The Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue) is a small bronze statue on a rock at the Langelinie promenade, and one of Copenhagen's most enduring icons. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913, it depicts a mermaid in the moment of becoming human, drawn from Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale of the same name. The figure is modest in scale — just 1.25 metres tall and weighing about 175 kilograms — and many visitors are surprised by how unassuming it is in person.
The statue was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, who had been captivated by a ballet based on Andersen's tale at Copenhagen's Royal Theatre; the ballerina Ellen Price served as the model for the figure. In the decades since, the Little Mermaid has become both a beloved symbol of the city and, at times, a target for vandalism and political protest.
The statue sits outdoors on the waterfront and can be visited free of charge at any hour. Bus 26 stops nearby, or it is about a 15-minute walk from Østerport Station. Combine the visit with a stroll along the harbour promenade to the Kastellet fortress.
A local's tip
Combine the visit with a walk along the harbor promenade to Kastellet.
Getting there
Bus 26 to Langelinie or walk from Østerport Station (15 min).
Best time to visit
Early morning for fewer tourists and better photos.
Accessibility
Accessible via sidewalk. Uneven cobblestone surface.
