Wanna Be Mermaid, Horsens

A bold, contemporary mermaid by Maria Rubinke on Horsens’ harbourfront, blending fairytale symbolism, waterfront scenery and modern public art in one quick stop.

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Wanna Be Mermaid

Wanna Be Mermaid is a striking contemporary mermaid sculpture by Danish artist Maria Rubinke on the waterfront at Horsens Harbour. Set on Jan Trøjborgs Plads by the marina, this larger-than-life figure playfully twists Denmark’s classic mermaid motif into something darker and more ambiguous. Surrounded by boats, new harbourfront buildings and the waters of Horsens Fjord, it makes a characterful stop on the city’s evolving sculpture boulevard, inviting photos, reflection and a short contemplative pause.

A brief summary to Wanna Be Mermaid

Havnen 7, Horsens, 8700, DK
Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Time your visit for late afternoon or early evening light, when the low sun over Horsens Fjord creates striking reflections on the sculpture’s surface and dramatic photo opportunities.
Combine the mermaid with a self-guided walk along Horsens’ sculpture boulevard, continuing between the harbour, marina and city centre to spot other contemporary artworks.
On windy or cold days, bring a warm layer; the exposed harbourfront can feel significantly cooler than streets further inland, even on otherwise mild days.
If you are visiting with children, allow a little unstructured time for them to watch the boats and birds around the quay while you enjoy the artwork.

Getting There

Train and walking from Horsens Station

From Horsens Station, trains connect with cities across Jutland, including Aarhus and Vejle, with typical journey times of 30–40 minutes from Aarhus and 20–25 minutes from Vejle and single fares usually between 60–120 DKK depending on distance and time of booking. From the station it takes about 20–25 minutes on foot through the city centre to reach the harbour area around Havnen 7; the route is flat and paved, suitable for most visitors, though in winter it can be windy and cold near the waterfront.
Local bus to Horsens Harbour area

Local city buses connect Horsens Station and the central streets with stops close to the harbourfront, typically in 10–15 minutes of travel time. A single city fare is usually around 20–30 DKK, and services run at regular intervals during the day, less frequently in the evening and on weekends. From nearby bus stops it is a short, level walk to Jan Trøjborgs Plads, making this a convenient option in bad weather or for those who prefer to minimise walking.
Car or taxi within Horsens

Reaching Havnen 7 by car from most parts of Horsens usually takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Public parking is available around the harbour and marina area, though spaces can be busier on sunny weekends and event days. Taxis within the city typically cost in the range of 80–160 DKK for short trips, with surcharges in evenings and at night. The streets around the harbour are mostly flat, and drop-off close to the square is straightforward.

Wanna Be Mermaid location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Any Weather
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Wanna Be Mermaid

A modern mermaid on the Horsens waterfront

Wanna Be Mermaid stands on Jan Trøjborgs Plads at Horsens Harbour, where the urban waterfront opens toward Horsens Fjord. This outdoor sculpture by Danish artist Maria Rubinke reimagines the mermaid, one of Denmark’s most recognisable symbols, in a distinctly contemporary language. Rather than a postcard-pretty sea maiden, the figure appears stylised, slightly unsettling and full of attitude, echoing the city’s shift from traditional industrial harbour to creative waterfront district. Seen against the backdrop of moored boats, brick warehouses and new apartments, the sculpture becomes a visual anchor on the quayside. Its polished surface catches the ever-changing light off the water, while its human–fish hybrid form nods to Horsens’ maritime setting. As you move around the piece, the harbour sounds of rigging, gulls and lapping waves form a natural soundtrack to this modern take on a coastal icon.

Maria Rubinke’s playful yet unsettling imagination

Maria Rubinke is known for works that blend innocence with a slightly macabre twist, often using figurative forms that are both charming and disturbing. Wanna Be Mermaid fits this approach, suggesting a fairytale creature who does not quite belong in the world she inhabits. The title hints at longing and transformation, as if the figure is caught halfway between ordinary girl and mythical sea-being. Look closely and the pose and expression invite multiple readings. Is this a character dreaming of escape into the sea, or someone performing a role expected of her by the city and its visitors? The work plays with the weight of Danish mermaid lore while refusing to offer a simple, comforting image. This tension between aspiration and reality is part of the sculpture’s quiet power and makes it rewarding even for a brief stop.

Part of Horsens’ growing sculpture boulevard

The mermaid is one link in a chain of public artworks that form Horsens’ evolving sculpture boulevard, stretching from the railway station through the centre to the harbour and marina. Along this route, pieces by notable contemporary artists punctuate parks, plazas and streets, turning an everyday walk into an open-air gallery. By placing a bold mermaid right on the harbour, the city extends this artistic spine all the way to the water’s edge. Here at the quay, Wanna Be Mermaid works in dialogue with the industrial past of the port and the new residential and leisure developments around it. The sculpture signals that the harbour is no longer just a place of work and logistics, but also of art, leisure and waterfront life. It is easy to combine a visit with a stroll along the promenade, watching kayaks, yachts and the broad expanse of Horsens Fjord.

