Information
Landmark: Little Mermaid StatueCity: Copenhagen
Country: Denmark
Continent: Europe
Little Mermaid Statue, Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe
Overview
The Little Mermaid statue, or Den Lille Havfrue, is one of Copenhagen’s most famous sights, drawing visitors who come to perceive her perched on a rock by the water, as well as inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale, the statue tells the tender, bittersweet story of a mermaid who gives up her voice and shimmering tail for the chance to stroll on land and win a prince’s heart.You’ll find the statue on Copenhagen’s Langelinie Promenade, gazing over the harbor, a bronze-and-granite figure just 1.25 meters high; Edvard Eriksen created it for Carl Jacobsen, son of the Carlsberg Breweries founder, and it was unveiled on August 23, 1913, not only that at the Royal Danish Theatre, Jacobsen watched a ballet of *The Little Mermaid* that left him breathless, and he decided to honor Andersen’s tale with a lasting tribute.Sculptor Edvard Eriksen shaped the mermaid’s body after his wife, Eline, while the face-serene as if caught mid-breath-was inspired by ballerina Ellen Price, who once danced the role on stage, simultaneously the statue stands as a haunting reminder of unfulfilled longing and quiet self-sacrifice, echoing the sorrowful final scene of Andersen’s fairy tale.Over the years, it’s grown into a Danish cultural icon, and in Copenhagen, cameras seem to click every few seconds as visitors capture its charm, at the same time the Little Mermaid has weathered countless acts of vandalism and protest-paint splashed across her bronze face, limbs broken-yet she still stands, a steadfast emblem of Denmark’s heritage.Notable moments include the head being stolen twice-once in 1964 and again in 1998-the statue splashed with paint during political protests, and its 2010 trip to the Shanghai Expo, the first time it ever left Denmark; you can reach it with a 20‑minute saunter from Nyhavn or a quick ride on a rattling city bike, as a result you can get there by bus or take a harbor boat.Stroll along the Langelinie Promenade and you’ll notice the harbor spread out beside you, with Kastellet Fortress and the Gefion Fountain nearby, likewise the statue rests on a rock just offshore-close enough for a good photo, but far enough to keep the crowds at bay.You can trek right up to the water’s edge for a close examine or to snap a photo, the surface rippling softly under the light, after that for the best experience, go early in the morning or later in the evening when the crowds thin out.She’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset in spring or summer, as well as make a day of it by adding Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, and the Copenhagen Opera House to your route.The Little Mermaid still draws travelers with her delicate beauty and deep ties to Andersen’s story, standing as a graceful emblem of Copenhagen’s maritime soul and cultural allure.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-04
