The Little Mermaid
Copenhagen's iconic bronze mermaid, eternally gazing seaward—a symbol of sacrifice and longing inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tragic fairy tale.
Perched on a granite rock at Langelinie Promenade, this iconic 1.25-metre bronze statue depicts a mermaid gazing seaward, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913 as a gift from brewer Carl Jacobsen, it has become Copenhagen's most recognizable landmark and one of the world's most photographed sculptures. Despite its modest size and serene appearance, the statue has endured decades of vandalism and restoration, symbolizing themes of longing, sacrifice, and resilience that resonate with millions of visitors annually.
A brief summary to The Little Mermaid
- Langelinie, København Ø, København Ø, 2100, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and capture the best photography light. The statue is accessible 24/7 and free to view, but the promenade is most peaceful outside midday hours.
- Read Andersen's original 1837 fairy tale before visiting to fully appreciate the statue's melancholic symbolism. The modern Disney adaptation differs significantly from the darker, more tragic original narrative.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: Kastellet fortress is a short walk away, and Amalienborg Palace (royal residence) and Rosenborg Castle are accessible within 15–20 minutes on foot or by public transport.
- Respect the statue and surrounding area. Climbing on the rock or touching the sculpture contributes to wear and has historically preceded vandalism incidents. Observe from a respectful distance for photography.
- The statue is particularly atmospheric during overcast or misty weather, when the waterfront takes on a moody, contemplative quality that mirrors the mermaid's sorrowful expression.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Drinking Water
- Restrooms
- Food Options
Getting There
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Public Transport from Central Copenhagen
Take Metro Line M1 or M2 from Nørreport Station toward Vanløse or Christianshavn, exiting at Kongens Nytorv. Journey time is approximately 5–7 minutes. From the station, walk northeast along Nyhavn for 8–10 minutes, following signs toward Langelinie Promenade. Alternatively, bus routes 1A, 15, or 26 depart from Rådhuspladsen and reach Langelinie in 12–15 minutes. A single journey ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR).
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Bicycle from City Centre
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes this an ideal option. From Nyhavn or Kongens Nytorv, cycle northeast along the waterfront promenade toward Kastellet. The route is flat, well-marked, and takes 10–15 minutes depending on starting point. Bike rental is available throughout the city at approximately 80 DKK (11 EUR) per day. Dedicated cycle lanes provide safe passage, and secure parking is available near the statue.
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Walking from Nyhavn
A scenic 15–20 minute walk from Nyhavn along the waterfront promenade. The route is entirely flat, paved, and pedestrian-friendly, offering harbour views throughout. Begin at Nyhavn's eastern end and follow the waterfront path northeastward, passing Amalienborg Palace gardens. The promenade is well-lit and accessible year-round, though winter conditions may occasionally affect surface conditions.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout Copenhagen. Journey time from the city centre is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated fare ranges from 80–150 DKK (11–20 EUR). Drop-off is available at Langelinie Promenade near the statue, though parking is limited and metered in the immediate vicinity.
The Little Mermaid location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Little Mermaid
A Monument Born from Ballet and Literature
The Little Mermaid statue emerged from an unexpected confluence of art and commerce in early 20th-century Copenhagen. In 1909, Carl Jacobsen, son of the Carlsberg brewery founder, attended a ballet performance of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale at the Royal Danish Theatre. Captivated by both the story and the lead dancer, Ellen Price, Jacobsen commissioned sculptor Edvard Eriksen to immortalize the mermaid in bronze. When Price declined to model nude, Eriksen ingeniously combined her facial features with the body of his own wife, Eline, creating a composite figure that would transcend its origins to become a global icon. Unveiled on August 23, 1913, the statue was gifted to Copenhagen as a cultural treasure. Standing just 1.25 metres tall and weighing 175 kilograms, it was positioned on a rock at Langelinie Promenade, where it has remained for over a century. The modest scale belies its immense cultural significance—the sculpture captures the essence of Andersen's tragic tale, depicting a mermaid suspended between two worlds, her expression reflecting the bittersweet longing at the heart of the original story.The Timeless Tale Behind the Stone
Andersen's 1837 narrative differs markedly from popular retellings. The original mermaid is a young princess of the sea who dreams of transcending her underwater existence and gaining an immortal human soul. At fifteen, she witnesses a shipwreck and rescues a prince, becoming infatuated with him. To pursue her love, she visits the sea witch and trades her voice for legs, enduring excruciating pain with each step. Though the prince cares for her, he believes another woman—the one he encountered at the temple—rescued him from the sea. Devastated, the mermaid faces a tragic choice: she can reclaim her tail and life if she kills the prince, but instead chooses to sacrifice herself, dissolving into sea foam at dawn. The statue embodies this melancholy resolution, capturing a moment of quiet resignation and unfulfilled longing.Resilience Through Vandalism and Restoration
Few monuments in Europe have endured as much deliberate damage as the Little Mermaid. Since 1913, the statue has been decapitated twice (1964 and 1998), lost an arm (1984), been blown into the harbour by explosives (2003), and repeatedly doused in paint and subjected to political protests. In 2003, activists opposed to Denmark's involvement in the Iraq War detonated explosives that knocked the statue from its rock into the sea—the first time it had been forcibly displaced from its perch in nearly a century. Despite these assaults, each restoration has reinforced the statue's symbolic power, transforming it into a testament to cultural resilience and the enduring appeal of Andersen's narrative.A Waterfront Icon and Global Symbol
Situated along the Langelinie Promenade, the statue commands a serene waterfront setting with panoramic views of Copenhagen's harbour and skyline. The location offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation while providing one of the city's most photographed vantage points. The statue has become synonymous with Copenhagen itself, appearing on postcards, in guidebooks, and across global media as the quintessential representation of Denmark's literary heritage and artistic tradition. Its modest appearance—a small bronze figure on a rock—paradoxically enhances its appeal, inviting intimate connection rather than overwhelming grandeur.Cultural Significance and Artistic Legacy