A compact stop for photos and quiet reflection

In practical terms, this is a small-scale, open-access stop rather than a full-blown attraction. There is no ticket office or enclosure; you simply encounter the sculpture in the public square. The area is flat and largely step-free, making it straightforward for wheelchairs, prams and casual visitors of all ages. Benches and low walls nearby provide places to sit and contemplate the piece and the harbour scene. Photographers will find plenty of angles: the sculpture framed against the water, reflected in nearby glass façades or silhouetted against soft evening light on the fjord. Changing weather dramatically alters its mood, from bright and playful in summer sun to brooding under low clouds. Even a short pause here can add a thoughtful, slightly offbeat note to a wider exploration of Horsens.

Stories, controversy and a living city symbol

Like many public artworks that rework beloved themes, Wanna Be Mermaid has occasionally attracted debate and strong reactions, including incidents of vandalism that only underline how visible the piece has become in local life. Such episodes form part of the ongoing story of the sculpture, marking it as a living element in the urban fabric rather than a distant museum object. Over time, the mermaid has helped place Horsens on Denmark’s unofficial “mermaid map”, alongside more famous figures in other cities but with a distinctly local spin. By situating a bold, slightly enigmatic sculpture right on the harbour, Horsens asserts its cultural confidence and its willingness to let contemporary art shape the identity of its renewed waterfront. For visitors, that means an encounter that is quick, free, and surprisingly thought-provoking.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bilka Horsens

0.6 km

Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.

Horsens Tourist Information Centre

2.4 km

Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.

Jættestuen grønhøj

4.8 km

5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.

Årtusindeskifte Eg

6.4 km

An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.

Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED

13.3 km

Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.

Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj

13.3 km

Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.

Ejer Bavnehøj

13.4 km

A modest Danish hill with a mighty horizon, Ejer Bavnehøj blends reunification history, beacon legends and big-sky views into an easy, rewarding countryside stop.

Det gamle vandtårn

24.1 km

Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.

The Midgård Well

26.2 km

A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.

VisitVejle

26.4 km

Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.

Vejle Vindmølle

27.1 km

Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.

Vejle Kunstforening

27.1 km

Discover the serene beauty of Sneglehøjen, Odense's tranquil natural retreat.

Saksild Beach

27.9 km

Discover Denmark's best-kept secret: Saksild Beach, a family-friendly paradise with soft sands, shallow waters, and endless coastal charm on the Odder coast.

H.C. Andersen bench

29.3 km

A literary memorial where Denmark's beloved fairy tale author found inspiration amid rolling hills and sparkling lakes.

Bestig Himmelbjerget

29.3 km

Discover breathtaking views and rich history at Himmelbjerget, Denmark's iconic Sky Mountain in the heart of the Lake District, offering hiking, boat trips, and cultural experiences.

Unmissable attractions to see

Industrimuseet

0.3 km

A living industrial museum in Horsens’ old gasworks, where roaring engines, workers’ homes and playful workshops bring Denmark’s modern story to life.

Mindesmærke over faldne frihedskæmpere

0.5 km

A modest corner memorial on Borgergade where Horsens quietly honours its fallen World War II resistance fighters and the hard-won freedoms they defended.

Horsens Museum

0.6 km

Intimate local-history museum in a 1915 park-side villa, tracing 10,000 years of Horsens life from prehistoric graves and merchants’ mansions to war, industry and exploration.

Horsens Holder

0.7 km

A lively street festival that turns Horsens’ central Søndergade into a relaxed urban playground of music, food, stalls and community life for all ages.

Church of Our Saviour

0.7 km

Medieval brick, Baroque grace and a renewed interior meet at Horsens’ historic town-square church, the oldest building within the city and its spiritual centre.

Horsens Art Museum

0.7 km

Hilltop hub of contemporary Danish art, pairing bold architecture, major national artists and parkland sculpture in leafy Caroline Amalie Lund.

Lunden

0.8 km

Leafy city park by day, open-air rock stage by night – Lunden is Horsens’ green gathering place and the home of the Rock i Lunden summer concerts.

Horsens Marina

0.8 km

Atmospheric fjord‑end marina blending red fishing sheds, modern yacht facilities and easy city access on the waterfront edge of Horsens.

Rådhusparken

0.8 km

A modest green pause in the heart of Horsens, where everyday city life meets street art, dog walkers and quiet benches beneath mature trees.

Langelinieanlægget

1.1 km

Horsens' beloved waterfront park where sandy beaches, summer culture, and fjord views create the perfect urban escape.

Planetstien

1.2 km

Walk or cycle through a scaled solar system along Horsens Fjord, where art, astronomy and easy nature trails meet on the scenic Planetstien path.

Vitus Beringsparken

1.4 km

A compact 1950s city park in central Horsens, Vitus Beringsparken blends green lawns, rhododendrons and local history into a quiet pause between station and shops.

Horsens Banegård Park

1.6 km

A compact green pause beside Horsens railway station, where commuters, locals and dog walkers share a simple slice of lawn, trees and benches in the city’s busy heart.

