Agnete and the Merman Statue
A haunting underwater bronze sculpture mourning a love lost to land, hidden beneath Copenhagen's historic bridge.
A haunting underwater bronze sculpture group in Copenhagen's Slotsholm Canal depicting a merman and seven sons reaching upward in eternal longing. Created by Danish artist Suste Bonnén in 1992, this hidden gem illustrates the tragic Danish folklore tale of Agnete, who abandoned her underwater family after hearing church bells from land. Visible from Højbro Bridge, the figures are best observed during calm water and enhanced by atmospheric evening lighting.
A brief summary to Agnete and the Merman Statue
- Højbro, Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during calm water conditions and clear sunlight for optimal visibility of the submerged bronze figures. Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the best viewing angles.
- Return in the evening when the sculptures are illuminated with atmospheric blue-green or golden lighting, creating a more emotionally evocative experience.
- Stand on Højbro Bridge and allow your eyes time to adjust to the water's surface reflections before searching for the bronze figures below.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions including Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen Castle, and the historic Gammel Strand area within walking distance.
- Take a canal boat tour to experience the sculpture from water level, though guides may not mention it—ask the captain to point it out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from Nørreport Station
From Nørreport Station, walk south through the city center toward Højbro Bridge, approximately 1.2 kilometers, taking 15–20 minutes. Follow signs toward Christiansborg Palace or the historic Indre By district. The bridge is located at the intersection of the Slotsholm Canal and central Copenhagen's main thoroughfares.
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Canal Boat Tour
Take a guided canal boat tour departing from various points in central Copenhagen, including near Nyhavn or Christiansborg Palace. Tours typically last 40–60 minutes and pass directly over the sculpture site. Inform the captain you wish to see Agnete and the Merman, as it is not always mentioned during standard narration. Tour prices range from 80–150 Danish Kroner per person.
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Bicycle from City Center
Rent a bicycle from any of Copenhagen's bike-sharing stations and cycle to Højbro Bridge via the city's extensive cycling network. The ride from central areas takes 5–10 minutes depending on starting point. Copenhagen is highly bike-friendly with dedicated lanes throughout the historic district.
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Metro to Gammel Strand Station
Take the Copenhagen Metro (Line M1 or M2) to Gammel Strand Station, then walk 5–10 minutes northwest to Højbro Bridge. The metro is frequent and reliable, with trains arriving every 3–6 minutes during peak hours. A single ticket costs approximately 24 Danish Kroner.
Agnete and the Merman Statue location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Agnete and the Merman Statue
A Submerged Tale of Loss and Longing
Beneath the waters of Copenhagen's Slotsholm Canal lies one of the city's most poignant and least-known artworks. Agnete and the Merman is a bronze sculpture group created in 1992 by Danish artist Suste Bonnén, positioned underwater near Højbro Bridge. The work depicts a merman and his seven sons in poses of anguish and yearning, their arms reaching toward the surface as if eternally pleading for the return of their lost love. Some figures bury their faces in their hands, while others stretch upward through the water in silent desperation. The sculptures rest on a bronze platform submerged just beneath the canal's surface, creating a physical and emotional barrier between the viewer's world and the underwater realm of the mer-family.The Medieval Ballad That Inspired Bronze
The sculpture draws its narrative from a traditional Danish folk ballad, "Agnete og Havmanden," which has been passed down through generations of oral storytelling. The tale tells of a young woman named Agnete who encounters a merman emerging from the sea. Captivated by his charm and decisiveness, she abandons her earthly life without hesitation and descends beneath the waves to marry him. Together they build a life underwater and have seven children. For a time, their underwater existence seems idyllic. However, one day Agnete hears the distant ringing of church bells from her homeland. Overcome by nostalgia, she returns to land for a visit, promising her merman husband that she will come back. Once reunited with her old life, Agnete's resolve weakens. She chooses not to return to the sea, leaving her devoted husband and innocent children to mourn her absence forever. The ballad, like many Danish folktales, explores themes of love, sacrifice, choice, and the irreversible consequences of human decisions.Artistic Vision and Cultural Significance
Suste Bonnén's decision to place the sculptures underwater was deliberate and profound. By submerging the figures, the artist reinforced the narrative separation between the land world that Agnete chose and the sea world she abandoned. The underwater placement also creates a sense of discovery for visitors—the statues are easily overlooked by those unaware of their existence, much like the merman's plight is forgotten by those passing overhead. The bronze medium captures the figures in eternal stillness, their expressions frozen in perpetual grief. This work stands as a testament to the cultural importance of Danish folklore and demonstrates how ancient stories continue to resonate through contemporary artistic expression. Unlike the famous Little Mermaid statue, which celebrates Hans Christian Andersen's tale of transformation and hope, Agnete and the Merman presents a darker, more melancholic narrative rooted in medieval Danish tradition.Viewing the Hidden Sculpture
Located at the intersection of Højbro Bridge and the Slotsholm Canal in central Copenhagen's historic Indre By district, the sculpture is notoriously difficult to spot. The canal's waters are often rippled by passing tour boats, and the bronze figures blend with the underwater environment. The best viewing conditions occur when the water is calm and sunlight strikes at the right angle, allowing the bronze forms to become visible. Many visitors walk or boat past the sculpture daily without realizing it is there. Evening hours offer a particularly atmospheric experience, as the statues are illuminated with ghostly blue-green or golden lighting that enhances their haunting quality and makes the figures appear to undulate with emotion.A Monument to Forgotten Sorrow
Agnete and the Merman occupies a unique place in Copenhagen's artistic landscape. While the city's more famous mermaid statue celebrates Danish cultural identity through a tale of transformation, this underwater sculpture memorializes loss, abandonment, and the enduring pain of those left behind. The work invites contemplation on themes of choice and consequence, reminding viewers that folklore often contains darker truths beneath their surface narratives. For those who discover it, the sculpture becomes a personal moment of connection with Danish heritage and a poignant meditation on love and sacrifice.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
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A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
