Wanna Be Mermaid Sculpture, Horsens Harbour
A hauntingly modern mermaid by Maria Rubinke on Horsens Harbour, blending fairytale dreams and contemporary edge on the city’s open‑air Sculpture Boulevard.
Wanna Be Mermaid is a striking contemporary mermaid sculpture by Danish artist Maria Rubinke, set on the harbourfront at Havnen 7 in Horsens. Part of Horsens’ evolving Sculpture Boulevard, it playfully riffs on Denmark’s mermaid tradition with a darker, dreamlike edge. Framed by boats, industrial silhouettes and wide water views, this free, open‑air artwork invites you to pause, wander around the figure and reflect on the myths and modern identities it brings to the harbour.
A brief summary to Wanna Be Mermaid
- Havnen 7, Horsens, 8700, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit for early morning or late evening when the harbour light is soft; the mermaid’s pale figure stands out beautifully against changing skies.
- Walk a full circle around the sculpture to see how its mood shifts from different angles, with the marina, quay and open water each creating a distinct backdrop.
- Combine the stop with a self‑guided walk along Horsens’ Sculpture Boulevard to discover other contemporary works linking the station, city centre and harbour.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and on-foot from Horsens Station
From Horsens Station, it typically takes 15–20 minutes to reach the harbour and the Wanna Be Mermaid sculpture on foot along mostly flat urban streets. The walk is suitable for most visitors, including families with strollers, though surfaces are a mix of paving and occasional cobblestones. There is no additional cost beyond your train ticket to Horsens, and the route is generally well lit and easy to follow in daytime and early evening.
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City bus within Horsens
Several local bus lines connect the central parts of Horsens with stops near the harbour area in roughly 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. A single adult ticket within the city typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or on board on many routes. Services run more frequently on weekdays and daytime than late evenings or Sundays, so check the timetable in advance, and expect a short walk of a few hundred metres from the nearest stop to the waterfront.
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Car or taxi from Horsens centre
Driving from central Horsens to Havnen 7 usually takes about 5–10 minutes under normal traffic conditions. There are public parking areas around the harbour, some with time limits or pay‑and‑display rules, so always check local signage before leaving your car. Taxis within the city commonly charge in the range of 60–120 DKK for such a short trip, depending on time of day, waiting time and exact pickup point.
Wanna Be Mermaid location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Wanna Be Mermaid
A mermaid with an unsettling twist on Horsens Harbour
Wanna Be Mermaid stands at the edge of Horsens Harbour, a pale, almost porcelain figure gazing out over the water with a mix of innocence and unease. Created in 2019 by Danish artist Maria Rubinke, the sculpture picks up Denmark’s famous mermaid motif and turns it on its head. Instead of a polished ideal, you meet a figure that feels fragile, slightly eerie and strangely human, as if caught mid‑transformation between girl and sea creature. Placed against the open water, the piece becomes a quiet focal point on the quay. Fishing boats, marina masts and low industrial warehouses form a rough backdrop, sharpening the delicate lines of the mermaid’s body. Up close you notice carefully modelled details – the curve of her back, the tension in her pose – that suggest both vulnerability and defiance.Maria Rubinke’s darkly playful imagination
Maria Rubinke is known in Danish contemporary art for blending sweet, almost toy‑like forms with hints of the macabre. Her sculptures often look childlike at first glance, then reveal something unsettling in their expressions or proportions. Wanna Be Mermaid fits squarely in this universe: it feels like a fairytale figure that has stepped out of a storybook and into the real world, only to discover it does not quite belong. This tension between dream and reality plays out in the sculpture’s title as well. "Wanna Be" captures a sense of longing and not‑yet‑achieved identity. Is this a girl wishing to escape to the sea, or a mermaid wishing to walk on land? The ambiguity invites you to project your own reading, making the short encounter linger in the mind long after you leave the quay.Part of Horsens’ growing Sculpture Boulevard
The mermaid is one of many public artworks that form Horsens’ Sculpture Boulevard, a three‑kilometre trail of contemporary sculptures running from the train station to the harbour and marina. Along this route you encounter works by prominent artists such as Christian Lemmerz, Tal R, Michael Kvium and others, placed in parks, squares and along the new harbour promenade. Wanna Be Mermaid marks a key point where the art route meets the water. Together with Rubinke’s later harbourfront work and neighbouring pieces by other artists, it helps stitch the former industrial waterfront into the cultural life of the city. You can experience the sculpture as a standalone highlight or as one chapter in a longer walk through Horsens’ urban art.Atmosphere on the quay through the day
The mood around the sculpture shifts with the weather and time of day. On bright, breezy mornings, the harbour feels open and maritime, with cries of gulls and clinking rigging surrounding the still mermaid. On grey days, the pale figure can appear ghostly against steely water and concrete, emphasising the work’s more melancholic undertones. Towards evening, when the sky colours over Horsens Fjord and harbour lights begin to glow, the setting becomes unexpectedly atmospheric. Reflections in puddles, light on metal hulls and the silhouette of the mermaid together create a quietly cinematic scene that photographers in particular tend to seek out. Even a brief stop invites you to slow down, walk a circled path around the sculpture and feel how the harbour frames it from every angle.A short but memorable harbourfront stop
Wanna Be Mermaid is a compact attraction: you need only a short time to see it, yet it folds naturally into a broader harbour stroll. Benches and open quays nearby make it easy to linger, watch ships move in and out and compare this contemporary mermaid with the more traditional images you may know from elsewhere in Denmark. Because the work is fully accessible in the open air, you can visit at any hour and in any season, whether as a contemplative solo stop, a moment of curiosity with children, or a quick cultural detour on the way through the marina. It encapsulates Horsens’ ambition to bring ambitious contemporary art directly into everyday city life – right where land meets sea.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
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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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Brainchild
0.4 km
Witty Danish design classics reimagined as playful, accessible home décor at Horsens harbor.
