Agnete and the Merman Statue
A hidden underwater drama in Copenhagen’s Slotsholm Canal, where a merman and his sons reach eternally toward the world above in a haunting folk-tale tableau.
Half-hidden beneath the surface of Copenhagen’s Slotsholm Canal by Højbro Bridge, the bronze group "Agnete and the Merman" is one of the city’s most atmospheric sculptures. Created in 1992 by Danish artist Suste Bonnén, the underwater figures depict a merman and his seven sons reaching longingly toward the world above, inspired by a centuries-old folk ballad about love, faith, and abandonment. Subtle by day and theatrically lit after dark, it rewards those who pause on the bridge and really look into the water.
A brief summary to Agnete and the Merman Statue
- Højbro, Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Stand near the middle of Højbro Bridge and look straight down into the Slotsholm Canal; give your eyes a moment to adjust and let the full group slowly emerge from the water.
- Come at dusk or after dark to see the figures lit from below; the underwater lighting combined with street reflections makes the scene strikingly atmospheric.
- If boat traffic churns the water, wait a few minutes for the surface to settle; the sculpture’s details become much easier to see when the canal is relatively calm.
- Read a short version of the Agnete folk ballad beforehand; knowing the story of the absent mother adds emotional depth to what you see in the canal.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From Nørreport Station, take the M1 or M2 metro one stop to Gammel Strand, a 2–3 minute ride with trains running every few minutes and standard city ticket fares applying. From Gammel Strand it is an easy 5–7 minute walk on flat pavements through the old town to Højbro Bridge, suitable for most visitors including those with light mobility needs.
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Bus from central Copenhagen
Several city buses serving the historic centre stop near Christiansborg Palace and Højbro Plads, a 3–5 minute walk from the bridge. Typical journey times from main hubs like City Hall Square are 10–15 minutes, with regular daytime frequency and standard zone-based fares. Be aware that buses can be slower in rush hour traffic and some stops have limited shelter.
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Walking from City Hall Square
From Rådhuspladsen in central Copenhagen, allow around 15–20 minutes on foot along mainly level, pedestrian-friendly streets through the old town to reach Højbro Bridge. This is an enjoyable urban stroll past shops and historic buildings, but cobblestones in some sections may be uneven for wheelchairs or prams, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Agnete and the Merman Statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Agnete and the Merman Statue
A submerged tale beneath Højbro Bridge
Concealed just below the surface of the Slotsholm Canal, beside busy Højbro Bridge in central Copenhagen, the bronze sculpture group "Agnete and the Merman" reveals itself only to those who take the time to peer into the water. At first you may see just a hint of a face or an outstretched arm, then gradually the whole tragic tableau appears: a merman and his seven sons, stranded on the canal bed and reaching upwards in eternal longing. Placed here in 1992, the work is striking precisely because it sits in such a visible yet easily overlooked location. Around it swirl canal boats, commuters and cyclists, while the figures below remain silent and unmoving, like a private drama playing out beneath everyday city life.Folklore of Agnete and her forsaken family
The sculpture is rooted in a traditional Danish ballad about Agnete, a young woman who leaves the land to marry a merman and live with him beneath the sea. Over time she bears him seven sons and settles into an underwater life far removed from her village origins. One day, hearing church bells from the shore, she is drawn back to visit the world she left behind. Once on land, Agnete chooses not to return to her husband and children, leaving them to wait for her in vain. Bonnén’s figures capture the moment after her abandonment. The merman stands with arms uplifted, his expression poised between hope and despair, while the sons show different shades of grief: a face buried in hands, a body twisted upward, fingers straining toward the surface they cannot cross. The missing figure of Agnete herself is what makes the group so poignant; her absence is the sculpture’s central presence.Suste Bonnén’s underwater composition
Danish sculptor, photographer and author Suste Bonnén chose bronze and an underwater setting to underline the feeling of separation in the story. The figures stand on a submerged platform, their greenish patina blending with reeds, algae and the shifting reflections from the canal. Ripples can distort their shapes, so the scene appears to flicker and move, as if the family were still alive beneath the water. At low, calm water the details are surprisingly clear: muscular torsos, expressive hands, and the individual postures of each child. When the surface is choppy, the group becomes ghostlike, emerging and vanishing as boats pass. At night, underwater lighting casts them in blue or golden tones, turning the canal into an impromptu stage set.Between grand monuments and hidden art
Just a glance away rise the imposing facades of Christiansborg Palace and historic houses lining the canal, yet "Agnete and the Merman" feels intimate and almost secret. There are no grand plinths or wide viewing terraces here; instead you lean over the railings of Højbro or stand by the canal edge, sharing the same water level as the figures below. Because the sculpture sits slightly off typical sightlines, it often registers as a personal discovery. You may find yourself pointing it out to others on the bridge, tracing the shapes underwater and recounting the legend. It offers a quiet counterpoint to the more famous mermaid on Copenhagen’s waterfront, expanding the city’s world of sea-born myths beyond a single image.Experiencing the mood of the canal
The best way to appreciate the work is to linger and watch how the canal changes the scene. On bright mornings the water can be almost transparent, turning the figures into a clear, three-dimensional frieze. In overcast weather they appear darker and more melancholy, while at dusk the reflections of streetlamps, bicycles and passing boats mingle with the underwater lights. Even if you know the legend, the installation invites multiple readings: a story about migration between worlds, a meditation on promises broken, or simply a reminder that the city holds layers of history and narrative beneath its polished surface. For a brief moment on the bridge, Copenhagen’s mythic past and its everyday present overlap in the depths below your feet.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.
Frederik VII
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Holmens Bro
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The Danish Parliament
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Varehuset Messen
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Nytorv
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Nytorv 2
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Kongens Nytorv
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National Museum of Denmark
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Højbro Plads
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Gammel Strand
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Læderstræde
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Christiansborg Palace
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Thorvaldsens Museum
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Amagertorv
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Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
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Essential places to dine
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King Hans Cellar
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Restaurant 1733
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Llama
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Københavner Cafeen
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Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
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Restaurant Kronborg
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l’Alsace
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Wining and Dining
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Restaurant Puk
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Kanal-Caféen
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Marchal
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Frank
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
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Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Hygge Original
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Magnolias
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A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
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.
Urban Outfitters
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Audrey Vintage
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& Other Stories
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Akimbo
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Magasin du Nord
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Norse Store
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Duck Haven
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Dubliner
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Lord Nelson Bar
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Ruby
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Godt Øl
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Charlie's Bar
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1105
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Aloë Cocktail Bar
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Balthazar
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Zefside
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The Jane
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Bæst Cocktailbar
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The Moose
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Strøm
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Chateau Motel
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The Zoo
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Lusso
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Hive
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Mini Bar
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Mirror
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Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
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Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
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Club Mambo
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Dorsia
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La Terraza
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Arch
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Cosy Bar
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Mirage
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G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
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Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Quirky
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
