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Hans Christian Andersen Statue at Copenhagen City Hall Square

Iconic bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen in busy Rådhuspladsen, a literary landmark celebrating Denmark’s cherished fairy-tale author in central Copenhagen.

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The bronze Statue of Hans Christian Andersen stands at the heart of Rådhuspladsen, near Copenhagen’s City Hall. This beloved sculpture portrays Denmark’s fairy-tale icon, inviting visitors to sit and reflect on the legacy of the man behind classics like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. Surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of central Copenhagen, it is a must-see for literature lovers and anyone interested in Danish culture.

A brief summary to Statue of Andersen

  • Rådhuspladsen, København V, København V, 1553, DK
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Excellent photo opportunities—try visiting early in the morning or late evening for softer light and fewer crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby Tivoli Gardens or Copenhagen City Hall for a richer cultural experience.
  • The site is wheelchair accessible and offers plenty of benches for resting amid sightseeing.
  • Kids love climbing onto Andersen’s lap—making this a fun stop for families.
  • Free public Wi-Fi is available in much of City Hall Square, handy for looking up Andersen’s fairy tales while at the statue.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Vesterbro, the statue is an easy 10–15-minute walk. Head toward City Hall Square, passing the lively Tivoli Gardens and following the crowds into the city’s central hub. The Hans Christian Andersen statue is immediately visible near the front of City Hall, surrounded by open plaza space and bustling activity.

  • Public Transport

    Buses and S-trains from Vesterbro’s central areas stop at the City Hall Square transit hub; the journey typically takes 5–10 minutes. A standard adult single ticket within Copenhagen costs around 24 DKK. Upon arrival, the statue is conspicuous in the square, close to the main entrance of City Hall and easily accessible from all major transit stops.

  • Taxi

    A short taxi ride from the core of Vesterbro to City Hall Square generally takes under 10 minutes and costs between 70–120 DKK depending on traffic. Taxis drop you beside the expansive plaza, with the statue in direct view as you approach City Hall.

  • Biking

    Copenhagen’s extensive bike paths make for a pleasant and direct ride from Vesterbro to Rådhuspladsen, typically 5–7 minutes. Several bike racks are available in the square for parking your rental or city bike.

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Discover more about Statue of Andersen

Emerging from the bustle of Copenhagen’s central Rådhuspladsen, the Hans Christian Andersen Statue immediately draws the eye—a fitting tribute to the country’s most renowned storyteller. Erected in 1955, the larger-than-life bronze sculpture depicts Andersen seated, top hat politely tipped and a book poised on his knee, as if caught mid-inspiration. Rather than a staid monument, this approachable statue encourages playful interaction; its gently worn bronze bears the polish of thousands of hands, evidence of generations of children and adults climbing onto his lap for photographs and quiet moments of contemplation. Positioned at the southern edge of City Hall Square, the statue sits mere steps from the grand Copenhagen City Hall, in the thick of the city’s energetic pulse. The surrounding area thrums with life: street performers, festive shops, and the hum of bicycles sweeping past. Take a moment to savor the atmosphere; this square not only celebrates Denmark’s greatest literary export but also serves as an introduction to the city’s artistic soul and modern momentum. Andersen’s works are woven into the fabric of Denmark, and the statue’s location is symbolic. From here, you’re close to Tivoli Gardens, the National Museum, and some of Vesterbro’s most inviting cafés. The statue offers a gateway to the whimsical world of Danish fairy tales, making it popular with both local families and international travelers. Experiencing this site is free; you join a global tradition of fans pausing to honor imagination, perseverance, and the universal art of storytelling. While the city around you buzzes with modernity, this sculpture anchors visitors to a simpler, magical narrative—one where Denmark’s most enduring stories quietly echo through the present.

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