The & Idé ApS
0.7 km
Atmospheric concept store on Horsens’ main square, blending tea shop, gift boutique, deli treats and women’s fashion into one warmly hygge shopping stop.
Kjærs Magasiner
0.7 km
Vintage treasures and contemporary art in the creative heart of Horsens
Bog & idé Horsens
0.7 km
Central Horsens bookstore and gift shop combining books, games and stationery in a relaxed, family-friendly setting on pedestrian Søndergade.
Tøjbutikker
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant shopping and cultural hub of Søndergade in Horsens, featuring over 150 diverse shops and lively events.
Hviid
0.8 km
Intimate womenswear boutique on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, offering quality-focused Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, unhurried service.
JACK & JONES
0.8 km
Central Horsens menswear hub for denim, casual staples and smart-casual outfits on lively Søndergade, ideal for a quick wardrobe update during a city stroll.
by Zia
0.8 km
A small, homely hobby studio on the edge of Horsens, specialising in personalised stickers and crafty details rooted in everyday Danish design.
Seeds
0.8 km
Scandi-style children’s boutique in the heart of Horsens, offering cozy, practical fashion for babies, kids and teens along the pedestrian Søndergade shopping street.
HOMME FEMME STORE
0.8 km
Contemporary menswear and womenswear with a clean, urban Scandinavian feel, set on Horsens’ lively Søndergade pedestrian street.
Søstrene Grene
0.9 km
Scandinavian design meets everyday creativity in Horsens' premier lifestyle and home décor destination.
SELECTED
0.9 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion for men and women on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, blending clean design, versatile pieces and a calm, minimalist store feel.
Tøjbutik
0.9 km
Straightforward, central clothing shop on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a wider stroll through the compact city center.
ONLY
0.9 km
Central Horsens womenswear store blending denim heritage, fast-changing trends and affordable Scandinavian style on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Rituals
0.9 km
A soothing cosmetics boutique on Horsens’ main shopping street, blending spa-like calm, scented rituals and beautifully packaged gifts for body and home.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tænkeboxen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish bar in central Horsens with long opening hours, inexpensive drinks and a relaxed, regulars-first atmosphere on Gersdorffsgade.
VINöL Gastro - Rock - Bar
0.6 km
Cosy Horsens hangout where specialty brews, hearty comfort food and a rock-driven soundtrack once turned a Borgergade corner into an intimate local institution.
Vitus Berings Pub
0.8 km
Casual Danish pub on Horsens’ Søndergade, pouring affordable beers, showing sports and offering a cosy, no-frills slice of local nightlife in the town center.
Jagtbar Horsens
0.9 km
Hunting-lodge charm meets downtown nightlife at this cosy Horsens bar–club, where early-evening hygge evolves into a high-energy dance floor.
Bar' Rolig
1.0 km
Relaxed games bar in Horsens' historic center with pool, darts, and friendly vibes.
B-A-R 2 Aps
1.0 km
Casual, central and unpretentious, B-A-R 2 Aps is a friendly neighborhood bar in Horsens’ old town, ideal for relaxed drinks from daytime pit stop to late-night meet-up.
Kokomo Horsens
1.0 km
Three floors of tropical cocktails, DJs and late-night energy in the heart of Horsens’ old town nightlife district.
Cashpoint Sportsbar
1.0 km
Horsens's premier sports bar with multiple screens and live betting action.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Horsens A/S
1.0 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in central Horsens with big beer steins, Schlager singalongs and a late-night dance-floor party vibe.
The Golden Horse
1.0 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Horsens, pouring affordable drinks from morning to late night amid slot machines, sports on TV and easygoing neighborhood chat.
Restaurant Wulff ApS
1.0 km
Late-night bar and nightclub-style hangout in central Horsens, turning quiet Rædersgade into a lively social hub on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Vores lille Vinbar
1.1 km
An intimate Horsens wine bar where candlelight, jazz and personal guidance meet a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle.
Hemingway's Horsens
1.1 km
Late-night bar and nightclub in central Horsens, delivering cocktail-fueled weekends, loud music, and a packed dance floor until the early morning hours.
Morzybitten
1.1 km
Cozy Danish pub‑brasserie in central Horsens, pairing classic smørrebrød and hearty dishes with a remarkably broad beer list and occasional intimate live music.
Stalden
1.1 km
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Oskar hossman
0.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Sölibat Natklub
1.1 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
PDD
1.5 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Scandic Opus Horsens
2.4 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
5.7 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Team Paderborner
19.3 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
21.9 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
temabar APS 23-05
26.2 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
NOX Network Ltd.
26.9 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
AHA Livestage
33.2 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Luksusmassage Århus
37.3 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
38.5 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
KLUB22
39.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
39.5 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
V58
39.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- 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