Copenhagen’s famous sculpture has been one of the city’s must-see landmarks for a hundred years.
The Little Mermaid was the creation of the famous Danish children’s author, Hans Christian Andersen, who lived and worked in Copenhagen for much of his adult life and was revered as a national celebrity in his own lifetime.
The story tells the tale of a beautiful young mermaid who falls in love with a handsome prince. She strikes a bargain with a witch, who agrees to exchange the mermaid’s voice for legs so that she can live on land and marry her prince. The prince, unaware of her love, marries a princess instead. The mermaid can only break the spell by killing him, but she refuses. Heartbroken, she throws herself into the sea, where she immediately becomes an immortal spirit.
The small bronze sculpture of the Little Mermaid is perched on a rock in the harbour just offshore from the Langelinie promenade. The statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen of the prominent Carlsberg brewing family, and was unveiled in 1913. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, the head was modelled after a ballerina who had danced the role of the mermaid in Copenhagen’s Royal Theatre.
Stroll along the Langelinie promenade to view the sculpture, then spend a few hours in pretty Langelinie Park. This is a popular place to spread out a picnic and enjoy a tranquil afternoon by the water. The park overlooks the harbour, so you can pass the hours watching the comings and goings of cruise ships and other craft and listening to the waterbirds as they dive noisily for fish.
Over the years, the mermaid has been subject to attacks by vandals and other damage, including being blown off the rock with explosives and decapitated on several occasions. For this and safety reasons it is strictly prohibited to climb onto the statue, but there’s no law against taking some great close-up photographs to remind you of her sad story.
To reach the statue by public transport, take the metro to Østerport or drive to the harbour terminal and pay to park the car. However, by far the best way to enjoy the waterside views is to walk or cycle.
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