Copenhagen · Nyhavn & Indre By

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a 1.25-meter bronze sculpture perched on harbor rocks at Langelinie, created by Edvard Eriksen in 1913.

About The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a 1.25-meter bronze sculpture perched on harbor rocks at Langelinie, created by Edvard Eriksen in 1913. You're here to see Denmark's most famous artwork, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, though the real fascination lies in its turbulent history of vandalism, decapitations, and protest paint jobs that have made it more notorious than beloved. The sculpture sits on a small rock outcrop where Copenhagen's harbor meets a pleasant waterfront promenade.

Your visit involves a scenic 20-minute walk from Nyhavn along the flat harbor promenade, passing joggers, cyclists, and fellow tourists. The mermaid herself appears suddenly around a bend, smaller than expected but beautifully positioned against the water. Crowds gather constantly for photos, creating a somewhat chaotic atmosphere around what should be a serene statue. The surrounding area offers views across to Sweden and plenty of benches for resting.

Most guides won't mention that this is genuinely underwhelming if you're expecting grandeur, but fascinating if you appreciate the absurdity of Copenhagen's relationship with its reluctant symbol. Skip the expensive harbor bus tours (150+ DKK) and walk instead. The adjacent Kastellet fortress and impressive Gefion Fountain offer better photo opportunities and fewer crowds, making the trek more worthwhile than the mermaid alone.

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The place

Getting there

Address

Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark

Neighborhood

Nyhavn & Indre By →

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Good to know

Tips, answered

Walk there before 8am or after 7pm to photograph the statue without crowds blocking your view, and use the rocky area to the left for the best angle without tourists in frame

Most visitors turn around immediately after seeing the mermaid, missing the free Kastellet star fortress 100 meters away with its intact ramparts and windmill

The Gefion Fountain 200 meters south is far more impressive than the mermaid itself, featuring powerful bronze oxen and dramatic water features that most tourists walk right past

Plan for about 30 minutes. Morning visits are typically less crowded.

The Little Mermaid is in the Nyhavn & Indre By neighborhood of Copenhagen. The address is Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark. The area is well-served by metro.

Yes, entry is free. There may be optional paid exhibits or activities, but the main experience costs nothing.

Morning visits, especially early, mean fewer crowds and better light for photos. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.

Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parts are outdoors, so bring a light layer.

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