The Little Mermaid

קופנהגן, IL

The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid
Location
קופנהגן, IL
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
55.69286, 12.59926
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Little Mermaid, located at Langelinie Pier in Copenhagen, is a world-renowned bronze sculpture that serves as an enduring symbol of the city. Unveiled on August 23, 1913, the statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, who became fascinated by a ballet performance based on Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, the piece features a human-sized mermaid perched on a granite boulder, looking out toward the harbor. While modest in size, the statue has become one of the most iconic places to visit in Denmark, drawing millions of travelers who seek to witness this delicate tribute to Danish literary heritage. Visitors can expect a scenic waterfront setting, though it is recommended to arrive in the morning or early afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. As you plan your itinerary, consider this site among your primary trip ideas when exploring the historic harbor district. The statue is situated in a public space, allowing for easy access for those walking along the promenade. It remains a testament to the intersection of art, folklore, and urban identity, standing as a quiet, reflective figure against the backdrop of the busy Copenhagen port. Whether you are a fan of Andersen’s classic stories or simply an admirer of public art, the statue offers a unique connection to the cultural history of the city.

General information

The Little Mermaid, located at Langelinie Pier in Copenhagen, is a world-renowned bronze sculpture that serves as an enduring symbol of the city. Unveiled on August 23, 1913, the statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, who became fascinated by a ballet performance based on Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, the piece features a human-sized mermaid perched on a granite boulder, looking out toward the harbor. While modest in size, the statue has become one of the most iconic places to visit in Denmark, drawing millions of travelers who seek to witness this delicate tribute to Danish literary heritage. Visitors can expect a scenic waterfront setting, though it is recommended to arrive in the morning or early afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. As you plan your itinerary, consider this site among your primary trip ideas when exploring the historic harbor district. The statue is situated in a public space, allowing for easy access for those walking along the promenade. It remains a testament to the intersection of art, folklore, and urban identity, standing as a quiet, reflective figure against the backdrop of the busy Copenhagen port. Whether you are a fan of Andersen’s classic stories or simply an admirer of public art, the statue offers a unique connection to the cultural history of the city.

Did you know

  • The statue was a gift to the city of Copenhagen from brewer Carl Jacobsen.
  • The head of the statue was modeled after the ballerina Ellen Price, who danced the role of the mermaid in the Royal Danish Ballet.
  • The body of the mermaid was modeled after the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen.
  • The statue has been vandalized multiple times over the decades, including being decapitated and pushed off its rock.

History

The Little Mermaid was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen after he attended a ballet adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale at the Royal Theatre. He requested that the prima ballerina, Ellen Price, model for the statue. While she agreed to be the model for the head, she refused to pose in the nude, leading sculptor Edvard Eriksen to use his wife, Eline, as the model for the body. The statue was cast in bronze and officially unveiled on August 23, 1913. Since its installation, it has weathered several historical challenges, including acts of vandalism and political protest, yet it remains firmly rooted at Langelinie Pier as a permanent fixture of Copenhagen's cultural landscape.

Cultural significance

The sculpture serves as a tangible link to Denmark's most famous literary figure, Hans Christian Andersen. It transcends its physical form to act as a global ambassador for Copenhagen, representing the city's whimsical and artistic spirit. Because the original fairy tale is known worldwide, the statue functions as a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts. It occupies a unique space in the Danish national consciousness, representing both the romanticism of the 19th century and the modern identity of a city that honors its folklore. Its endurance through decades of public attention has cemented its status as a cultural icon that defines the maritime character of the Danish capital.

Geography and landscape

The statue is situated on a granite boulder directly at the water's edge at Langelinie Pier. The surrounding area is characterized by the industrial and historical maritime environment of the Copenhagen harbor. To the east lies the Øresund Strait, while the landward side features a public promenade that connects the site to the Kastellet, a historic 17th-century fortification. The terrain is flat and paved, typical of an urban harbor walk. The setting provides a stark contrast between the delicate bronze figure and the vast, often gray expanse of the harbor waters, creating a focal point that draws the eye toward the horizon.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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