The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) is perhaps the most famous and touching symbol of not only Copenhagen but all of Denmark. This world-renowned bronze sculpture, inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name, has graced the Langelinie promenade since 1913. It has become a true place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world.

The sculpture depicts a sea maiden who, according to the story, sacrificed everything for the love of a human. Despite its worldwide fame, the statue is quite modest in size: it stands only 125 centimeters tall and weighs about 175 kilograms. The Little Mermaid sits gracefully on a granite boulder at the water's edge, gazing longingly into the distance across the sea.

For many travelers, seeing The Little Mermaid is a mandatory part of any Copenhagen itinerary, as it is considered one of the most recognizable statues in the world. This landmark evokes warm memories of childhood and beloved fairy tales, reminding us of the power of love and the eternal magic of Andersen's stories. Visiting this site leaves a lasting impression and offers a connection to Denmark's cultural heritage.

Since The Little Mermaid is a public monument located in the open air, it does not have specific contact details such as a phone number or email address. The statue is situated on the Langelinie promenade and is accessible 24/7, completely free of charge. The most convenient way to reach it is from the Østerport railway station, from which it is approximately a 15-minute walk. City buses also serve the promenade, such as route No. 26.

The main activity at The Little Mermaid is, of course, taking memorable photographs with one of Copenhagen's primary symbols. Tourists from all over the world come here to capture themselves next to the famous sculpture. Many believe that touching the statue brings good luck, so they don't miss the chance to reach out to the bronze figure. Besides photography, you can simply enjoy the beautiful views of the harbor and the sea panorama. It is not uncommon to see sailors bringing flowers to the monument or travelers leaving small souvenirs as tokens of their visit.

A visit to The Little Mermaid easily turns into a pleasant walk along the Langelinie promenade. In the surrounding area, you can stroll leisurely along the water, admiring other sculptures and monuments that decorate the district, such as the Gefion Fountain. Nearby, you'll find cozy parks and cafes where you can rest after your walk. This location is perfect for relaxing in the fresh air and soaking up the calm and cozy atmosphere of the capital of Denmark.

Reaching the famous Little Mermaid statue is quite easy, as it is located on the picturesque Langelinie pier, just 1.5 kilometers from the center of Copenhagen. Thanks to its convenient location, you can reach this symbol of the city on foot, by bicycle, or by using public transport. Whichever method you choose, you will enjoy beautiful views of the city harbor along the way.

The most convenient way to reach The Little Mermaid by public transport is to take the train to Østerport station. From there, a leisurely walk to the monument takes about 10–15 minutes. You can also reach the promenade by city buses, such as routes No. 26 or 1A. Additionally, during the warmer months, water buses are a popular option, stopping at the Nordre Toldbod pier, very close to the statue.

For those who prefer active recreation, walking or cycling from the city center is a great way to get to know Copenhagen better. The route passes through beautiful areas and does not take much time. Travelers arriving in the city on cruise ships will find it especially convenient, as the statue is within walking distance of the berths.

The history of the famous Little Mermaid is no less fascinating than the fairy tale that inspired it. The idea for the monument came from Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of the Carlsberg brewery, who was captivated by a ballet production based on the work by Hans Christian Andersen. He commissioned the sculpture from Edvard Eriksen, and on August 23, 1913, its grand unveiling took place, after which the statue was presented as a gift to the city of Copenhagen.

One of the most intriguing mysteries surrounding the statue is the identity of the model. A popular version states that the model for the face was the Royal Theatre's prima ballerina Ellen Price, who performed the lead role in that very ballet. However, she refused to pose nude, so the sculptor's own wife, Eline Eriksen, modeled for the body. Nevertheless, the sculptor's descendants insist that Eline was the sole muse and model for the entire sculpture, adding a touch of mystery to its story.

Unfortunately, the fate of the bronze Little Mermaid has been almost as dramatic as that of her fairy-tale prototype. Throughout her more than century-long history, the statue has repeatedly fallen victim to vandalism. Her head has been sawn off twice, an arm was cut off, she has been doused in paint, and there were even attempts to blow her up and knock her off her pedestal into the water. Nevertheless, each time the people of Denmark have carefully restored their national symbol. This resilience has made The Little Mermaid more than just a landmark; she is a true symbol of the citizens' unyielding spirit and love for their heritage.

When planning a visit to The Little Mermaid, you should expect that viewing the statue itself and taking photos will not take very much time. For most tourists, 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient to approach the monument at a relaxed pace, take a few pictures against the harbor backdrop, and simply enjoy the moment at one of the main symbols of Copenhagen. Since the sculpture is quite compact, a detailed look does not require a long stay.

However, a visit to The Little Mermaid can easily be turned into a longer and more fulfilling walk. The statue is located on the picturesque Langelinie promenade, which is a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll in its own right. You can extend your visit by walking through the waterfront park, reaching the impressive Gefion Fountain or the Kastellet fortress, both of which are nearby. Thus, a short visit to the statue can become part of a two- or three-hour excursion through this beautiful coastal district of the city.

One of the main advantages of The Little Mermaid is that it is completely accessible to everyone. Since the statue is an open-air monument located on a public promenade, it does not have specific opening hours. You can visit this famous symbol of Copenhagen at any time of day and on any day of the year. Access to the monument is open 24/7, allowing tourists to enjoy the view in bright daylight or under the romantic evening lighting.

There is no need to book a time or buy tickets to visit The Little Mermaid—it is absolutely free. This makes the landmark an ideal spot to spontaneously include in your route through the Danish capital. Simply head to the Langelinie promenade whenever it suits you and enjoy the view of the famous sculpture and the seascapes.

Visiting The Little Mermaid is a landmark moment in any trip to Copenhagen, but exploring the surrounding area is essential for a complete experience. A stroll along the promenade and through the adjacent parks will allow you to see other interesting sites and feel the atmosphere of the Danish capital more deeply. Many iconic attractions are within walking distance, turning a visit to the famous statue into an engaging mini-excursion.

Exploring the nearby sites will enrich your impressions and show how diverse this corner of Denmark is. From historical fortresses and royal palaces to modern cultural centers and food markets—everything is close by and waiting for visitors.