The Little Mermaid (Danish: Den Lille Havfrue) is a bronze statue by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, unveiled on the Langelinie waterfront in Copenhagen in 1913 and inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. It was a gift from brewer Carl Jacobsen, son of the Carlsberg founder, who was moved by a Royal Danish Ballet performance of the story. Though just 1.25 m tall, she is Copenhagen's defining icon and draws over a million visitors a year; as of 2026 she still sits on her rock by the water, freely viewable around the clock. Many visitors find her smaller than expected, so it works best to pair the stop with a walk to the nearby Kastellet fortress and Gefion Fountain.
The mermaid's wistful pose gazing out to sea — her face modeled on ballerina Ellen Price and her body on the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen
The Langelinie harbor backdrop, with cruise ships and yachts passing behind the statue
Kastellet (the Citadel) and the Gefion Fountain, both a short walk away and easily combined into one route
The quiet water's-edge silhouette of the statue at early morning or evening light
A living symbol of Danish literary and maritime identity, marked by a history of vandalism and restoration since 1913
Good to know
CautionLangelinie is a well-known pickpocket hotspot where tour buses cluster. It's easy to lose focus while taking photos — wear your bag in front and don't leave your wallet or phone loose in hand.
CautionThis is a free outdoor monument with no entry fee. Anyone demanding an 'admission' or 'official guide' payment, or pushing petitions and donations, is not legitimate.
SafetyThe statue stands on slippery rocks at the water's edge. Don't clamber onto the rocks to get closer, especially after rain or in winter when they can be icy.
SeasonThe exposed waterfront is windy and cold in winter. Bring a windbreaker and hat; in summer daylight lasts late into the evening, so early morning or late evening means fewer crowds and better photos. Copenhagen (about 55N) is not an aurora-viewing location.
RulesPublic transport is zone-based and needs a valid ticket — Rejsekort, the Copenhagen Card, or an app ticket. Fare inspections and fines apply, so always travel with a valid fare. Confirm current fares and zones before you go.
MannersShe is a small (1.25 m), repeatedly vandalized cultural monument — do not climb on her or deface her, and take turns for photos without pushing when it's crowded. Tipping is not obligatory in Denmark, so be wary of aggressive tip demands.
Practical info
The nearest station is Østerport (metro, S-train, and regional trains), about a 15-minute walk to the statue; buses toward Langelinie, cycling, and harbor tour boats are alternatives. The outdoor statue is free and accessible 24/7 year-round, but check current transit fares, bus routes, and tour operating times.
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