Point of interest
The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
in Copenhagen, Denmark
The small bronze statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, perched on a rock by the harbour and Copenhagen's most famous icon.
Where it is
The statue sits on a rock by the water along the Langelinie promenade, north of the city centre by the harbour.
Address: Langelinie, 1259 Copenhagen
What it is
At just 1.25 metres tall the mermaid is surprisingly small, yet she is Copenhagen's best-known landmark and a symbol of Denmark. Based on Andersen's 1837 fairy tale, she is one of the city's most visited photo spots. The walk along the Langelinie promenade to reach her is part of the experience.
History
The bronze statue was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen and unveiled on 23 August 1913. The brewing heir Carl Jacobsen commissioned it as a gift to the City of Copenhagen, inspired by a ballet of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. The sculptor's wife, Eline, posed for the figure.