The Little Mermaid Copenhagen: Statue, Story & Visitor 2026 Guide

Unlock the story behind The Little Mermaid

2 min

TLDR: The Little Mermaid is Copenhagen's most famous landmark, a bronze statue at the harbour based on the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. The statue is free to visit, open 24/7, and is just a short walk from the Kastellet fortress and cruise ship terminals.

The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) is the enduring icon of Copenhagen, attracting millions of visitors every year. Perched on a rock at the Langelinie waterfront, this bronze statue brings Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairytale to life.

In this article, I'll cover both the story behind her - the original story vs. the Disney version - and practical tips on how to visit, including the best transport options.

What is the story behind The Little Mermaid?

H. C. Andersen, author of The Little Mermaid — Hans Christian Andersen, author of The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen is a captivating blend of art, literature, and local culture. This iconic bronze statue, perched on a rock by the Langelinie promenade, has symbolized Copenhagen since 1913. Her story begins with Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who penned "The Little Mermaid" in 1837. The tale is about a young mermaid who dreams of living on land and marrying a human prince. She sacrifices her voice and endures great suffering, choosing love and selflessness over personal happiness.

Inspired by Andersen’s story and a ballet performance, Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg Breweries, commissioned sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create the statue. Eriksen’s wife, Eline, modeled for the statue, with her graceful form embodying the mermaid.

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The story of the Little Mermaid — Illustration of The Little Mermaid, mid-19th century, by E. S. Hardy

Since her unveiling, the Little Mermaid has become a beloved symbol of Copenhagen, reflecting the city’s literary heritage and maritime history. Despite enduring acts of vandalism and political protest, she has been restored each time, standing resilient against the waves of history. Visitors from around the world are drawn to her, captivated by the silent story she tells—a tale as timeless and moving as the sea that surrounds her. If you'd like to learn more about the famed author, check out the H. C. Andersen tour in Copenhagen. If you want to see all the highlights, there's also a tour that starts right in front of The Little Mermaid: Stories of Copenhagen.

Why is The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen so famous?

The statue is world-famous not just for its beauty, but for its turbulent history as a political target. Key facts include:

The Artist: Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913.
The Model: The head was modeled after ballerina Ellen Price, but the body was modeled after the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen.
Size: She is surprisingly small, standing only 1.25 metres (4.1 ft) tall.
Vandalism: The statue has been decapitated twice (1964 and 1998), lost an arm (1984), and has been doused in paint multiple times.

What happened to The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen?

Since her unveiling in 1913, the statue has been the victim of vandalism and political protest more than perhaps any other monument in Europe. Despite her peaceful appearance, she has survived decapitation, explosives, and paint attacks.

Major incidents include:

1964 (Decapitation): Her head was sawn off and stolen by politically oriented artists. It was never recovered, and a new head had to be cast from the original mold.

1984 (Arm Removal): Two young men sawed off her right arm. They returned it two days later, claiming it was a drunken prank.

1998 (Decapitation): She was beheaded for a second time. The head was returned anonymously to a local TV station a few days later.

2003 (Explosion): Vandals used explosives to blast the statue off its stone base, knocking it into the harbor water.

Paint Protests: She is frequently doused in paint to draw attention to various causes. Notable incidents include red paint (2017) to protest whaling in the Faroe Islands, "Racist Fish" graffiti (2020) during global BLM protests, and the colors of the Russian flag painted on her rock (2023).

How to Get to The Little Mermaid?

Located at Langelinie on Copenhagen's waterfront, The Little Mermaid is at the heart of the city, merely a picturesque and enjoyable 2.3 kilometre walk from the city centre, easily accessible via foot, bicycle, or public transportation.

By Train: The closest S-train station is Østerport Station. From there, it is a 10-15 minute walk through the scenic Kastellet fortress.
By Bus: Bus 27 stops directly at "Indiakaj," a short walk from the statue.‍
By Boat: The Canal Tours often pass by the statue for a water view, or you can take the harbour bus (Havnebussen) line 991/992 to Nordre Toldbod.

Does The Little Mermaid take place in Copenhagen?

Though Andersen's story unfolds in a mythical under-the-sea kingdom, Copenhagen nurtures this tale as its own. The story breathes life into the city, symbolizing the strive for a life unconquered by circumstances – much like the spirit of Copenhagen itself.

To make your Copenhagen exploration even more engaging, don't miss out on the following sights related to The Little Mermaid's tale:

The Hans Christian Andersen statue in King's Garden: Step into the world of Hans and experience a different dimension of his compelling narratives.
Rosenborg Castle: A place to lose yourself in the grandeur of Danish royal history.
Tivoli Gardens: A fairytale amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen where the charm of The Little Mermaid story comes alive.

Is The Little Mermaid free to visit?

Yes, the Little Mermaid is a public statue and is completely free to visit. It is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The best time to visit is early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late evening to avoid the large bus groups and cruise ship crowds that gather during midday.

Is The Little Mermaid worth seeing in Copenhagen?

Langelinie Statue near Kastellet — Photo by Camilo Alejandro, CC BY-SA 2.0

If you're in Copenhagen, it's definitely worth taking the trip to see the statue. In itself, it might not be that impressive, but knowing the story behind her, I'm sure it will be a good experience. And just near the Little Mermaid, you'll find the very beautiful area of Langelinie, as seen on the picture above.

And on the way there or back, you'll have the chance to see Colourful Nyhavn, Royal Amalienborg, Kastellet the Fortress and much more – all featured on the guided audio tour Stories of Copenhagen.