The Little Mermaid: Copenhagen’s Iconic Waterside Muse
Discover The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen's world-famous bronze sculpture, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, gracing the picturesque Langelinie waterfront since 1913.
Perched on a granite rock along Copenhagen’s Langelinie promenade, The Little Mermaid is an enduring symbol of Denmark’s capital, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale. The modest bronze statue, just over a meter tall, gazes longing toward the harbor, evoking both the enchantment of her story and the resilient soul of Copenhagen. Around her, the scenery merges sweeping harbor views with a sense of literary magic, drawing visitors from around the world to this unique city landmark.
A brief summary to The Little Mermaid
- Langelinie, København Ø, København Ø, 2100, DK
Local tips
- Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening for a quieter experience, as crowds can be significant midday.
- The area is fully outdoors and can be windy—bring a jacket, even in summer.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the harbor to spot the Kastellet fortress and Gefion Fountain, both nearby.
- No tickets required and the statue is always accessible, but amenities are limited—consider using restrooms at nearby cafes.
- Photographers: Golden hour produces the most evocative light on the bronze and harbor backdrop.
Getting There
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Walking
From the city center, it's a scenic 20–30 minute walk through Copenhagen’s historic quarters, moving towards the shoreline near Kastellet. The statue awaits at the edge of the Langelinie promenade, close to the harbor’s curve and within sight of cruise ships and the old fortress ramparts.
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Public Transport
Local buses regularly connect central Copenhagen with the Langelinie area; the nearest major stop is Østerport Station. Expect a journey of around 10–15 minutes by bus (single ticket DKK 24). From the station, follow signs toward the harbor and the nearby Kastellet for another 10–15 minutes on foot, with the waterfront eventually revealing the statue’s location.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s cycling paths provide a delightful and efficient way to reach Langelinie from the central city. The waterfront route is well-marked, offering scenic views and plenty of bicycle parking near the statue. Public city bikes are widely available; rental rates usually start from DKK 20 for 30 minutes.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Copenhagen takes 10–15 minutes depending on traffic, dropping you off near the Langelinie harbor promenade. Fares generally range from DKK 110–160, depending on departure point and time of day.
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