The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s most famous resident: a small bronze mermaid on a harbour rock, where Hans Christian Andersen’s bittersweet fairy tale meets the city’s everyday sea breeze.
Perched on a low granite rock along Copenhagen’s Langelinie promenade, The Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue with outsized fame. Unveiled in 1913 and inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale, Edvard Eriksen’s 1.25 m figure gazes wistfully across the harbour, symbolising longing and transformation. Free to visit at any time, this iconic waterfront landmark anchors many travellers’ first impressions of Denmark’s capital, pairing literary heritage with classic harbour views.
A brief summary to The Little Mermaid
- Langelinie, København Ø, København Ø, 2100, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid coach groups and cruise ship crowds and to enjoy softer light for photographs along the harbour.
- Stay on the promenade or stable rocks rather than climbing onto the statue’s boulder; the stones can be slippery and damage to the sculpture carries serious fines.
- Combine your stop here with a walk around the nearby Kastellet star fort and the rest of the Langelinie waterfront for a fuller sense of Copenhagen’s harbour history.
- In winter, dress for strong windchill coming off the water; even on sunny days the exposed harbour can feel much colder than the city streets.
- If you want unobstructed photos, step a little further along the path and use the curve of the shore to frame the mermaid against open water rather than the promenade.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Metro and bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro to Østerport Station, a frequent ring-line service where trains run roughly every few minutes. From there, local buses toward the harbour area reduce the walk, or you can continue on foot along broad pavements. The total journey typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on connections. Standard city tickets or travel cards cover both metro and bus, with a single zone-based fare usually in the range of 20–30 DKK.
-
On foot from the historic centre
Energetic visitors can walk from the Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn area to the statue in around 25–35 minutes. The route follows mostly flat, paved city streets and then the harbourside promenade, suitable for most fitness levels and pushchairs. Surfaces are generally smooth, but sections close to the water can be exposed to wind and occasional spray, so sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable, especially in colder months.
-
Harbour boat and canal tour
Several canal and harbour boat tours departing from Nyhavn and nearby quays include a waterside view of The Little Mermaid as part of a wider circuit. Typical trips last 60–90 minutes and operate regularly in the main season, less frequently in winter. Prices vary by operator but commonly fall between 95 and 150 DKK per adult, with discounts for children. Boats are low and open or semi-covered, so expect wind and spray; in poor weather, departures can be reduced or rerouted.
-
Bicycle from city districts
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach Langelinie by bike from most central neighbourhoods in about 10–20 minutes. You can use shared bicycles or rentals, which typically cost around 20–35 DKK per short ride or 100–200 DKK for a full day, depending on the scheme or shop. The approach is almost entirely on segregated cycle tracks, but near the statue the paths narrow and mix with pedestrians, so speeds should be low and care taken in busy periods.
