Agnete and the Merman Statue: A Submerged Saga
Discover Copenhagen's hidden gem: an underwater sculpture embodying a tragic Danish folk tale of love and loss, forever submerged in the city's heart.
Venture into the heart of Copenhagen to discover a poignant underwater sculpture, Agnete and the Merman, a bronze tableau frozen in time. Created in 1992 by Suste Bonnén, this submerged artwork resides in the Slotsholm Canal, near the Højbro Bridge, depicting a merman and his seven sons reaching out in sorrow. The sculpture embodies a tragic Danish folk ballad where Agnete, seduced by a merman, abandons her sea family for the allure of land, leaving them forever yearning for her return. Often missed by casual observers, this hidden gem offers a unique glimpse into Danish folklore and artistic expression. Its subtle presence encourages contemplation on love, loss, and the enduring power of traditional tales. A visit to this submerged sculpture provides a unique perspective on Copenhagen's artistic landscape, inviting viewers to reflect on the depths of human emotion and the stories that shape cultural identity. The statue serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of Danish folklore and its continued relevance in contemporary art.
A brief summary to Agnete and the Merman Statue
- Højbro, Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit on a sunny day for the best visibility of the underwater sculpture, as sunlight enhances the details of the bronze figures.
- Consider taking a canal tour for a closer view of Agnete and the Merman, offering a unique perspective from the water.
- Read the Danish folk ballad of Agnete and the Merman beforehand to fully appreciate the story and symbolism behind the artwork.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around Højbro Plads and Christiansborg Palace to explore other nearby landmarks and attractions.
- Look for the subtle blue-green or golden-yellow lighting in the evenings, which gives the statue a ghostly and enchanting appearance.
Getting There
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Walking
From Højbro Plads, walk towards the Højbro Bridge. As you cross the bridge, look over the side into the Slotsholm Canal. The Agnete and the Merman statue is located underwater, just beside the bridge. The statue may be difficult to spot depending on water conditions and lighting.
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Public Transport
If arriving by public transport, take the Metro to Gammel Strand station, which is the closest stop. From the station, walk towards Højbro Plads and then onto Højbro Bridge. Look over the bridge into the canal to view the statue. A single metro ticket costs approximately 24 DKK.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share can drop you off directly at Højbro Plads. From there, walk onto the Højbro Bridge and look over the side into the canal to see the statue. A short taxi ride from Copenhagen Central Station to Højbro Plads typically costs between 70-90 DKK.
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