavements through a mix of parkland and harbourfront, suitable for most visitors and pushchairs, though winter weather can make it chilly.
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Local S-train and short walk
If you are already near the S-train network, ride an A, B, C or E line to Østerport Station, a major hub on the north side of the inner city. The journey from Copenhagen Central typically takes about 5 minutes and costs in the region of 20–30 DKK for a standard ticket. From Østerport, follow broad, well-maintained footpaths through Kastellet and along the waterfront for 15–20 minutes; gradients are gentle, but some cobbles and park paths may be less comfortable for wheelchairs in wet conditions.
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Harbour boat or canal tour
Several harbour and canal tours departing from central quays include a pass by The Little Mermaid, offering a waterside view rather than direct access. Typical cruises last 60–90 minutes and cost around 80–120 DKK per adult, with covered and open seating depending on the boat. Commentary usually highlights the statue’s history and nearby landmarks. Boats run more frequently in spring and summer and may be reduced or weather-dependent in colder months or strong winds.
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Bicycle from the inner city
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it practical to reach Langelinie by bike from most central districts in around 10–20 minutes. City bikes and private rentals generally cost about 20–50 DKK per hour, with discounts for longer use. Routes are mostly flat and segregated from car traffic, but you will share space with many local cyclists and need to follow local cycling rules. Bicycle racks are found near the promenade; in icy or very windy weather, less confident riders may prefer public transport.
The Little Mermaid location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Little Mermaid
A fairy-tale figure on the harbour
The Little Mermaid sits on a rough granite boulder at the edge of Copenhagen’s harbour, where the water laps almost at her tail. Cast in bronze, she is just 1.25 metres high, smaller than most first-time visitors expect, yet instantly recognizable. Her body twists slightly toward the shore while her gaze is fixed out over the water, caught between sea and land, mermaid and human. Commissioned in 1909 by brewer and philanthropist Carl Jacobsen after he was moved by a ballet based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story, the statue was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913. The face was modelled on ballerina Ellen Price, while Eriksen’s wife Eline provided the figure for the body, blending stage glamour with everyday Copenhagen life.The story beneath the bronze
Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 tale tells of a young mermaid who dreams of leaving the sea to gain a human soul and the love of a prince. She trades her voice for legs, endures pain with every step, and ultimately chooses selfless love over her own happiness. The statue captures the quiet moment of reflection that follows her transformation, a mood of longing and sacrifice rather than simple fairy-tale joy. This emotional undertone gives the sculpture a depth that belies its modest size. Her bare bronze shoulders and folded tail suggest vulnerability, while her expression remains calm and contemplative. Standing beside her, you sense the tension between two worlds: the busy modern city at your back and the open water that symbolizes the life she left behind.A waterfront icon with a turbulent past
Since her installation on Langelinie, The Little Mermaid has become a symbol of Copenhagen itself. Cruise ships glide past, harbour tours slow for photos, and the promenade funnels a steady stream of walkers and cyclists to her rocky perch. Early morning and evening can feel almost intimate, with soft light on the harbour and only the sound of gulls and engines in the distance. Her fame has come at a cost. Over the decades she has been decapitated, had limbs removed, been blown from her rock, and been splashed with paint in everything from art stunts to political protests. Each time she has been carefully restored and returned to the same stone, reinforcing her role as a resilient cultural emblem as much as a delicate artwork.Reading the scene around Langelinie
The statue’s setting is part of the experience. Langelinie is a linear waterfront promenade, with views across the harbour to modern developments and back toward the star-shaped earthen ramparts of Kastellet. On clear days the light can be almost silvery, reflecting off the water and bronze alike. The rock sits just off the shoreline, close enough to study her features but separated by a narrow band of sea that preserves a hint of distance. Around her, cameras click constantly and visitors negotiate turns on the best vantage points along the quayside. Yet step a few metres back and the promenade opens into a relaxed, maritime atmosphere: joggers passing by, families lingering with ice creams, ships sounding their horns. The Little Mermaid feels both part of this everyday rhythm and slightly detached from it, frozen in her own quiet narrative.Planning your moment with Copenhagen’s mermaid
The statue is free to visit at any hour, with no barriers or ticket booths. Many travellers combine a stop here with a broader walk along the harbourfront and into nearby green spaces and royal landmarks. Simple practicalities make a difference: the rocks can be slippery and there is no need to climb onto the boulder itself, as the best views are often from the path. Spending a little longer than a quick snapshot rewards you with changing light, shifting reflections and the chance to notice details such as the subtle texture of the bronze, the way her tail curls around the rock, and the slight tilt of her head. In that pause, this small sculpture lives up to its outsized reputation, connecting Copenhagen’s maritime setting, literary history and modern identity in a single, quietly powerful figure.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maritime Monument
0.2 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.2 km
A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
0.5 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
I am Queen Mary
0.7 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
1.0 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Paul's Church
1.0 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Rytterstatuen
1.1 km
A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.
Amalienborg Palace
1.1 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Frederik's Church
1.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
Copenhagen Opera House
1.2 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.2 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
The Kissing Stairs
1.3 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.3 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.2 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.2 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Langelinieparken
0.2 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Langelinie Park
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Inugsuk
0.3 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.4 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Gefion Fountain
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
St Alban's Church
0.4 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.4 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.6 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.6 km
Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
0.6 km
A darkly playful harbourfront sculpture that twists Copenhagen’s fairytale mermaid into a sharp, bronze critique of genetics, icons and postmodern life.
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
0.6 km
Discover St Alban’s Church, Copenhagen’s only Anglican church, where neo-Gothic architecture and lush parkland meet Danish and British history near the city's harbor.
Langelinie
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbourfront promenade, where sea air, green parkland, and iconic sculptures like The Little Mermaid meet at the edge of the Øresund.
Essential places to dine
Veve
0.6 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
La Banchina
0.8 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
0.9 km
A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.
Kokkeriet
1.1 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Dag H
1.2 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Aoc
1.3 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
1.3 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Noma
1.3 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
1.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
1.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Khun Juk
1.5 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.5 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Skipperkroen
1.5 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
1.5 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.6 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.1 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
1.4 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Wilde Shop
1.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.5 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Zane
1.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagenglass
1.5 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.6 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Storm - design art fashion
1.7 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.7 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
1.8 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.0 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Chevy's
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.4 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Østerbros Perle Pub
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
ØB
1.5 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Trianglen 7
1.6 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Søernes Ølbar
1.6 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.6 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
1.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Trykbar
1.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Brønnum
1.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
1.7 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
1.7 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
1.8 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.8 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