The Little Mermaid location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Any Weather
-
Windy Conditions
Discover more about The Little Mermaid
A quiet bronze figure with a global reputation
The Little Mermaid is Copenhagen’s most recognisable symbol: a modest 1.25 m bronze statue seated on a granite boulder at the edge of the Øresund, just off the Langelinie promenade. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913, she depicts the moment between sea and shore, her tail subtly morphing into human legs as she looks towards the city. Despite her small size, this delicate figure has come to stand for Copenhagen itself, appearing on postcards, guidebook covers and tourism campaigns around the world. From the path, you first notice how low and close to the water she sits. There is no grand plinth, only rough stone and lapping waves, which gives the encounter an unexpectedly intimate feel. Ships glide past in the harbour behind her, while joggers and cyclists trace the promenade in front, weaving the statue into the city’s everyday rhythm.From fairy tale page to harbour rock
The statue is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 tale about a young mermaid who longs for a human soul and earthly love, sacrificing her voice and enduring great pain for a chance to walk on land. In Copenhagen, Andersen’s story is part of the cultural fabric, and this sculpture is its most visible expression. Brewer and philanthropist Carl Jacobsen, moved by a ballet adaptation of the tale at the Royal Danish Theatre in 1909, commissioned the statue as a gift to the city. Eriksen drew on two muses: ballerina Ellen Price, who danced the mermaid on stage and lent her features for the head, and the sculptor’s wife, Eline, who posed for the nude body. The result is a figure that feels both theatrical and real, her posture poised yet introspective. The smooth bronze surface, softened by more than a century of sea air, hints at countless winters, sea mists and distant ship horns that have passed since she first appeared on the rock.Stories etched by time, tides and turmoil
Over the decades The Little Mermaid has led a surprisingly turbulent life for such a serene figure. Political slogans have been sprayed across the stones, paint has been poured over her, and several times she has literally lost her head or limbs to vandals. On one dramatic occasion she was blown from her rock into the harbour and later retrieved and restored. Each incident has been followed by careful conservation work, and the statue you see today bears no obvious scars. Yet those stories linger, adding a layer of resilience to her expression of quiet longing. The repeated restorations speak to Copenhagen’s determination to preserve this emblem of its maritime and literary heritage, even when it becomes a canvas for protest.Experiencing the harbour setting
Part of the statue’s appeal lies in her setting along Langelinie, a waterside promenade lined with trees, lawns and moorings for visiting cruise ships. The open view across the harbour contrasts with the compact figure on the rock, making her seem even smaller against the backdrop of water, sky and industrial silhouettes. On clear days, the light glints off the bronze and the granite base, while the breeze carries the mixed scents of sea air, tarred timber and distant bakery stands. The area invites slow wandering: you can circle along the shore to see the mermaid from different angles, notice how her profile changes against passing boats, and watch as groups politely take turns for photographs. Early mornings and winter afternoons often feel calmer, when the soundscape shifts from camera shutters and conversations to gulls and the soft slap of waves against stone.Planning your visit on Langelinie
The Little Mermaid is in a public, unfenced space and can be seen at all hours without an entry fee. Simple pathways and low curbs make the immediate area relatively straightforward to access, though clambering out onto the rocks is not recommended, especially in wet or icy conditions. Allow enough time not just for a quick photo, but to absorb the interplay between statue, story and harbour. Nearby lawns and benches provide places to pause, while the broader Langelinie stretch connects with historic fortifications and other waterfront viewpoints. The statue works well as a stop within a longer harbour walk, or as a brief detour to connect a famous fairy tale with the very real, working waterfront that has shaped Copenhagen’s identity for centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maritime Monument
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
0.5 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
I am Queen Mary
0.7 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
1.0 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Paul's Church
1.0 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Rytterstatuen
1.1 km
A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.
Amalienborg Palace
1.1 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Frederik's Church
1.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
Copenhagen Opera House
1.2 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.2 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
The Kissing Stairs
1.3 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.3 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.2 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.2 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Langelinieparken
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Inugsuk
0.3 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.4 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Gefion Fountain
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
St Alban's Church
0.4 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.4 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.6 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.6 km
Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
0.6 km
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
0.6 km
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
0.7 km
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
0.6 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
La Banchina
0.8 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
0.9 km
A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.
Kokkeriet
1.1 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Dag H
1.2 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Aoc
1.3 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
1.3 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Noma
1.3 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
1.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
1.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Khun Juk
1.5 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.5 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Skipperkroen
1.5 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
1.5 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.6 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.1 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
1.4 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Wilde Shop
1.5 km
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
1.5 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Zane
1.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagenglass
1.5 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.6 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Storm - design art fashion
1.7 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.7 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
1.8 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.0 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Chevy's
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.4 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Østerbros Perle Pub
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
ØB
1.5 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Trianglen 7
1.6 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Søernes Ølbar
1.6 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.6 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
1.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Trykbar
1.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Brønnum
1.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
1.7 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
1.7 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
1.8 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.8 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
1.2 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.7 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
1.7 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Operaen
2.1 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Mirage
2.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
2.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
2.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
2.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
2.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Zefside
2.4 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
2.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
