Overview

Hype:

The Little Mermaid statue was unveiled in 1913 and sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, based on the famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It sits on a rock at Langelinie promenade and has become one of Copenhagen’s most recognizable landmarks. Despite its modest size, it draws millions of visitors each year.

Over time, the statue has become a cultural symbol as well as a target for vandalism and political protest, leading to multiple restorations. These events have added to its story and notoriety, making it not just a work of art but also a reflection of social and historical moments in Denmark.

The surrounding area offers pleasant walks along the harbor and easy access to nearby attractions such as Kastellet and St. Alban’s Church. While many visitors note that the statue is smaller than expected, its setting and cultural significance make it a meaningful stop, especially on a broader exploration of Copenhagen’s waterfront.

Time:

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_(statue)

Location

Closest City or Region: Copenhagen, Denmark

Coordinates: 55.692860, 12.599283

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August 3, 2025 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,

Story

We then walked down the road to the Little Mermaid statue at the harbor. It was pouring rain the whole time. Our umbrellas kept getting flipped inside out and it was quite a disaster. We sheltered under a bridge and under a drive-thru roof for quite a while, but the rain didn’t let up, so we forged ahead anyway. We got our obligatory picture in front of the Little Mermaid, which is the unofficial mascot for Copenhagen.

Pictures