Horsens Garden

1.6 km

Step inside Horsens’ storied cotton factory to experience Denmark’s industrial transformation—hands-on workshops, authentic machinery, and immersive exhibitions await.

Lilian's tree

1.9 km

Ancient tree, riverside serenity, and family-friendly art in Horsens' most beloved waterfront escape.

Essential places to dine

Dollys

0.2 km

Harbourfront, family-run Danish restaurant in Horsens serving hearty classics, generous portions and cosy marina views at a comfortable, mid-range price.

UNDA

0.2 km

Harbourfront restaurant and lounge in Horsens, where bold design, soft acoustics and harbour views create an all‑day setting from brunch to late‑night cocktails.

Restaurante Venezia

0.5 km

Authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming Horsens setting.

Great sushi

0.6 km

Premium all-you-can-eat sushi with theatrical presentation and authentic Japanese technique in central Horsens.

Restaurant Munken

0.6 km

Candlelit Danish comfort and seasonal cooking in a cosy Horsens dining room, where classic flavours, warm service and unhurried evenings define the experience.

Bone's Horsens

0.7 km

Lively American-style family restaurant in central Horsens, serving BBQ ribs, steaks, burgers and all-you-can-eat sides in a cosy, memorabilia-filled saloon setting.

Café Ella

0.7 km

Light-filled museum café in Horsens pairing seasonal local lunches and an award-winning bøfsandwich with leafy views over Lunden park and contemporary art.

Restaurant Flammen - Horsens

0.8 km

Big-hearted grill buffet in a cosy, antique-filled setting, serving all‑you‑can‑eat meats, hot dishes and salads for relaxed, social evenings in Horsens.

Corfitz restaurant - bar

0.9 km

Casual city‑centre café, restaurant and bar on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, serving hearty comfort food, drinks and all‑day people‑watching on Søndergade.

Restaurant Eydes

0.9 km

Historic cellar dining where Danish-French cuisine meets centuries of local tradition.

Cafe Vivaldi

1.0 km

Casual brasserie-style café on Horsens’ busy Søndergade, serving comfort food, coffee and drinks all day in a warm, modern setting with street-side seating.

Det Ny Kronborg

1.0 km

Traditional Danish restaurant and banquet hall in a quiet Horsens street, combining white-tablecloth charm, hearty cooking and a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.

Hien's Vietnamesisk Køkken

1.0 km

Cozy Vietnamese kitchen in central Horsens, serving fresh rolls, bánh mì, noodles and signature house specialties in a relaxed, everyday-friendly setting.

Kamii Horsens

1.0 km

Modern sushi bar and Asian steak restaurant in central Horsens, where fresh handcrafted rolls meet warm kitchen favourites and flexible menus for every occasion.

Restaurant Mamma's

1.1 km

Authentic Italian pizzas and pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting on Grønnegade.

A soothing cosmetics boutique on Horsens’ main shopping street, blending spa-like calm, scented rituals and beautifully packaged gifts for body and home.

Relaxed pool and sports bar in central Horsens, blending cue sports, big-screen matches, board games, casual bites and easygoing drinks in one social hangout.

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Wanna Be Mermaid, Horsens

A brief summary to Wanna Be Mermaid

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and walking from Horsens Station

Local bus to Horsens Harbour area

Car or taxi within Horsens

Wanna Be Mermaid location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Wanna Be Mermaid

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Wanna Be Mermaid

A modern mermaid on the Horsens waterfront

Maria Rubinke’s playful yet unsettling imagination

Part of Horsens’ growing sculpture boulevard

A compact stop for photos and quiet reflection

Stories, controversy and a living city symbol

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bilka Horsens

Horsens Tourist Information Centre

Jættestuen grønhøj

Årtusindeskifte Eg

Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED

Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj

Ejer Bavnehøj

Det gamle vandtårn

The Midgård Well

VisitVejle

Vejle Vindmølle

Vejle Kunstforening

Saksild Beach

H.C. Andersen bench

Bestig Himmelbjerget

Unmissable attractions to see

Industrimuseet

Mindesmærke over faldne frihedskæmpere

Horsens Museum

Horsens Holder

Church of Our Saviour

Horsens Art Museum

Lunden

Horsens Marina

Rådhusparken

Langelinieanlægget

Planetstien

Vitus Beringsparken

Horsens Banegård Park

Horsens Garden

Lilian's tree

Essential places to dine

Dollys

UNDA

Restaurante Venezia

Great sushi

Restaurant Munken

Bone's Horsens

Café Ella

Restaurant Flammen - Horsens

Corfitz restaurant - bar

Restaurant Eydes

Cafe Vivaldi

Det Ny Kronborg

Hien's Vietnamesisk Køkken

Kamii Horsens

Restaurant Mamma's

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Brainchild

The & Idé ApS

Kjærs Magasiner

Bog & idé Horsens

Tøjbutikker

Hviid

JACK & JONES

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