The statue represents far more than a tribute to a single fairy tale. It embodies the intersection of Danish cultural identity, romantic idealism, and artistic craftsmanship. Eriksen's sculptural choice to depict the mermaid with a dual tail rather than the single fishtail described in Andersen's text demonstrates artistic interpretation and creative licence. The work has inspired countless replicas and adaptations worldwide, though the original remains the most authentic expression of Eriksen's vision. For over a century, it has served as a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts, romantics, and cultural seekers drawn to the timeless themes of sacrifice, longing, and transformation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maritime Monument
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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
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Historic waterfront column honoring Admiral Iver Huitfeldt, set in Langelinie Park near Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid and harbor views.
Our Fallen
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Horn mine
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Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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I am Queen Mary
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Larsens Pl.
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St. Paul's Church
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Rytterstatuen
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Iconic baroque equestrian statue of King Frederick V, set amidst Amalienborg’s royal palaces in central Copenhagen—a historic highlight of Danish monarchy.
Amalienborg Palace
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Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Amalienborg
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Frederik's Church
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Copenhagen Opera House
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Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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The Kissing Stairs
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Unmissable attractions to see
Langelinie Pavillonen
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Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
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Langelinieparken
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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
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Inugsuk
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Kastellet
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ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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Gefion Fountain
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St Alban's Church
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Kongeskibet Dannebrog
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Museum of Danish Resistance
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Reffen - Skøjteøen
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The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
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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
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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
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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
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La Banchina
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Alchemist
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Discover Alchemist in Copenhagen: where culinary innovation meets artistry for an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Kokkeriet
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Dag H
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Aoc
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Discover AOC: An exquisite fine dining experience in Copenhagen featuring seasonal Nordic cuisine and exceptional wine pairings.
Restaurant Rebel
1.3 km
Experience the culinary fusion of local ingredients and innovative flavors at Restaurant Rebel, Copenhagen's top bistro destination.
Noma
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Noma is a globally renowned restaurant on Copenhagen’s waterfront, famed for its avant-garde approach to New Nordic cuisine and multi-award-winning tasting menus.
Restaurant Koefoed
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Bornholm-inspired fine dining in the heart of Copenhagen, serving inventive Danish cuisine spotlighting local ingredients and the culinary spirit of the Baltic island.
Restaurant Vita
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A legendary Danish restaurant in Copenhagen's royal heart known for classic cuisine, elegant interiors, and decades of local history near Kongens Nytorv.
Den Lille Fede
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Den Lille Fede is a top-rated Copenhagen restaurant renowned for inventive Nordic tasting menus, cozy ambiance, and a playful yet elegant approach to Danish gastronomy.
Khun Juk
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Cap Horn
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Hos Fischer
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Experience authentic Italian trattoria dining and neighborhood hospitality at Hos Fischer, a beloved Østerbro culinary gem near the tranquil green heart of Copenhagen.
Alouette
1.6 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Alouette in Copenhagen—where innovative cuisine meets elegant ambiance for an unforgettable meal.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Wilde Shop
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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
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Danish Souvenirs & luggages
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Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Magasin du Nord
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Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Studio Arhoj
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Time's Up Vintage
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Læderstræde
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Strøget
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TorvehallerneKBH
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Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Butik Bungalow
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
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Chevy's
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ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
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Østerbros Perle Pub
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ØB
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Trianglen 7
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Søernes Ølbar
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1105
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Charlie's Bar
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Bo-Bi Bar
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Tap10
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Bubbles Bar
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Bar'Vin
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Balderdash
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Strøm
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Contemplative
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
